Care key for primary educator

Award recognises alumna’s ministry to children and church

Ruth Webster describes her Seventh-day Adventist education as a major contributor to a worldview “where respect, justice and a service mentality prevail.” The “realist not idealist” completed her secondary studies at church high schools in Hawthorn and Lilydale and then three degrees in as many decades at Avondale—the last while juggling the demands of home and work. Her employer at the time, Avondale School, would over more than 25 years provide opportunities in administration and teaching, including roles in computing and special education. Webster, who seemed to greet all she met with a smile, retired as Assistant Head of Primary.

Her message to new teachers is to show a genuine interest in each child “but remember you’re their teacher, not their buddy” and “expect to work harder in your first year than you ever thought possible.”

After a career in schools, Webster continues to serve in key children’s roles, notably at Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church. “Seeing the world through the eyes of children is refreshing,” she says, adding: “It’s important for them to experience love and care from those outside their immediate family.”

Ruth and husband David raised three children, two of who were born in Papua New Guinea where the couple served at Kambubu High School. David became a physicist and joined the science faculty at Avondale. After he sustained a head injury, Ruth assumed greater family responsibilities. “In God’s strength you discover an inner strength you didn’t know you had,” she says.

Avondale Alumni honours Ruth Webster as its 2019 Alumna of the Year for her lifetime of ministry to children and church.

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