When Mrs Erin Vallance signed up to do a day鈥檚 work as a Receptionist at the front desk of Swan Christian College in May of 2008, she thought it was just a case of 鈥榟elping out for a little while鈥� and 鈥榯aking a break from her corporate life鈥� at one of Australia鈥檚 top four banks.
鈥淢y kids were at the school, and it made good sense at the time,鈥� says the Accounts Assistant from her cosy office on a sunny Wednesday afternoon.
Fast forward fourteen years later, and Erin Vallance is a stalwart of 疯马歌舞秀 and almost due for her second long service!
Erin began her working career in the finance sector and loved the positive aspects of retail banking:
鈥淚 loved helping people with financial problems, but the sales aspect was not for me. At Swan, I get to assist parents and staff without having to sell any products. Perfect!鈥�
Erin鈥檚 personal brand is her surname 鈥� Vallance. There have been Vallance’s in Swan for twenty years as students and staff. Mr Joel Vallance (nephew) has carved out a reputation as a Head of Pastoral Care at Southern Hills, where he works with cousin Ms Esther Vallance (niece from another Vallance family) in the Primary Area there.
Erin鈥檚 children have been the beneficiaries of a Swan education, with son Riley attending a mission trip to the Philippines and Tarryn visiting Cambodia as part of Mr Ray Hockley鈥檚 Missions drive during his time at the College.
鈥淭hey made life-long friendships during their time at Swan. Riley is now a mechanic after his time in the Swan Trade Training Centre. Tarryn is a nurse now. Jack, our eldest, is teaching karate and working in youth leadership. They are all active in their pursuits due to excellent teachers and a thriving community here.鈥�
When asked about the highlights of her time in Swan, it is the philanthropic efforts that come to mind for Erin.
鈥淥ne year, I taught the trade students how to make scones for Mother鈥檚 Day. Another time we took a mission trip to Zambia, I met my sponsor child there. These experiences are life-changing, and I am thankful to have been a part of Swan for all these years.鈥�
How does a long-time staffer view the world of Swan in this new, post-COVID era?
鈥淚 feel like Swan is definitely moving into a new chapter now. What we are trying to achieve as an educational offering is exciting,鈥� says Erin.
鈥淚 occasionally help the Canteen staff out on the till at lunchtime, and I love seeing the students happy and enjoying their day.鈥�
While some may categorize Erin as a 鈥榖ill-payer鈥� or the 鈥榩erson who chases up the Accounts鈥�, it’s clear that she is much more than just dollars and cents.
鈥淚 love being a part of the Swan community because I genuinely feel that we are part of people鈥檚 lives, and we are making a positive difference for families in this region.鈥�