Larry Thomson retires

Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus is farewelling retiring member of staff Mr Larry Thomson after 25 years at the school.

"For 25 years, he has made an enormous contribution to the developing lives of young people both in this school and in the wider community," said campus principal Mr Frank Gasper.

"That is one of the reasons he is held in such high regard by a generation of past students who have either kept in touch personally or ask about him whenever they return to Umina.

"As a teacher, he has been a great role model and influence.

"His calm, friendly and supportive manner has made it possible for him to establish a great rapport with a wide variety of students, always encouraging them to achieve their personal best in many different fields and to resolve any conflict.

"His passion for his chosen teaching subject of History is contagious for students and staff.

"I have found myself following in the trail of World War I and II European Battlefields that Larry and his wife Pam have visited, to get a feel for real history, after hearing his account of their impact on him.

"His Anzac Day Assemblies over the past few years have been moving and informative for staff and students alike," said Mr Gasper.

Mr Thomson was one of the first teachers to form real links with the Aboriginal community and met regularly with parents and community members over several years to develop an Aboriginal perspective in the School's programs and organisation.

"He developed the teaching of Aboriginal Studies to HSC level at Umina High and achieved excellent results at that level," said Mr Gasper.

Mr Thomson will return to the school to conduct one final Anzac Day assembly on Wednesday, April 17.

Newsletter, 15 Mar 2011 Frank Gasper, BWSC Umina Campus