Friends, colleagues and family celebrated the life of Ms Lorraine Haddon at a ceremony at Lake Innes Gardens followed by a gathering at Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie campus on December 19.

Surrounded by her family, Ms Haddon passed away on December 11, aged 65.

As principal of Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie campus, Ms Haddon was loved by students, teachers and the wider community. 

Ms Haddon brought with her the characteristics that are so often displayed by people who have spent time in country NSW - “generosity of spirit and a genuine caring for others” - and it is these traits that embody the memories of her for so many of the students, staff and parents she worked with.

At her core, Ms Haddon believed that her job was always about the students and making sure that all decisions were best for them. 

Ms Haddon, with her incredible amount of teaching and leading experience in schools, can rightly claim a significant role in a positive generational influence for which we are all the richer.

Former 2017 student Sam Harris, remembers Ms Haddon as a caring and loving individual, whose legacy would be that she always put the wellbeing of her students first. 

"She had a passion for her amazing teachers and the college," Sam said.

"She was indeed a selfless, compassionate and strong person, who has advanced Port Macquarie Campus."

Ms Haddon was part of the team in the formation of Hastings Secondary College, which has greatly benefited the students of the campus not only opportunities to learn but also improved relationships with our sister campus. 

The formation of the college opened opportunities for students such as excursions, joint collaboration and sharing of resources to offer students and teachers innovative possibilities in which to excel.

Ms Haddon had a great deal of concern and love for every student. 

She was prevalent in her teaching methods, even with her condition weighing heavily on her health, she still made an effort to come to school and be with the future generation as much as physically possible. 

Ms Haddon was patient and worked hard to resolve the problems of students, whether they were school related or not. She was a true believer that all issues could be solved, and she was an advocate in second chances, finding productive methods to give students opportunities to learn from their mistakes.

Sam conveyed that Ms Haddon was instrumental in his high schooling experience.

”I don’t think I would be in the position I am in currently if it wasn’t for her encouragement," he said.

"Ms Haddon was an incredible woman. I can speak for all of Year 12, 2017 when I say that she will be greatly missed.” 

Ms Haddon through her connection with the community was always seeking opportunities for her students.

The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie worked closely with Ms Haddon who reminisced about Ms Haddon’s qualities of compassion, easy to work with how ever busy she was, and caring, particularly about students. 

The results of her connection opened numerous opportunities for young people not only in the campus but in the broader community.

 Her influence was far-reaching, and she was offered an Honorary Membership of the Port Macquarie Rotary Club.

Willem Holvast, Executive Principal Hastings Secondary College, spoke very highly of Ms Haddon.

"She will be remembered as a highly esteemed principal, colleague, mentor and friend, who exemplified commitment to public education, the learning of students in her care, and the community she worked in," Mr Holvast said. 

"She will be missed by all those whose lives and educational journeys she touched.

"Ms Haddon will be missed dearly.

"Her dedication to public school education was without question. Her commitment to time honoured values of service and respect were deeply appreciated by students, community and staff."

Rest in peace Ms Haddon knowing that your long and positive contribution has made a difference and touched the lives of thousands of young people.

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