SMITH, Roger (1960-2022)A beloved former staff member, colleague and friend, Roger Smith passed away 31 December 2022. After serving the College community for 24 years, Roger retired in April 2021. Husband of Heather and father of Stephanie (OGC 2005) and Angela (OGC 2007), he will be remembered for his intellect, wit, loyalty, respect, and kindness.
In 1997 Roger joined the College staff as Director of Curriculum and taught Mathematics. Over the years he worked in a number of roles, becoming a respected leader and member of the executive. He was Deputy Principal for many years and took on the role of Acting Principal in 2015.
Current staff member and long-time colleague and friend of Roger, Phil Taylor, spoke at his memorial service:
“Gratitude that all of us were able to benefit by having had Roger in our lives in one format or another is how I want to begin. We are incredibly thankful that Roger’s humanistic qualities and capabilities allowed him to be such an accomplished, proficient and kind member of staff to so many over the course of his career.
Over the past 24 years on the staff of the College, Roger performed many, many roles. If I use a maths analogy, the common denominator in Roger’s many roles at the College were his quiet and considered sense of dedication and efficiency in everything he did.
Working alongside each Principal, Roger understood the nuances of the positions that he held. His astute judgement was engaged on many occasions. It was often the work that Roger did out of the spotlight that significantly helped each Principal to meet the needs of the school community. Roger was completely trustworthy, honest, reliable and totally professional in everything that he did.
Perhaps most importantly in terms of the key clientele of a school, Roger was a skilled and gifted classroom teacher, whose sharp intellect and quirky sense of humour made Maths a subject that students enjoyed and, even more importantly, understood.
I think history and time will reveal that Roger’s role at the College, especially in 2015, was pivotal to the strong position the College finds itself in today. Without reservation, when the school needed him, Roger was there to step up and provide the steadiness in management and direction that was required at that time.
It would also be fair to say that Roger was equally happy to step off that stage and find contentment in his home and family. He was comfortable in a suit and tie, but Roger was even more comfortable in his outdoor gear, including walking boots and backpack.
No matter whether it was hiking along coastal vistas or tramping desert tracks, Roger embraced every aspect of the outdoors, in particular the learning and lessons that could be gleaned by young people through those often-challenging experiences particularly with the Exploration Society and Fulfilling Lives programs.
Roger’s commitment to teaching and education in all its forms will never be forgotten. Roger walked the talk, and always backed up his commitment to young people with actions that were visible.”
Sources: P Taylor, P Miller, Ad Astra, Pegasus.