Bob Swan retires

Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus farewelled PDHPE coordinator Mr Robert Swan at the end of last term.

According to campus principal Mr Frank Gasper, Mr Swan had been committed to the school and to its students over the past 22 years as a local resident and highly regarded teacher.

"Bob began his teaching career in 1971 with positions at two schools in Kurrambee and Werrington Park," Mr Gasper said.

"He moved to Windsor High School and then Cambridge Park as a Physical Education teacher before obtaining his first position at Springwood High School in the early 1980s.

"In 1987, he began his role as head teacher of PDHPE at Umina High School.

"Bob has played an influential role in developing the talents of numerous teachers who have benefited from his supervision.

"In recent years, after the creation of the college, Bob has forged a new role as the team leader of team seven in addition to his faculty commitments.

"He has excelled as a firm, fair and empathic leader and role model for staff and students alike.

"His selection by staff as their representative on various panels and committees reflects the high esteem in which he is held by his teaching peers.

"The extracurricular activities that Bob has established in recent years reflect his philosophy of teaching and also the commitment he has had to the educational needs of our students. "The highly popular gym club conducted in his own time on Tuesday afternoons has provided a great activity for students.

"The spectacular performances at each of our partner primary schools in Education Week have become a highlight of our school year.

"Similarly, the bushcraft elective that he designed for Year 9 has provided a great opportunity for students to learn practical and social skills that may not be provided in a traditional curriculum.

"It is a tribute to Bob's professionalism that he has maintained his enthusiasm for teaching to the end of his career.

"His outstanding service to our school community is recognised by his receipt of the Peter Sutherland Award for School Service for 2009 which is presented annually at our college presentation evening.

"It has been a privilege for us as a school community to have had a teacher and person of such quality as a colleague and teacher."

Newsletter, 20 Jan 2010 Frank Gasper, Brisbane Water College Umina Campus