FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Wayne Rickard

We sadly say farewell to Wayne Rickard who has recently retired after a period of leave.

Wayne had a long and successful career as a teacher, beginning at Prahran, then continuing at Brunswick High School and from 2001 at Kew High School.

Wayne was a Leading Teacher, leader of the Maths Learning Area and an experienced and extremely capable teacher of Maths. Wayne was an educational leader who had high expectations. He was innovative, prepared and documented relevant curriculum that was not dependent on text books, and he regularly challenged students to raise the bar, problem solve and acquire skills for their future. He led his team to create a wide range of resources to cater for differentiation in the classroom. He was also a major contributor to improved VCE Maths results at Kew High School and to a rise in the participation by students in Maths competitions. Wayne continually sought ways to do things better and the programs and practices initiated or amended by him in co operation with the Maths team, raised the profile of the learning area in the school and with our network of schools.

We constantly read that it is the teacher who makes the difference and Wayne proved this to be true time and time again. As a classroom teacher, Wayne worked tirelessly, offering additional support, scaffolding tasks, stretching students, giving freely of his time and encouraging and assisting them. He cared about his students, and easily formed relationships with them. He developed a rapport as he expressed an interest in them as individuals, and concern for their wellbeing and their progress.

Wayne was an active and important member of the leadership team.  While having a very clear vision of his own for Maths, Wayne was also involved in the formation of our school vision and values.  He contributed to the in depth analysis of our data and subsequent review of our achievements, our policies and procedures, and our forward planning.  He regularly provided diverse possibilities and solutions. His input was vital to the establishment of strategies to improve the outcomes of the school and his actions were integral to the growth of the reputation of the school in the community.

There are many students who have been positively affected by Wayne. He was a strong and positive role model. There are many teachers who have learnt from him, who are in the profession because of his advice and who have been mentored by him.

Wayne had a measurable and note worthy impact at the school over the years and he has left a lasting and significant legacy at Kew. We wish him well in his retirement.

Clare Entwisle