BiographyValerie Margaret Kerr was a dedicated educator and long-serving member of the Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) community, whose association with the school spanned over five decades. A student at MLC from 1932 to 1937, she excelled academically, in music, and in sport, serving as a prefect as well as captain of the baseball team and vice-captain of the tennis team.
After completing a Diploma of Physical Education at the University of Melbourne, Kerr began her teaching career in New South Wales and South Australia before returning to MLC in 1948 as a sports mistress. She later transitioned into academic teaching, instructing students across a wide range of subjects, particularly English, and completing a Bachelor of Arts during her time on staff.
In 1967, Kerr was appointed Chief of Staff, a role she held with distinction until her retirement in 1983. Known for her strong pastoral care, commitment to students and colleagues, and deep understanding of the College’s values, she also served as acting Vice-Principal and contributed significantly to curriculum development and staff leadership.
Kerr was widely respected for her warmth, humility, and dedication to education. Her legacy at MLC is marked by her service-oriented leadership, her influence on generations of students, and her enduring commitment to the life and spirit of the College. In 2022, the MLC Old Collegians' Club renamed their Fellowship Grant Program to the Val Kerr Fellowship Grant program in recognition of her contribution to the College community and the OCC for many years.Date of Birth1919Date of Death2016
