Originally Published June 28 2022
THERE was emotion in the room as the bell rang out for the final time for a Kerang Technical High School teacher.
Long-serving humanities teacher Paul Robinson has retired after 40 years of teaching.
Meanwhile, maths teacher David Dickson was honoured by the Victorian Government last week for his long service and dedication in the state education system, with colleague Brad Morrison side-by-side to congratulate his two closest friends.
Mr Dickson has been teaching for 40 years, 36 of those at Kerang Tech.
“I am very proud to have taught for 40 years,” he said.
“It’s been hard work but the students at this school have been terrific over that time.”
“Working with two great mates that have been with you on the journey and have shared a lot of stuff … it’s been really good the support from these two guys.
“We have a bit of banter as Brad and I are on the conservative side of politics and Robbo is from a union background. Over the time we haven’t been that politically correct with each other when describing different politicians.”
Kerang Tech has changed a lot over four decades, and most notably the size of its enrolment.
“When I started, it was 700-800 students, now it’s only 250,” Mr Morrison said.
“Back then there was a lot more kids, so more variety.
“I was actually a student when the tech wing was built. Over the years I’ve seen the products that have come out. We are only a small school, but we provide an enormous number of apprenticeships.”
For Mr Robinson, it’s the bonds he has built with students that he cherishes the most.
“You have got kids here whose parents I taught. I’ve got parents who’ve sent me messages and at the footy on Saturday, it’s a community sort of thing,” he said.
“Before COVID, I was at the MCG for the footy with a friend who taught at Xavier College, and I was expecting him to see all his ex-students there.
“A Kerang kid came up and introduced himself and said, ‘I was a pain in the arse in your class’, but we got talking, sitting down having a beer with another Kerang kid. “That was great. You can’t go anywhere without finding a Kerang person.”
Mr Robinson is trading the rural life for the big smoke in retirement.
He is eager to complete community work.
“I’ve got some volunteer things planned through motorsport to make it easier to get to some events. I might continue to do some umpiring there also,” Mr Robinson said.
Mr Dickson and Mr Robinson highlighted the relationship they established with the students.
“He came to Kerang two weeks after me, so I always remind him of that,” Mr Dickson said.
“I think Paul had a wonderful rapport with students and that’s one of the reasons he’s carrying the emotion he is. To all of a sudden cut that off is hard.”
