Teacher Spotlight

This month we recognise two very special teachers at Doncaster Secondary College: 

Mr Gary Rule and Mr Warren Halliday. 

Both have just completed 40 years of teaching service! The Department of Education held a ceremony at the Pullman ballroom to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contributions that Gary, Warren, and other long-serving teachers, have given to our schools. 

Congratulations and thank you to Mr Rule and Mr Halliday for everything that you have given to our College.

We sat down with Mr Rule to have a chat about his career journey.

40 years! That means your inaugural year of teaching is 1983. Where was your first teaching position?

Doncaster Secondary College! Yep, I've been here the whole time.  When I graduated from university in the '80s, teaching positions were filled differently. Teachers didn't get a say on which schools they wanted to work at. Instead, you filled in a government form and ticked a box on your preferred geographical region. I went to Donvale High School and grew up in the local area, so Doncaster Secondary College was a top three preference for me. 

I'm trained as a Maths / Physics teacher and lucky for me, they were in short supply. The ink was barely dry on my degree before landing a position as a Maths / Physics teacher at Doncaster  Secondary College in 1983.  

Tell us, what was your first impression of Donny and how has it changed over the years?

On reflection, it seemed very similar to my childhood high school, Donvale High. So I felt comfortable straight away. Doncaster Secondary College was a multicultural school and continues to be which gives our school its vibrancy. Our facilities have certainly improved over the years helped largely with careful money management and seeking community partnership opportunities. 

One thing that hasn't changed however, is the kids! I appreciate that our students face different challenges nowadays but I believe that all kids ever want, no matter the generation, is to be respected and looked after. At Doncaster Secondary College, we are well resourced to do this.      

How has your role at Doncaster Secondary College evolved over the years?

For the first 32 years (!) I enjoyed classroom teaching in the subject areas of Maths and Physics. Wanting to challenge myself further, I then stepped into an Assistant Principal role for 8 years. This gave me a whole new set of experiences and skills of which I truly value. However, I realised that there was an element missing in my role that was important to me - teaching. As an AP, you only teach one class per day.  Being in the classroom is my happy place. I love working with students and teaching is my passion. In fact, it is my calling. So in 2023, I returned full time to the classroom, teaching Maths, and continuing to enjoy a fulfilling career.