St Rita’s College farewells teacher of 39 years

Paul Jarvis’ appointment as the first male teacher at a Brisbane girls school may have sent one of the pupils into shock 39 years ago, but he has been feted as a man of calibre and knowledge at today’s farewell.

Paul Jarvis has been farewelled after 39 years of teaching at St Rita's College.

THE first male teacher to be employed at a north Brisbane secondary girls school almost 40 years ago has retired.

Although some alumnae from St Rita’s College recall Paul Jarvis as their favourite teacher, his appointment in 1980 caused consternation for one young girl.

He recalls a student who went missing for three weeks, later followed by a letter from her mother who claimed her daughter was “in shock from having a male teacher”.

Paul Jarvis has taught at St Rita's College since 1980.

Mr Jarvis, then 28, had moved from Sydney to Brisbane to teach economics, business principles and mathematics at the Clayfield school which, at the time, was still run by the Presentation Sisters.

Six years into his role, St Rita’s became one of the first schools in Australia to introduce The Study of Religion into the curriculum.

Mr Jarvis worked with then principal (the late) Sister Marlette Black on the new cutting-edge subject, which was to become a mainstream subject in all Catholic schools — challenging and extending students in their thinking of history, philosophy, anthropology and sociology in determining the history, origins and functions of races and creeds.

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At a special assembly today, St Rita’s College principal Dale Morrow paid homage to the impact Mr Jarvis has made on so many lives.

“Teachers work to make sure that they are giving their students the best opportunities possible — every lesson, every day,” Mrs Morrow said.

“Going hand-in-hand with that responsibility is the connection a teacher makes with each student.

“Learning occurs when connections are genuine and care is evident. These are the hallmarks of Mr Jarvis’ time at St Rita’s.

“He loved to extend the girls and always would encourage them to have an open mind on issues.

“He would push for the girls to be worldly — that is to know what was going on in the world and to have an opinion about world affairs.

“He has always been and remains passionate about young people participating in our government and understanding issues that will affect not only their lives but the lives of others.

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“He has a strong belief in understanding content and using that understanding to think critically … to think in novel ways, be self-directed and to always question why you think what you think.

“He wants his students to have the ability to think about important issues and to always come from a position that is informed by research.”

In his final address to staff, students and many alumnae at the assembly, Mr Jarvis said he “absolutely loved being here” for the students at St Rita’s.

“What I’ve loved most about my time is the amount of laughter,” he said.

“People ask me why I am so happy, and I say it’s because I spend most of my days laughing.

“What I wish for you all is good relationships and the guts to always stand up for what is right.”

College vice-captain Grace Egan, who was also a member of Mr Jarvis’ Pastoral Care group, spoke on behalf of the students, thanking him for his insight, wisdom and sense of humour.

“It feels surreal to be saying goodbye to a teacher who has been here not just for all our time, but for almost 40 years,” Miss Egan said.

“How lucky we are to have been taught by a man of such calibre and knowledge.

“Not only does he passionately teach within the classroom, Mr Jarvis has always encouraged students to challenge the status quo, inspired them to experience the world, and to embrace life after school.”