CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PALMA ARGENTEA STAFF MEMBER STEPHEN MICHAEL ROBERTS
STAFF OF TSS
On Monday 21st of September 2015 TSS lost a valuable community member. Steve will be remembered for many things, Japanese Teacher, Rugby Coach, Cross Country Coach, Housemaster of both Melbourne and Walker Houses, Officer in Training Ship Southport, Geography Teacher, colleague and sailing enthusiast. Steve was one of the school’s longest-serving employees, awarded the Palma Argentea for 25 years of service to the School and dedicated his professional life to the academic, cocurricular and pastoral wellbeing of the boys. For the past 20 years his passion was the school’s Navy Cadet Unit. He was the Commanding Officer and the longest continuous serving Officer of Training Ship Southport. Steve’s mother Jenny shared how Steve was excited and worried that his application to teach at TSS had been accepted – “He did not think he would make the cut”, but the next 31 years proved that Steve was a more than capable educator. COLLEAGUES REMINISCE:
Steve was a friend and colleague who represented all that was professional about teaching. He was caring and considerate towards his workmates and students. Steve Roberts was a man of integrity, commitment and passion. He considered the needs of others, particularly those students in his charge. He was in education and at The Southport School for the right reasons – someone who positively changed the lives of others. Respected by students, colleagues and parents alike. A man who lived by principles and let his actions speak louder than words. Steve was prepared to express an opinion and challenge practices if needed, but only if he believed it was in the best interests of the boys and the school that he served. A warm-hearted man who will be sorely missed.
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THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL SOUTHPORTONIAN 2015
For 31 years I worked alongside Steve Roberts and I must say his dominant strength as Housemaster was his knowledge and understanding of his boys. Steve knew his boys well and if they deserved recognition he fought for it on their behalf. If boys fell off the rails he worked tirelessly to put them on the right track again so that they could achieve their potential. He genuinely cared for the young men under his stewardship and believed in the philosophy of TSS. At Housemaster meetings when Prefects were being voted on Steve would meticulously present detailed information on the achievements of his chosen candidates, always presenting a holistic overview of the young man, emphasising in particular good character and integrity above all other characteristics as being essential for the position. Steve loved his boys and the School. During his illness he would often email wanting to know the progress of the boys in Walker House in the various House activities. We will miss his presence in the boundaries of this school; his warm smile and genuine concern for all, but can be thankful for having known him and of having the pleasure to have worked alongside him. OLD BOYS OBSERVED:
Above all, we will look upon him as a role model for the all-round man who was variously a sportsman (stick fighting, rugby, sailing), serviceman and scholar. He was a most influential and supportive member of staff during my time at TSS. Whether it be studies in Japanese, an affiliation with the Navy Cadets, music, sport and the rest, he was always there to point students in the right direction and support them along the way. His advice, direction and supportive nature has most certainly contributed to many successful Old Boys. Steve Roberts will be missed, but fond memories will always remain.
