Barry’s first experience of Otahuhu College was as a pupil in 1954. He left at the end of 1958 to take his M.Sc at Auckland University, then to Training College returning as a teacher of Geography and Maths in 1964. During the following 45 years he has served the College well, as a dedicated teacher with a genuine passion for his subjects and students, as HOD of Geography and Maths [concurrently], Staff Representative on the Board of Governors, as an athletics, cross-country and hockey coach, and a key figure in OCOSA working on several reunions, as well as taking part in many school productions in a number of different roles. As Deputy Principal [Curriculum} and Senior Master, Barry led us into the new world of administration using computers and set up the teaching of Unit Standards well before the launch of NCEA; he was also the timetabler for over 25 years. Thousands of pupils have passed through his classroom, hundreds of staff have been supported and encouraged, and more recently all have been served by his formidable administration skills. His care and commitment to them all is unquestioned, as is his professionalism and loyalty to the College.
He was a pupil under George Drake, and worked with Glen Anstice,
Owen Boscawen, Bill Gavin, Brian O’Connell and now Gil Laurenson – six out of the College’s seven principals!
Barry’s knowledge of the College, its workings, history and people is huge, and in latter years, since he left Senior Management and the classroom, that knowledge has been put to good use as Archivist, as well as the ‘assistant’ to the SMT – He organises major events such as the Prize-Givings, Academic Awards’ Evening, deals with groups of visiting teachers, manages the school calendar and staff data-base, edits the weekly SMT News, not to mention a myriad of other administrative tasks for a grateful Senior Management Team. He also compiled and edited “Otahuhu College 1931-2006”, the 75th Jubilee Book.
Barry is our living historical treasure, and his is the work of a lifetime of dedication to Otahuhu College.
We honour him for all that he has done, and given to the school.
Kia Tamatane.
