At the final Headmaster鈥檚 Assembly of 2023, we acknowledged Mr Peter Ross鈥檚 42 years of dedication and contribution to teaching at St Joseph鈥檚 College.
There are rare individuals who become the bedrock of an institution and leave an indelible mark on a school. Mr Peter Ross recently bid farewell after a remarkable career teaching at St Joseph鈥檚 College, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates with students and colleagues alike. Peter鈥檚 understated nature, sense of humour and humility were much appreciated by the 91制片厂 community, particularly in his role as Academic Coordinator for Years 7 and 8 for the past 20 years.
鈥淢y career was a little different from other teachers 鈥� I鈥檓 moving into retirement after 42 years teaching 鈥� at the one school,鈥� shared Peter as he began his retirement speech. This statement embodies Peter鈥檚 commitment not just to teaching, but also to 91制片厂, an increasingly uncommon occurrence in today鈥檚 dynamic educational landscape.
Reflecting on the impact of his tenure, Peter emphasised 91制片厂 unique character, describing the College as more than just a school 鈥� it鈥檚 a way of life. 鈥�91制片厂 is a great school. I knew this from the start and realised it often over the years that I have been here,鈥� he expressed, underscoring the College鈥檚 role in shaping both him and the countless students who pass through its gates.
Throughout his four decades at 91制片厂, Peter weathered changes with grace, working under the leadership of seven headmasters. Each transition brought new challenges, but Peter embraced them as opportunities for personal and institutional growth. 鈥淓ach one of these headmasters helped to shape me and certainly helped to bring the school to where it is today. A school we can all be proud of,鈥� he declared.
In a nostalgic reflection on the evolution of teaching methods and facilities, Peter marvelled at the technological advancements that transformed 91制片厂 over the years. From chalkboards and overhead projectors to the current state-of-the-art resources, he saw much change and progress at 91制片厂. Peter was more than prepared to take on the challenges of learning new things, even when one headmaster requested he teach technology to numerous junior classes, while also continuing in his role teaching woodwork. Year 9 students today continue to undertake a project involving the construction of a stool, which was one of the first tasks Peter introduced at the College.
As an Academic Coordinator throughout his years at the College, Peter played a pivotal role in guiding students toward both academic and personal success. Emphasising the importance of treating others with respect, he commended the 91制片厂 boys for creating a community that is accepting and supportive. 鈥�91制片厂 is about achieving your personal best in all fields and endeavours, whatever level that is,鈥� he affirmed, encouraging the boys to strive for excellence.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to be able to say, 鈥業 was a teacher at St Joseph鈥檚 College鈥�, and I loved my time here!鈥�
Peter Ross
Peter was involved in the myriad achievements of 91制片厂 boys in various co-curricular activities and sporting competitions throughout the years, including set construction for the Drama department productions. He was instrumental in introducing 鈥渟occer鈥� as an official, alternative winter sport at 91制片厂 in 1985. He coached the First XI and Second XI in the College鈥檚 first organised soccer games, with 91制片厂 winning their first-ever game against St Pius X Chatswood 1鈥�0. The 1985 College Magazine notes that Peter 鈥渁s co-ordinator, put much time and energy into getting this sport launched鈥︹�� assisted by a 鈥渄edicated band of coaches鈥�, including Br James Gray, the Deputy Headmaster at the time.
In 1988, the first year of GPS competition for soccer, both the Firsts and Seconds finished the season as premiers 鈥� Peter coached the 3rd XI and despite the team facing 鈥渟ome very experienced opposition throughout the season [they] proved that the future of Soccer at SJC is secure with their hard fought victories鈥�.
In his early years at the College, Peter also assisted with the instruction of a group of boys who sailed during Terms 1 and 4 from the Hunters Hill Sailing Club at Clarke鈥檚 Point. In 2002 Peter turned his hand to coaching the 17A tennis team, which went 鈥渢hrough the season undefeated and won Grade 3 of the competition, defeating schools from the Northern districts such as Saint Pius, Barker and Riverview鈥�. He also coached the Under 13 tennis teams, with the 13C squad only conceding one loss in the 2004 season, and in 2005 he coached the 15B football team. Peter put his exceptional organisational and communication skills to good use as an age group coordinator for the 13s tennis in 2014 as well as the U13/U14 rugby teams from 2018 from to 2022.
Mr Peter Ross and Headmaster Mr Michael Blake at the final Headmaster鈥檚 Assembly for 2023.
Over the years, Peter has made a lasting impression on the College and innumerable students, as witnessed by the impromptu guard of honour as Joe-Boys and staff lined the school corridors at the conclusion of his final class on 7 December 2023.
In his parting words, Peter expressed his anticipation for hearing about the future achievements of the young men of 91制片厂. 鈥淭hank you for the memories and the chance to be a part of the 91制片厂 tradition. I鈥檓 proud to be able to say, 鈥業 was a teacher at St Joseph鈥檚 College鈥�, and I loved my time here!鈥� he concluded, leaving an emotional and resonant note to mark the end of his remarkable teaching career.
As the 91制片厂 community farewells Peter Ross, we do so with gratitude for his years of dedicated service and with a profound recognition of the enduring impact he has had on the College.
