VA L E JOH N M O OD Y A M
who would benefit the world, not just with
skills nurtured in an academic program, but
by being people with altruistic outlooks and
with clarity of vision. He believed hugely in
the value of a sense of community, amongst
both present and former members of the
School, and he did everything within his
power to foster amongst them a sense of
mutual affection and common interest.
As a highly respected educational leader
on the State and National stage, John’s
contributions to organisations such as the
Association of Heads of Independent Schools
of Australia (AHISA), which he eventually
chaired, enabled Guildford Grammar School’s
reputation to be significantly enhanced.
His leadership was so well respected that
his wise counsel was sought by colleagues
throughout the country.
It seemed very appropriate for John to time
his retirement from Guildford Grammar
School with that of the School’s centenary
in 1996 and the year’s celebrations proved
a worthy way to mark both milestones. On
retirement, while John may have withdrawn
somewhat to focus more on family life, he
remained an active member of the School’s
community and continued to serve on
numerous external committees and boards.
With regard to his grandchildren, ‘Pop’
was always an educator and was incredibly
encouraging and supportive of their passions
and achievements. Whether it be taking
long walks through Kings Park and teaching
them about flora and fauna, or swimming
with them at the beach. On family holidays
to places like Europe, John would share
his knowledge of the architecture, art and
history of the places they visited, adding to
the wonder and excitement for the children,
and enriching their experiences. Naturally
he took an interest in the exceptional
cricketing achievements of David Moody
(Wb 2008-2012) and attended his games
throughout good health and bad. John will
be remembered fondly by Annabelle, Angus,
Jackson, David, Jonathon, Rachel, Sarah,
Kate and Henry.
8
Janet and John proudly hold a photo of a young John when he played
Australian Rules Football.
endured, could blunt his mind, or dent his
graciousness. His increasing lack of mobility,
and the burden of simply dealing with the
day, he met with invincible stoicism, and an
absolute refusal of complaint.
In religion, John had an unshakable faith.
His belief was strong and he felt the church
played an important role in educating
people about morality, but he had no time
for empty platitudes. He viewed Christian
faith essentially as a way of living, and
that what ultimately matters is the way we
behave towards each other. All in all, he was
strenuously concerned for all that made life
worth living; a concern enhanced by deep
wisdom, generosity, and profound humility.
Sadly John left behind what he described
as the greatest beauty in his life, that of
his beloved wife Janet. He met Janet in his
last year at school when, after being frogmarched by his friends into a telephone box
with a phone number, he invited her to the
School Dance. There began a relationship
that lasted through thick and thin for a
period of 63 years. Of all the magnificent
things John accomplished at Guildford
Grammar School, he did these with the
wonderful Janet by his side, his wife, his
companion, his confidant, his support, and
together they selflessly served the School
and its wider community. In 1996, in
recognition of their combined contributions,
the Moody Building was named in honour
of not only John, but Janet as well.
To the end, neither his advancing age, nor
the tedium of the medical challenges he
John had presence in every sense of the
word and his greatest strength was his
ability to lead people in all walks of life.
As Headmaster he helped shape the
next generation and he had a lasting
influence on so many young students.
Described as formidable, yet approachable
and possessing a natural authority, John
remained gentle, kind and helpful. He
was able, formal and confident, but also
humble, courteous and warm with a
ready smile and a generous laugh. John
was stubborn, decisive and determined,
though he was also willing to listen and
be persuaded by what would have to be
a very good argument. Possessing clear
views, values and standards, yet remaining
tolerant, understanding and forgiving, John
was respectful and was well respected
in return. An indefatigable man of great
wisdom, integrity and dignity, John’s mantra
was “if you’re going to do a job, do it
properly”, an ideology that he applied with
great effect. A true gentleman to the end,
John’s contribution to life was extensive
and we acknowledge his endeavours with
deep admiration