In June this year we farewelled Mr Noel Mugavin after 32+ years of teaching at St Ann’s and Emmanuel College. Noel’s connection to Emmanuel College however, began with his own school years at CBC. “I have great memories of the Brothers. Wednesday afternoons we’d play sport. Whatever sport you liked. I was always football. Each House had a team. We’d spend all week working out how we could beat the competition.”
While Noel admits he was often distracted by his interests of football, greyhounds and racehorses, he equally insists that he worked hard at his studies while at CBC. This commitment to all things he puts his mind to, has almost become his trademark.
In 1988, Noel relocated his young family from Western Australia to Warrnambool to take up his first teaching position at St Ann’s College. Throughout his time, he has taught Maths, IT, Religious Education and Physical Education, and held many different leadership positions including the Year Level Coordinator for various year levels, and the Head of Middle School. Memorably, his first leadership appointment as Year 10 Coordinator was granted on two conditions laid down by Principal at the time, Br Peter Richardson – no jeans, and wear a tie.
Noel’s unique ability to build long lasting relationships with his students, sees him retire from the profession with an endless number of memories and stories of school. Far too many to relay here. Of the many stories shared in the past few weeks, we thought this reflection by Noel himself captured both his time teaching and his love of football best:
“I’d never believe how boys after Football Academy would come up and shake your hand. It just gave you the best feeling. They’d shake your hand and thank you for the class – now where do you get that?”
All the best Mr Mugavin.
