School co-founder a ‘true inspiration’
No challenge was too large for Diny to take on.
THE co-founder of one of Geelong’s elite private schools has been remembered as a “true inspiration” after her death.
Bernardina Terpstra, known to many as Diny, died on November 6 at the age of 92.
In a tribute, family said the “much loved, thoughtful and everpresent” mother died peacefully.
A family member said in a statement that Mrs Terpstra had the initial vision to start Christian College.
“The vision became a reality when Diny was introduced to Ailsa Pearce and the pair of them started the school in 1980, originally renting some rooms in the then-St Augustine’s Orphanage, which is now the main Middle School-Highton campus of Christian College Geelong,” they said.
Christian College Geelong chief executive Daryl Riddle said Mrs Terpstra was “instrumental” to the school’s inception with her great efforts.
“Diny … was one of the earliest members of the college board as well as a parent member,” Mr Riddle said.
“She was a true inspiration in her desire to promote and support the growth of Christian education in Geelong.
“In the college’s first year of operation, Diny was instrumental in asking the Christian Brothers at St Augustine’s orphanage, if the newly established Christian College could rent several of the disused classrooms for the school.
“Around the college, she was a tireless worker who spent countless hours on the duties of the board as well as working with many other parents to help develop and buy school resources and materials to help get the fledgling school operational.
“I still remember her driving the first bus to collect students for school and her helping to clean toilets and sweep verandas after school because we couldn’t afford a cleaner.
“No challenge was too large for Diny to take on.”
Mr Riddle said Mrs Terpstra would always be remembered for her “vitality and strength of character” as a person who demonstrated her Christian values and determined vision throughout the early years of the College’s life.
“We wish you God’s richest blessings Diny – good and faithful servant.” he said.
Mrs Terpstra leaves behind five children and 20 grandchildren.