Anyone who has graduated from Twin Lakes Secondary School in the past 45 years has one thing in common: they all crossed paths with Dianne Purdy.
The much-loved secretary celebrated 45 years in her role on Friday afternoon, surprised by flowers and a round of applause by Twin Lakes and Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) staff.
“I’m a pretty private person,” Purdy said with a laugh after the applause and congratulations were done. “It was pretty emotional in there!”
Outside on the sunny front walkway, Purdy was thanked by SCDSB Director of Education Steve Blake.
“I know from my own experience you’re very polite, very organized in everything you do. You’re a real model employee,” said Blake.
Before she was hired as a secretary, Purdy was a student at Twin Lakes. She says being there for that long means the school feels a little bit like home.
“It is pretty much my life,” said Purdy, who mentioned how the school has helped her through tough times in the past decade.
“I’ve found that the staff and everyone here is so supportive and like I say, they are part of my family,” said Purdy who is still going strong and has no plans to slow down.
And her role at Twin has changed the community of Orillia in outsized ways, said Principal Dan MacDonald.
“She’s known a good portion of Orillia from the time they entered Grade 9 until the age they are. I think she’s had an immeasurable impact.”
Over the years, Purdy said she’s seen programs and procedures change while other aspects of school life stay the same.
“Things have obviously changed with technology, but kids are pretty much the same,” she said. “You hear people say, ‘Teenagers these days, right?’ Ok yeah there’s the odd one, but they’re not all that way.”
As the first voice you hear on the phone, the one leaving messages and coordinating schedules or dealing with students, MacDonald said Purdy is an “invaluable” asset to the school.
“She makes everything easier because of her experience and knowledge. But more than that; just the person she is, she’s not entrenched in her ways. She is still willing to learn a new thing, everyday," said MacDonald. "She’s a lifelong learner and a real advocate for education.”
Whether it’s a student causing trouble or a worldwide pandemic, Purdy says that’s exactly what she’s learned over the years: “Life is ever-changing and you have to roll with the flow,” she said. “I like to think that I’m calm and keep things in perspective.”
And celebrating 45 years? That’s a new perspective too: “It makes me feel old,” she said with a laugh.
“I get parents and grandparents coming in now... and they say ‘oh you’re still here!?’”
