The Constable Papers
Dad just received a veritable novel from one of his beloved ex-students, Mark Constable. I just read him bits of it, Mark and he smiled. It was a joy for me to read because the cast was so familiar although the stories were new. The thing that stood out was that you and many of his students will remember him as a teacher. Mum remarked that he would have loved that. For all his accomplishments, nothing gave him greater joy than seeing his students achieve and embrace the world like he did.
Mark and others made mention of Dad's hugs. How all encompassing and familial they were. This hug became a symbol of dad. He also used it as a teaching tool. There's many a grown man who has told me that he learnt how to hug because of Dad. His godson, Gavin even said he was going to pass on the knowledge to his own children. What a great legacy.
But back to Mark... Dad always had a soft spots for the larrakins. He took great delight in those who were cheeky enough to test without overstepping the mark. He loved the Constables (won't use the nickname on this PG rated blog), Mimicas and Shanahans of this world. They were the Neverland Boys and he Captain Hook who never quite caught them out but relished in trying.
He would have applauded your passion, Mark and the passion of all his students who continue to take his lessons with them.
Some one once said that Dad treated his students like his children and his children like his students. I don't know if that's true - I do think you all got away with a lot more. Think it would be better to say, his family didn't stop at myself and my siblings but it embraced 100s of his dearly loved students. He was so proud of you all.
posted by Paige at 3:39 pm
2 Comments:
Now that we're on to school teaching let me tell you this. Geoff and i had been to a play in Northbridge and were returning to the carpark. We passed the Noongar Patrol which was a group of older aboriginal people keeping an eye out to help any of their younger people getting into trouble. As we passed, one of them, a middle aged woman said "You're Geoff Gibbs. You taught me at Merredin Primary. You never treated us black kids any different from the white kids and I'll always remember that." - keep up the bogging and pass my good wishes on to geoff - Malcolm
Paige, Carole and Nathan,
I just want to pass on my condolences. Geoff was truly a remarkable man. He was always so good to me and would often usher me into his office when i was standing in the corridor in trouble for something silly. I remember him always smiling and never at a loss to offer comforting words. He would listen and offer advice that was just and fair. It was always said he was there for the students, not his own personal gain.Fiona Mary he called me. In truth,I dont know one student who had something bad to say about him.He was loved by all and will truly be missed.My thoughts are with you all right now. All my love Fiona Mahl xxxxx
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