10
After 172 years of combined service, some of our favourite teachers are moving on.
Mike Ryan
Rodney Ford
Core responsibility
Co-curricular interests
Core responsibility
Co-curricular interests
Middle school specialist Art teacher – ceramics was his forte (Year 3 to 8) Head of Year 8 (7 years) Deputy Head of Rosstrevor Woodcraft teacher
Cricket Teacher in charge of Swimming Football Cross Country Water Polo and Athletics
Director of Music since 1981
In the early years I did some Outdoor Ed activity with the Firbank girls. For many years I haven’t had the time even though I actually have both the interest and background.
35 Years at BGS
Why Brighton Grammar? I was trained as an art teacher bonded to the Technical School system; during the summer break I went overseas and the government suddenly pulled the pin on the bonded positions, so I was without a job. In my absence my father applied to BGS. Mr Rofe met with me on day one, Term 1 and employed me on the spot.
How has your job changed over the years? After 20 years teaching Art I requalified by undertaking a BA majoring in English literature. I then started teaching English up to Year 11 – and a bit of history. In fact, I have taught everything in Rosstrevor other than languages and maths. Physically I noticed a big change moving from a practical class to working in the regular classroom. More recently I was weaned back to Middle School English and woodwork – but that’s my hobby!
32 Years at BGS
Who have you most admired or found inspiring at BGS and why? Greg Caldwell (former teacher and Head of Rosstrevor) – he was the most dedicated, enthusiastic and professional man. Graeme Simon (former Head of Rosstrevor) – to watch him teach was amazing. He knew boys inside out and mentored me in many ways. Peter Skelton (former Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School) – he was a total professional; literate and sincere.
What won’t you miss?
Why Brighton Grammar? It’s a long connection. When I was young and living in Tasmania I had the most inspiring organ teacher Dorothy Glover, the sister of former BGS teacher Alan Glover (also an organ enthusiast). In my teenage years I used to come to Alan Glover's and stay and play the organ in St Andrew’s. After graduating I moved to Perth (which had a thriving music scene) doing recital work with the ABC and working part time at Guilford Grammar.
Helicopter parents Mobile phones at school
Brighton Grammar needed a new Director of Music and through Alan Glover I was contacted, and the rest is history.
What will be your most vivid memory?
How has your job changed over the years?
The fun I have had with the staff. It is my goal (which I also shared with Greg Caldwell) to have a good ‘belly laugh’ every day. If you can’t enjoy your day then you go home feeling very low.
The first 10 to 12 years was the ‘building’ phase. When I arrived music was in the doldrums – facilities were terrible, very few instruments and only 50 boys were involved. There are now between 20 and 24 ensemble groups depending on the year and up to about 60% of the boys involved with the music program. I believe everyone should have an experience of music especially in a boys’ school where there is usually such a strong ethos of sport. Music is great for team work, and sharing a common goal and galvanising a whole community.
And in retirement?
What is it you have enjoyed about teaching boys?
Travel (international) while I still have my health.
They’re boys!
If you had to describe your journey here in one sentence what would it be? Amazingly rewarding and fulfilling – and I get paid for it!
What is it you have enjoyed about teaching boys? I like their ability to have a go and not be put off by what some may consider ‘uncool’. When the boys enjoy something they give 100%. Once they experience the power of music you have got them for life. For those boys involved with composition (my real interest and passion), I admire their creativity. At the same time, I have always really enjoyed working with the Firbank girls on combined concerts and productions.
Who have you most admired or found inspiring at BGS and why? There have been a lot of brilliant musicians throughout the years. But if I have to name a couple ...Two students – Muneaki Tsuda (OB 99) and Andrew Anderson (OB89) who had extraordinary musicianship and composition skills. Peter Toms (former Head of Junior School) for his enthusiasm and breadth of interest and particularly his support of the importance of music in boys’ schools. Michael Urwin for his involvement and support of the music program.
What won’t you miss? Paperwork and my totally inadequate office space (it was meant to be a music practice room).