The boy from Boonah

Pictured: Russell Haug (back row, right) with 1986 PE staff.

Resident Photographer, Anthony Cox, interviewed St Peters HPE stalwart, Russell Haug, on the cusp of his retirement later this year. From funny anecdotes to lasting memories, Russell shares stories from 60+ years associated with St Peters.

ANTHONY COX | Photograher, Graphic and Web Designer

Anthony Cox: Russell, you have a long history with St Peters. Tell us how your journey began.

Russell Haug: I remember coming here as a three-year-old in 1954 to see my older brother start boarding. I came back in the 70s to referee Rugby Union games but, due to a drought on the land, I unfortunately didn’t go to school at St Peters, instead attending the local High School in Boonah. My brother, Noel Haug (1958), was School Captain and Head Boarder Boy and my children Becky (1992), Christian (2011) and Sebastien (2014) all attended St Peters.

AC Where did you work prior to St Peters?

RH I taught at Ironside Primary for two years in the early 70s then spent 13 years at Camp Hill High School, from 1973- 1985. I had applied for positions at Grammar and St Peters and got the call up from Carson Dron to join St Peters in 1986, which is when I officially started.

AC What is the reason you have remained at St Peters for such a long time?

RH The students and staff at the College are a pleasure to teach and teach with. When students thank you at the end of a lesson or coaching session, why leave?

AC You have seen a few Heads of College in your time. Can you tell us some of the memories you have with them?

RH All of them have been very professional and advanced the College in their own way. A stand-out moment that I particularly remember was Carlson Dron when he performed a ‘Blues Brothers’ rendition in front of a pack crowd of students and teachers in the gym. During Sally Chandler's tenure we had a Christmas party that had fairy lights and fireworks over the Chapel Forecourt. Not to mention a feast with prawns, oysters and everything else. It was unbelievable.

AC I’m sure you have taught a few sport stars along the journey. Who are some of the ones that come to mind, and what did they go onto do?

RH I taught Angela Russell (1984) to swim. Angela then went onto compete at three Swimming events at the 1984 Olympics. Yolane Kukla (2013) competed at 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 Olympics in Swimming. I've loved time keeping at QGSSSA and AIC swim meets because I've been able to see how far my 'learn to swim' students have come. I've also coached Jacob Deeb (2022), who was ranked fourth in Australia in 2020 for U16’s shot put.

AC Have you always been involved with HPE and what other responsibilities have you performed around the College?

RH I've held numerous roles at the College - Director of Swimming for seven years; First XI Cricket Coach for seven years (Premiership in 1991, the only one in TAS/AIC event history). I have also coached Athletics, Swimming, Cricket and Softball.

AC I am sure the education system has changed over the years, what are the underlying key elements for helping our students get the best from themselves?

RH Just giving students time and being a listening ear. Knowing a little about their background can really assist in student/ teacher relationships.

AC We are fortunate to have so many great coaches that have played sport at the highest level and now offer their time to our students. Has this always been the case?

RH We have always had high performance coaches at the College, especially in Swimming. Some of the stand out coaches in my time include, Michael Bohl & Dean Boxall (Olympic), Cliff Millet, Luke Donatini & Mick Palfrey.

AC What campus changes have you seen in your time?

RH When I started in 1986, the College roads were just dirt. The College Gym was recently completed and boasted to be the best in Queensland. Junior High (Harts Road) Oval was just a dirt patch. The pools have not changed or dated.

AC What are you going to miss when you put the clipboard down for the last time?

RH I will miss the camaraderie of work mates; the laughter in the staff room. But probably the students you start seeing in Year 7 (sometimes Prep) and then see them graduating as young adults.

Russell it’s been great to speak with you and St Peters has been lucky to have you and your professional experience for so long. Thanks for being part of this Plus Ultra edition in your 51st year of teaching. We wish you all the best. Please don't be a stranger.

Praise for Russ...

From Kerri Schreiber:

Percentage of children taught 'How to Swim' by Russell in Brisbane from 1972 to present – 75% by Russell, 15 % by others in Brisbane, 10% by interstate. If you were to survey one in 10 people from Brisbane, they would say that they learnt to swim from Russell.

An unbelievably hard-working man who has remained engaged in the cocurricular life of St Peters above and beyond anyone in its history – what sport has he not helped to coach or coordinate?

This gentle viking's service to his profession and to dedicating his life to making children safe in the water would far out weigh anyone. Russell has been a humble friend and an incredibly dedicated and loving husband and father and I find this inspirational.

From Natalie Benfield:

Since joining the HPE crew in 2007 I have always known Russell Haug to be a knowledgeable, compassionate, loyal colleague and friend. It has been such an honour to work with Russ.

‘Big Russ’ (as he's known by the little kids in Primary) has made a significant difference to those keen to swim. Both my children learnt to swim with ‘Big Russ’, with one being extremely challenged when putting his head under water. Russ’ kind, patient and affirming words eventually lead to greater swimming confidence and a future in which he represented AIC swimming. Russ does not shy away from any topic or unit of work and inspires others with his commitment to educate and support young people. In particular, he was a key stakeholder in the development of the Year 10 HPE Relationship Unit and, after two decades, this unit is still relevant and thoroughly enjoyable for both staff and students. He takes great pride every year in announcing the couples who have gone on to be married after being introduced during Dance.

His stories of St Peters past, and his connections with both past and present students, are amazing. Russ can remember students from the 80s as if it was yesterday. He regularly comes into contact with people he taught as students, and loves a great chat. Some previous students now share the privilege of having Russ teach their own children and, more recently, their grandchildren.

Russell Haug is an amazing guy who thoroughly deserves recognition for his contributions to the College.

From Philippa Guppy:

With 36 years of service to St Peters, it is without a doubt that Russ, 'Rusty', has made countless positive connections with students, families and staff and has had such a positive influence on the lives of so many young men and women that have passed through our gates.

Russell has, for many years, taken on the role of 'historian' in our HPE department. He has been so sharp with details of our history here at St Peters; we will really miss having his insight.

Over the years Russell took great joy in sharing so many wonderful memories about past students that he had taught or coached - what their special talents were and the subsequent joy in now teaching their children.

Russ will be thoroughly missed here at St Peters, he is the ultimate human, who always showed the most genuine care and concern for people. In particular, I will personally miss the best and most genuine big bear hugs, laughs and banter that goes on in our staffroom.

From Ben Innes:

Russ, • 100% reliable in all that he does. • Very caring for the kids, well beyond HPE content. He gets to know his students and their families (most of which he has taught their parents) and he genuinely cares about their wellbeing beyond the classroom. • Wealth of physical and technical knowledge. Is also our office go too, for anything that needs spell check or punctuation.

These are the things that I think instantly when I think of Russell.