Farewell Peter Riordan
Sally Buick
Tim Ford
Peter began his Lasallian career as a student at St Bede’s, Mentone, and it was there he developed his enormous respect for all things associated with the De La Salle Brothers. After teaching at St Bede’s for a number of years, Peter moved to De La Salle where he has been in the role of Deputy Principal for thirteen years with an additional stint as acting Principal between the leadership of Brs Bill and Paul. Peter is renowned for his capacity to know every individual in the school community; Peter demonstrates his concern for all those he encounters by the respectful use of every individual’s name and by ensuring they know they are valued and cared for. Peter is fondly remembered by a vast array of Old Collegians who recall his ability to remain true to himself and afford others the opportunity to do the same. Peter has encouraged and supported numerous students and families throughout his time at De La Salle — in all instances he ensured that at the heart of what he did was what was best for the student. Peter has been a wonderful colleague to the staff at De La Salle, he has at all times been the consummate professional, leading by example. He is well respected, not only for his compassionate nature, but also for his ability to share a laugh and make people feel at ease in all situations. Peter will be deeply missed by all in the De La Salle community and we wish him well as he takes up the new challenge as Principal at Simmonds College. Sally Buick
We often do not remember days, rather we remember moments. I don’t know that we will always remember the exact years Sally was here, but we will always remember her. While at De La Sally has worked as an English teacher, Year 12 Coordinator, Head of the Kinnoull Campus and Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning. Sally has qualities which inspire, enthuse and lift others. She has an extraordinary intellect, and complementing that, an engaging character and a passion for people. I have seen Sally doggedly encourage and affirm fellow colleagues, encouraging them to take on greater roles, and her continual mentoring invariably ensured they enjoyed success. I have seen her give boys the ideas and show them how to construct essays and, if they don’t succeed at first attempt, never fail to give them added instruction and the encouragement to try again and succeed. Her wonderful laughter, her amazing judgement and wisdom, her spirituality and compassion, are the very qualities that so inspire others to lift and accomplish great things. Her legacy of always making time to listen, to hear our stories and aspirations — and to have the drive to do something about them — will be cherished and sorely missed. We are grateful to Sally — while she continues to inspire her new charges at Padua College, she will always be in our hearts. Clare Kennedy
Tim has been a member of the De La Salle community since he was in shorts, attending Grade 4, with Mary Finn as his class teacher. Tim was at De La Salle as a student from Years 4–12 then rejoined the Community as a member of staff in 1994. During his time at De La Salle Tim has been Director Of Sport, Year Level Coordinator for Years 8, 10, 11 and 12 and Head of Kinnoull Campus. Tim also found the time to complete his Graduate Diploma in Student Welfare which led him to undertake these roles with a great deal of care and knowledge. Tim epitomizes all that it is to be a Lasallian in the 21st century. He is a man of integrity and is a perfect role model for all young men. Tim is held in the highest of regard by staff and students for his fairness and his reasoned and reasonable approach to all situations. Whether it be on the basketball court, in a classroom or when he acts in his role of Head of Campus, Tim always ensures that students and families are treated with dignity and respect. Tim’s time at De La Salle has been marked by his true regard for all people for whom he was able to connect, on an intellectual and emotional level. Tim has always ensured that in the course of even the busiest of days his first priority was his teaching. He is a teacher held in the highest regard for his commitment to his craft. Tim leaves De La Salle to take up new challenges and leadership roles at Mazenod. We wish him the best of luck, knowing De La Salle will be poorer for his going. Sally Buick
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