VILE, Annette (Ann) Elizabeth (1938-2022)
A Vile 2005
Ann Vile became Matron of Mackie House in 1987. Affectionally known as ‘Tronnie’ by the boarders, she soon became a valued member of the boarding house and college community. Serving an impressive 18 years in the role, Ann supported staff and students in the daily routines of Mackie House. Over this time, she worked with four different Heads of House, namely Nigel Fairbairn, Craig Considine, John Claringbold and Greg Smith.
When she retired in 2005, Mike Gallus, Residential Head, honoured Ann’s contributions:
Greg Smith, the current Head of House, has described Ann as 'a living treasure in Mackie by virtue of her knowledge of the history of the House, and its past students and her understanding and knowledge of the role of Matron.' Greg also points out that, the boys love her because she is understanding, helpful and genuinely caring, and they respect her because she combine this with a clear sense of their strengths and weaknesses, the preparedness to pull them into line when it is required and the willingness to offer straight-talking, commonsense advice.
The College will miss Ann as she has been an absolutely dependable member of staff who performs well beyond expectation; staff will miss Ann because she has been a mainstay of Mackie and key colleague. Parents will miss Ann because she has been a person in whom they could put complete trust, knowing that they could leave their children in her care with absolute confidence and the boys will miss Ann because they will lose a friend and a confidante, a genuine surrogate mother. (Ad Astra January 2006)
Ann’s three children had all attended The Geelong College prior to her appointment: Steve OGC 1979, David OGC 1981 and Penny OGC 1984.
Ann passed away 8 February 2022, aged 83 years. At the news of Ann’s passing, Greg Smith, Head of Mackie 2004-2017, wrote:
Many College boarders will remember her as their beloved “Tronnie”, Matron of Mackie House for 18 years, from 1987 to 2005.
They will also remember the care, wit, strength and empathy she brought to her role. Ann made it her business to know and understand her boys, cognisant of their strengths and foibles, sharing their trials and successes.
Ann’s contribution to the College, to Mackie House, and to the lives of the boys in her care, is immeasurable.
Thanks, Tronnie.
Sources: Geelong Advertiser 12 February 2022, Ad Astra January 2005.