Community
16 July, 2026
Thanking long-serving leader
AFTER four decades of dedicated service, St Arnaud Secondary College is preparing to farewell its long-serving Business Manager, Kerrie Swanton, who has commenced Long Service Leave before her retirement later this year.
AFTER four decades of dedicated service, St Arnaud Secondary College is preparing to farewell its long-serving Business Manager, Kerrie Swanton, who has commenced Long Service Leave before her retirement later this year.
Kerrie’s remarkable 40-year career at the College has seen her play an integral role in the day-to-day operations and ongoing success of the school. Throughout her time at St Arnaud Secondary College, she has been a trusted colleague, a source of knowledge and support, and a constant presence for staff, students, and families alike.
Her dedication and commitment have left a lasting impact on the College community.
Principal Tony Hand acknowledged Kerrie’s extraordinary contribution to the College while expressing his enthusiasm for the future.
“It is exceptionally rare to find a person who has been in the same school for 40 years, and the College has been very fortunate to have Kerrie as our Business Manager for that time,” Mr Hand said.
“However, as one door closes, another one opens, and we are very excited to welcome Laxmi to our school. She brings a range of knowledge and experience and is looking forward to being part of our school and wider community.”
As Kerrie begins this well-earned new chapter, the College is pleased to welcome Laxmi Chhetri as the new Business Manager. Laxmi commenced on Monday and will work alongside Kerrie during the first two weeks of the term, ensuring a smooth transition and benefiting from Kerrie’s extensive knowledge and experience.
Laxmi brings a wealth of qualifications and leadership experience to the role, holding both a Master of Professional Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. Most recently, she served as the Business Manager for three schools in Katherine, Northern Territory, a position she held for the past two and a half years.
Laxmi has relocated to St Arnaud with her husband, Sagar, and their nephew, Shovan, and is looking forward to becoming part of the local community. The College warmly welcomes Laxmi and wishes her every success as she begins her new role.
A formal farewell celebration to honor Kerrie’s exceptional 40 years of service and lasting contribution to St Arnaud Secondary College will be held at the end of the year. It will provide staff, former colleagues, and members of the wider College community with the opportunity to thank Kerrie for her outstanding dedication and wish her every happiness in her retirement.
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