NEWS
AFFECTIONATE TRIBUTE IN ASSEMBLY TO AN EXEMPLARY TEACHER
ROB MCLAREN RETIRES AFTER 35 YEARS ' FAITHFUL SERVICE
On Wednesday 14 June , the last Assembly of Term 2 , Vice Principal Rob McLaren was formally farewelled in the presence of Senior School staff and boys . In his address , Dr Scott Marsh warmly thanked Rob for his 35 years of faithful service to the school that he attended as a student , graduating in 1973 , and to which he returned as a teacher in 1978 . Dr Marsh praised Rob as an exemplary teacher , who shared his passion for Mathematics with thousands of Senior School boys and colleagues .
Outside the classroom , Rob shared his keen interest in football and cricket with generations of students , in his role as coach of the 1st XI , winning an APS premiership . Additionally , as evidence of his commitment , he served as Scotch ’ s APS Sports delegate for 15 years . During his 35 years , he has held appointments as Tutor , Head of House and Head of Year ; six years as Head of Middle School ; four years as Head of Upper School ; eight and a half years as Vice Principal and Acting Principal in Semester 2 , 2022 .
Two of his students , Hamish O ’ Keefe and Lachie Francis , spoke eloquently of Rob ’ s qualities as a teacher of the highest calibre , dedicated in his desire to personally engage students in all of his classes , whatever their level of ability . Rob ’ s demonstration of his wholehearted commitment to every facet of his school was evident through his regular presence at concerts , plays , community events , and of course sports matches , over his long career .
A measure of the affection and respect in which Rob is held was evident at the conclusion of the Assembly , as all those in the audience spontaneously and in unison rose to their feet and fervently applauded Rob as he left the hall with Dr Marsh . Rob ' s departure was accompanied by a rousing rendition of Waltzing McLaren sung by the boys in a heartfelt tribute to the legacy he leaves .
ABOVE : ROB MCLAREN ( SECOND FROM LEFT ) WITH TIM RAYNER ( HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL , LEFT ), TIM BYRNES ( DEAN OF BOARDING , SECOND FROM RIGHT ) AND VERITY SCOTT ( DEAN OF STUDIES , RIGHT )
LEFT : DR SCOTT MARSH THANKS ROB MCCLAREN FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE
SCENES DURING AND AFTER ROB MCLAREN ’ S FINAL ASSEMBLY
32 Great Scot Issue 169 – September 2023