Helen Fullerton Farewells us after 50 years of service

After a remarkable journey spanning over five decades, Helen Fullerton is finally stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service at Rutherford College. Originally from the United Kingdom, Helen began her journey with the College in February 1975. In her mid-80s now, Helen’s departure marks the end of an era for both the college and the many colleagues and students who have had the privilege of working with her.

Helen’s career at Rutherford College began in a time when the institution was still in its early stages of growth. The college was under the leadership of its founding principal, Eric Clarke, who welcomed Helen as part of a small but dedicated team. She initially joined in a role that combined assisting in the library and providing administrative support services. She helped organize resources and created an atmosphere of calm and order, essential to the learning environment. As the years went by, Helen’s role evolved alongside the college, reflecting the growing needs of the institution and her adaptability to its changes.

Helen’s organizational skills and attention to detail eventually saw her transition into the role of Administration Assistant for the English and Social Sciences Department. In this capacity, she worked tirelessly to support the faculty, ensuring that administrative operations ran smoothly and efficiently.

Throughout her time at Rutherford College, Helen worked alongside several key figures in the college’s leadership, playing an instrumental part in the academic and administrative continuity of the institution. She had the unique opportunity to work with all four of Rutherford College’s principals. When she began in 1975, Eric Clarke, the founding principal, was at the helm. After Mr. Clarke’s tenure, she worked under the leadership of Graham Cowley, then Cliff Edmeades, and finally Gary Moore, the current principal. Each principal’s leadership style was different, but one constant throughout the years was Helen’s unwavering dedication to the college and its mission.

Over the years, Helen has seen Rutherford College grow and change in ways that reflect the broader evolution of education in New Zealand. She was present during significant moments in the college’s history—changes in curriculum, expansion of facilities, and the adaptation of technology in the classroom. Through it all, Helen remained a steady and reliable presence, embodying the heart of what made Rutherford College such a special place.

Her role has also allowed her to form lasting relationships with countless staff members, students, and principals. Her ability to work closely with diverse groups, from teachers to senior administrators, made her a linchpin in the smooth functioning of the college’s operations. Over the years, Helen has seen generations of students pass through the doors of Rutherford College, offering support and guidance to each one in her own quiet and dependable way.

As she prepares to enter this next chapter of her life, Helen can look back on her decades of service with pride, knowing that she has made a significant and lasting difference.

Though she is retiring from her official role, the legacy of Helen Fullerton at Rutherford College will never be forgotten. Her work ethic, kindness, and dedication will serve as an inspiration to all who have had the pleasure of working alongside her. We wish Helen all the best in her well-deserved retirement and thank her for the invaluable service she has provided to Rutherford College over the past fifty years.