Judith K attended Emerson School for seven years from the age of 11, commencing in 1983 and finishing in 1989. Her favourite memories include the yearly music festivals at Monash University Clayton campus, a collaborative event that included Emerson as well as other special schools. She references the year 1986 when Emerson performed a tribute to the TV show, Countdown. Judith had two roles in that performance—as John Lennon in a Beatles song, “She Loves You”, and dancing to Madonna’s “Material Girl”.
“That year’s event was a particular favourite,” Judith says. “At the end of the Countdown performance, the Emerson students managed to entice all the other schools to step up and perform the song, “We Are the World”, together. It was great!”
Another enjoyable memory for Judith occurred after her time as a student at the school. “I was fortunate to be invited back in 2001 alongside two Hawthorn Football Club players plus a club staff member, to help run a football clinic for the students,” she says. “After the clinic, I had the opportunity to talk to the players, which was a highlight as I’m a keen Hawthorn supporter.”
Judith holds a non-game membership with the Hawthorn Football Club to show support for the club she loves. She often attends Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley, and formerly at Waverley Park, to watch team training sessions.
[Read Judith’s thoughts below on the Hawthorn player visit to Emerson School.]
Judith has a long list of favourite teachers at Emerson, many of whom are still working at the school today. “I had so many favourites, but really, all the teachers during my time at the school were lovely and supportive,” Judith says.
She enjoyed many subjects while at Emerson, including art, trade kitchen, industrial sewing, PE, computers, work experience and numeracy/literacy. “I mention all of these, because those subjects gave me lots of opportunities and helped me to where I am today,” she says.
After finishing at Emerson, Judith attended TAFE, then completed several work placements including at Woolworths, the Alfred Hospital, and Myer Dandenong Café. As soon as her work placement at Myer finished, she was offered a permanent part-time role at their café.
She eventually moved to Myer Knox Café for a time, before returning to the Dandenong store and moving into the Womenswear department. After the Dandenong store closed, Judith transferred to Myer Chadstone, where she has worked ever since, clocking up 34 years with Myer in June 2026. She currently works in the Menswear section, which she enjoys.
Outside work, Judith enjoys watching cricket, story writing, and keeps busy with two volunteer roles in disability advocacy and peer support. She is a board member of VALID, the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with a Disability, and is part of a peer action group at the Noble Park Community Centre.
She is a member of the Emerson Past Students Association and finds their regular catchups and events entertaining. “It’s the only way I can keep in touch and see friends when I can,” she says.
[interviewed May 2026]
Judith’s perspective on the 2001 Hawthorn football clinic at Emerson School:
Footy goes to Emerson School
By Judy K
On Thursday 21 June 2001, I attended my former school, Emerson School in Dandenong, that caters for children with special needs & learning difficulties. It has Juniors, Middle & Seniors, plus VCE (HSC). Mum & I came alongside two young Hawthorn players Brett Johnson & Nathan Lonie, plus a Wizard Kickstart staff member from the club. They got invited for the football club’s clinic.
The teachers who helped & thanked me at the clinic were Acting Principal Dianne Wright & PE Teacher Anne-Marie Ernst. Anne-Marie took the primary grade children to the gymnasium & introduced me to the kids, the players & us to each other.
At first, they did not get what they expected. As the kids got used to it the program started. The clinic lasted 1½ hours. I even got a few kicks with the kids & the players. The program was done by Brett Johnson & Nathan Lonie. Funny thing happened when Nathan’s shoe came off! After the program finished, I’ve had autographs, photos & a chat with Brett and Nathan.
This is the first time Emerson School had a clinic done by AFL players.
Photo credits: all photos in this article supplied by Judith K
