Vale – Mrs Christine Dryden
The St Ursula’s College community mourns the passing of Mrs Christine Dryden, an exceptional educator whose life and work have shaped generations of students and staff. A proud Ursuline alumna, Christine returned to the College as a young teacher and went on to serve for more than forty years as a dedicated English teacher, mentor and English Coordinator. Her lifelong commitment to Serviam, service in faith and love was evident in every aspect of her vocation.
Christine was known for her passion for teaching, her deep love of literature and her remarkable ability to bring stories to life. An avid reader, she was forever recommending books, guiding students toward texts that would challenge, comfort, or inspire them. She taught with humour, creativity, and narrative flair, believing wholeheartedly in the power of story to shape young minds. Many who now teach English credit Christine as the person who first inspired them to step into the classroom.
Her colleagues will remember her warmth, her generosity and her unmistakable presence: the bangles that gently jingled as she walked, the perfectly manicured nails tapping across a keyboard, the perfume that lingered in the corridor and the impeccable style that made her instantly recognisable. Christine brought a sense of fun and exuberance to even the busiest school days, lifting spirits and reminding us of the joy in our shared work.
Christine’s contribution to the life of the College extended far beyond the classroom. She led debating for many years, hosting teams with her characteristic hospitality complete with homemade sandwiches and a warm welcome for every student and family who crossed her path. She created and curated the Serviam magazine long before computers made such work easier, pouring care, creativity, and pride into every page. Christine also composed the College’s first school song, giving generations of Ursuline students the enduring words: “On the road of service we will make our way, love and life and friendship are the gifts we share.” A line which captures not only the Ursuline mission, but Christine’s own approach to life, steady, purposeful, and grounded in service.
Above all, Christine was devoted to her family, a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose joy in her home life was evident to all who knew her. She spoke of her family often and with great affection, drawing strength and happiness from the people she loved most.
Christine’s excellence was formally recognised when she received an award for outstanding teaching, but her true legacy lies in the thousands of students she taught, encouraged, and believed in. She knew her students deeply, loved them fiercely and taught with a combination of intellect, compassion, and imagination.
To borrow the words of author George Eliot, “What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?”
Christine lived this truth every day.
We give thanks for her life, her leadership, and her unwavering dedication to St Ursula’s College. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Eternal light grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
