By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
ROB Kay’s career came full circle when he heard his final school bell as a full-time teacher on 6 May.
The Berwick Chase Primary School class teacher went back to teaching PE for his final official week, the same round he had when he started teaching 34 years ago.
Retirement came earlier than expected due to “the dice rolling my way”, Mr Kay said.
But he retains a love of the job, the teachers, parents and kids.
His guiding principle is that any lesson can be made to be fun and engaging.
Mr Kay speaks of helping children through tough times, who then go on to repay the faith of the teacher who was dedicated to helping them.
Many years ago he used to take disadvantaged students to his mother’s Sunday roast. Decades later, they tell him they fondly remember those meals.
“It’s giving those kids a bit of normality, a taste of what a regular family will do.
“For example, you’d show them how to use a knife and fork properly.”
Mr Kay admires the way “natural” teachers deliver a lesson and get the best out of their kids.
It’s an honour to be entrusted with a child’s education, he said. But there is also high expectation.
Much of Mr Kay’s career had been spent at Hillsmeade Primary School in Narre Warren South.
He has also coached junior cricket and football in Doveton and Beaconsfield – with the distinct aim of players enjoying the game.
Mr Kay fondly recalls the camaraderie between students and volunteering parents as part of Human Powered Vehicle challenges.
One thing that really blows him away is meeting – and in some cases working with – former pupils who have followed in his professional footsteps.
Mr Kay can’t see himself being idle for long, perhaps even returning to classrooms as an emergency teacher.
“I still think kids are great. There are amazing people.”
