Co-founder of the Learning Assistance Programme, Penny Penhall OAM passed away on 22 July. Penny was a past Mercedes College Mercy Award recipient and staff member at the College for 20 years, retiring in 2012.
As a co-founder of the Learning Assistance Programme (LAP) she was one of the first parent volunteers to participate in the original programme. In 1976 she conducted hundreds of training and development programmes for administrators, teaching staff and volunteers. While the programme makes a real difference to students, it also provides very meaningful parent/volunteer engagement.
Penny was able to expand her vision for LAP nationally and internationally, making a vast contribution to the lives of young people. Penny’s work in the LAP programme has received high recognition. In 1995 she was awarded the prestigious Advance Australia Award and a European Council of International Schools Fellowship in International Education to introduce the LAP programme to the international education community.
In June 1998, Penny received a Medal in the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for service to education and in 2013 LAP received the UNESCO Award for the Best Educational School Programme.
The LAP programme, under Penny’s inspirational leadership, has become a significant programme at Mercedes College and many other schools, changing the lives of all involved. Her legacy lives on today as the LAP programme at Mercedes College continues to thrive. Penny is pictured with Cathy Cronin current Mercedes LAP Coordinator who stepped into Penny’s position when she retired. Penny was her esteemed mentor and work colleague.
We prayer for eternal rest and peace for Penny, in God’s loving care.
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
