Dr Shirley Allen was a highly respected educator and a foundation member of the Carey Donvale community. She joined the Carey Prep School in 1978 and transferred to the Donvale campus as a foundation staff member when it opened in 1989. At the time of her retirement in 1999, she held the position of Deputy Head.

Renowned for her dedication to teaching and her commitment to student wellbeing, Allen was closely associated with the school’s Gifted and Talented and Support programs, which she conducted from the well-known “Mrs Allen’s Puzzle Room.” Her work was characterised by intellectual rigour, compassion and a strong sense of structure and fairness.

Following her retirement, Allen remained actively engaged in education, returning periodically for emergency teaching and completing her doctoral studies. She continued her professional involvement as a member of the Australian College of Educators and contributed to a range of educational organisations and initiatives. Dr Shirley Allen passed away on 10 May 2009, leaving a lasting legacy within the Carey Donvale community.