After more than four decades of connection to the College—first as a student in 1978 and then as a staff member from 1988—Mr Robbie Lee is preparing to retire. His departure marks the end of an era, but his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Robbie Lee’s journey as a teacher spans a period of enormous transformation. He’s seen buildings rise from the ground, renovations transform tired spaces, and the closure of the Canterbury Road Campus where he attended CBC as a student himself.
He remembers starting out at a time when teaching was chalk, dusters, overhead projectors, and handwritten reports. Over the years, he embraced the arrival of computers, online learning platforms, and all the technology that now forms a natural part of the classroom. But as he reflected on these shifts, Robbie’s message was clear. “None of it matters if you don’t build relationships. Without connection, you can’t teach anyone anything.”
It’s a philosophy that has guided him throughout his career. To Robbie, teaching has always been less about the tools and more about the people, learning students’ stories, understanding what motivates them, and showing them genuine respect. It’s this focus on relationships that has made him not just an educator, but a mentor, role model, and steady presence in the lives of thousands of students across more than 35 years.
When asked about his memories of student life—both as a teacher and from his own school days—Robbie laughed as he painted a picture of past fashion trends and questionable fundraising activities that stuck in his mind.
“There was an era, when the young lads wore their socks pulled up over their pants, all tucked neatly into desert boots.” Robbie assures this is true—and at the time, extremely cool.
“So many things happened in my early days of teaching that just couldn’t happen now- there was a time when we sold off glass bottles to students to smash against the downball walls at CBC- we had planned another activity and it wasn’t going so well so we improvised!”
Beyond the questionable fashion trends and impromptu activities, Robbie speaks with great fondness about the traditions that defined the Emmanuel experience such as camps and retreats, where friendships deepened and students discovered new layers of themselves- and a personal favourite- Emmanuel Day, always an energetic day full of fun, activities, hilarious dress ups and performances.
These moments, he said, were as important as anything that happened inside a classroom.
The legacy he feels he’s leaving behind when he walks out the gates? Perhaps the strength of the History classes and the number of students who enjoy the subject- one Robbie himself is very proud of.
What strikes you most when in his presence is Robbie’s sincerity. One quickly understands what generations of Emmanuel students have known for years: Robbie makes you feel seen.
The History and English teachers' deep connection to the College shines through every story, every memory, every smile. From visiting the staffroom after the birth of his first child to proudly introducing the newest Lee to his colleagues- the now grandfather laughs and reflects throughout the interview on how much Emmanuel, the staff and students have been a part of his life.
As Robbie prepares for his well-earned retirement, one thing is certain: his impact is woven into the fabric of Emmanuel College. His gift for building relationships, his passion for learning, and his unwavering belief in the potential of young people will echo through classrooms long after he steps away.
To current and future generations, he will be remembered as a teacher, a mentor, and a shaper of lives. And to Robbie Lee, Emmanuel College will always be home.
Thank you Robbie, for all that you’ve given to all that you’ve known- enjoy the next chapter in your story.
