TCC honours Karen Bartlem at Retirement
17 December, 2024
The Cathedral College Foundational Staff Member and Office Manager, Mrs Karen Bartlem was farewelled at a special ceremony recently.
For the past 33 years, Karen has been a much loved and highly respected staff member at TCC. Prior to TCC, Karen worked in Administration at the Range College.
Patient, caring, calm, compassionate, understanding, humble, faith-filled, skilled, mentor, confidant, trustworthy, always ready to help and willing to “go the extra mile” are all words and phrases that could be used to describe the personal and professional gifts that Karen has selflessly and generously shared with the TCC community. But perhaps “friend to many” best sums up all that Karen has meant to generations of TCC staff, students, and parents.
Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, who recently retired after 23 years as Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton, was asked to reflect on what Karen had meant to Catholic Education over the past 37 years.
“In my time in Catholic Education, I have been blessed to work with many amazing people but for selfless service to others delivered with a smile, there have been none better than Karen Bartlem. As Principal of TCC from 1995 to mid-1998, I have very special memories of working closely with Karen and knowing she was much more than a colleague, she was a friend and still is to this day.” Leesa said.
Current TCC Principal, Rob Alexander paid tribute to Karen. “Karen epitomises the spirit of TCC, she has assisted me and many others greatly over so many years. She leaves the College with our deep appreciation, our best wishes and our prayers that God will continue to bless her and her family in the years to come. Thank you Karen”.
