Newsletter 9: 16 June 2020
Dear Colleagues,
This week announcements of the retirement of two long serving and outstanding Marist Principals have been made. Tony Duncan who is currently on leave from Marist College North Shore, will conclude formally at the end of this term and John Riordan will conclude at Marist College Kogarah at the end of the year. It is fitting to recognise the vast contributions of these two fine, faith filled Marist educators.
Tony has worked in Marist schools across four decades and has made an enormous contribution to Marist life in many ways. Tony and Jackie had their six children Marist educated, with two working in Province and school ministries. Trained as an Engineer, Tony excelled as a Physics teacher. Students fortunate to be taught by him consistently achieved outstanding results in that challenging subject. Tony's passion and enthusiasm for engaging young people in prayer, worship and religious education have been constant and defining characteristics of his work and leadership. His involvement in senior retreats had far reaching influence in Sydney Catholic schools and Marist schools across the country. Tony's love of the Australian bush was generously shared for many years through active dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh programme, from which hundreds of his students gained awards.
As a leader Tony has personified the three Marist virtues of humility, simplicity and modesty. Unfailingly cheerful, blessed with a searching and insightful intellect, Tony could always be counted upon to bring creativity and enthusiasm to any issue or challenge at hand. Whether it be timetabling, workplace relations and industrial agreements, building masterplans, strategic plans, or results analysis, Tony was resolute in finding the best solutions from the perspective of the learner. Admirably, throughout all the years of leadership with the inherent pressure points and conflicts, Tony has maintained excellent relationships with staff, students, parents and professional colleagues. His dry wit and absurd sense of humour have been widely appreciated, if not always understood!
Tony Duncan has been totally committed to Catholic education throughout his career. His love for the work has been obvious to all fortunate to have worked alongside him. Hopefully with his retirement, Tony can spend more time with Jackie, and become a better long board rider in the waves at Freshwater. May God bless him and the family as they enter this next phase.
John Riordan has made a valued contribution to Marist education over the past 12 years. Highly regarded and respected for his clear and courageous leadership, John is grounded with a strong sense of faith and moral purpose. He has made an extraordinary impact at Kogarah, evidenced by consistently outstanding Higher School Certificate results. Throughout his 37 years in Catholic education in Sydney, John has been renowned for the high standards of conduct and engagement he is able to establish and sustain with students and staff. Mr Phil Gane, Director for Sydney Catholic Schools in the Eastern Region, observed in a recent communication, "One sign of a great leader is the capacity and commitment to generate new leaders for Catholic schools. John has a record second to none in terms of identifying and nurturing future leaders. His valuable legacy in this regard will be long lasting."
Likewise, nationally with Marist Schools Australia, John is held in the highest esteem. His active leadership and encouragement of staff spiritual development and professional learning in the Marist way have been significant. His commitment in word and action to solidarity and the common good have been enduring expressions of authentic Christian leadership. Throughout his career, John's vision and commitment has enabled thousands of students and hundreds of staff to excel in their learning and teaching. We are looking forward to John continuing to generously mentor many Marist Principals across the country with his pragmatic and forthright wisdom for many years to come. May God grant John and his wife Kim, good health for many years to come and enjoy the blessings of family and friends in a fruitful retirement.