Awards 2021

Colin Duke

In an earlier life, Cohn was a teacher at a sister school to Palmerston Christian College but when he retired, he looked around for ways to be useful in the community. Sometime during his search, he called upon Palmerston Christian School and was soon passing on his generosity of time and energy to that establishment. Colin's primary support has been as a bus driver but to say that is all he does, would be a great disservice. Indeed, Palmerston Christian School has been the recipient of many blessings since his arrival. For instance, Colin as the school bus driver, takes students on excursions and ferry's them between our campuses.

He provides advice on vehicle repairs and who might be best to do them. Mail and other errands, milk, stationery, camp shirt collection, and so on. Colin is always happy to do a coffee/Maccas run for Admin staff.

He assembles tables and cupboards, play equipment and performs minor maintenance when required.

Colin has always been a source of advice when paint or tape measures are required and even picked up acetone for staff to remove nail polish when Covid first came.

He has also been a welcome assistant with class projects with practical ideas and suggestions for teachers as they plan class projects. And he is right into shredding when the container gets full and he even oils it when required. School Recycling is also another task that Colin involves himself in. He takes students' collections up to the centre for reimbursement and in this, he supports the school's Eco and fundraising drives.

Darwin Show is always a busy time and Cohn supports students by taking their exhibits to the show and bringing them back afterwards. He uses the school bus to transport the precious items that students have created.

Colin is always there when staff move. He has privately helped a number of staff when they have had need to move to new accommodation.

He is often called on to house-sit for staff and look after their animals which he does regularly because he is so reliable.

Cohn spends a number of hours resting in our Library in between activities. He has no family in Darwin and we have supported him in times of illness and short hospital visits. He is known and respected by all students and staff.

Our school would miss him terribly should he decide to actually retire. Colin is a part of our community and family and indeed a Senior Of Excellence.

Colin is Nominated by Christine Kirkham - Palmerston Christian School