Where are they now – Luke Guthrie (former staff)

The College reconnects with former staff member Luke Guthrie, who taught at SPC between 1966-72, and recalls some of his fond memories of his time at the school. Luke is pictured here with Tri Wulan, Director of Education at The Geeta School in Cirebon, Java. The Geeta School is an English speaking K – 12 school owned by Luke’s daughter and son-in-law.

 

“I taught at St Patrick’s between the years 1966 to 1972 and my roles during those years varied enormously. They ranged from classroom teacher, dormitory master, sports master and coaching, cadets and the editor of the College magazine. My teaching methods were mainly R.E., art, geography and I think that I may have also taught some business studies, but I’m not sure why! In 1962 art was introduced into the junior curriculum and I taught this subject in one of the old science rooms.

What has happened since my years at SPC? Well I moved to Hobart for one year at St Virgil’s College, then seven years at Peninsula Grammar, Mt Eliza, followed by seven years as Principal of Sacred Heart Primary School, Mildura and finally 14 years as Educational Consultant for the Northern Zone of the Ballarat Catholic Education Office. I retired at the end of 2002 and then I followed my wife’s dream of travelling and working in South America, especially Peru. It was during this time that I met one of Marion’s greatest friends, Fr Leo Donnelly, a Columban missionary priest and himself an Old Boy of SPC. He lived and worked in Peru for over 50 years and is now buried in Lima.

We taught English for one year in a very poor area of Lima and another time we moved to teach English for six months to nurses in a clinic in Ayacucho, high in the Andes. I believe our hearts may still be in South America, however, the pull of eight grandchildren is rather strong!

When thinking of my fondest memories of St Pat’s they invariably revolve around the tradition of the place, generations of families still attending the college, the photos on the walls, and even such simple things as the passing down of family nicknames and stories.

As for what the students thought of me I would rather leave that to them to relate! Nevertheless, I do get reminded of some when I talk to many past students who now live in the Sunraysia area.

Finally, so many Christian Brothers, lay teachers and students made a lasting impression on my life, everyone of them had a story and everyone made an impact. In fact there in lies my message to young people today -“ believe in yourself, value where you came from, follow your dreams and realize that you can make a difference.

I am still very grateful for my time at St Pat’s.”