John Hawley: Ex Rosebank College principal, tributes after death

A much-loved inner west former school principal has died, leading to a flood of tributes from his pupils, parents and the community.

Students, teachers and members of the community are in mourning after a much-loved former inner west principal died at the weekend.

Former Rosebank College principal John Hawley has been remembered for his “firm” yet kind nature after decades influencing the lives of young people as a dedicated educator in Sydney.

Simone Jordan, who was taught by Mr Hawley in the 1990s at the Five Dock private school, said he changed her life as a positive male role model.

“This news has brought a stream of tears to my eyes Mr Hawley believed in me, with tough love, from day one,” she said.

John Hawley oversaw a transformational period at the school during his 24 years. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Hawley with students in the 1990s.

“He accepted me into the Rosebank College family after I had been unfairly dismissed from another school, pushed me to be great in every way, including that one time he forced me to swim at the carnival knowing how much I hated it.

“I’ll never forget popping my head up only halfway through one lap, somehow thinking it was done, and there he was yelling at the top of his lungs at me to keep going.”

Mr Hawley was appointed the first “lay” principal of Rosebank in 1981 after it transformed from a school run by nuns and priests to a private boarding school.

He then oversaw its transition to a full coeducation secondary school in the 1980s before left in 2001.

The college has credited Mr Hawley with steering the school toward the arts during his tenure after conceiving and building Ottilien Hall which houses the Benedict Auditorium.

Reid MP Fiona Martin with former Rosebank College principal John Hawley on election day in 2019.

“This man was one of the few positive male influences I’ve ever had, and I hope and pray he knew the effect he had on his students,” Ms Jordan added.

Reid MP Fiona Martin, who was a student at Rosebank College, had recently visited Mr Hawley and paid tribute to her former principal.

“You epitomised service to community and were a shining example for those who followed,” she said.

“When I was elected you shared your joy and whilst we differed on a few issues, I know you were genuinely happy for me.

“If I can be half the servant to my community that you were, I know I’ll have done a good job.

“My last visit to you was at your home, Rhonda was there caring for you. Our last words will guide me and your memory will live on forever.”

Rosebank College board chair Tara McCarthy, left, and principal Iris Nastasi, who said Mr Hawley was a “great servant to the community”.

The college will be hosting a memorial service for family, friends and members of the school community to celebrate Mr Hawley’s life at 6pm, May 21 at its campus in Five Dock.

“A great servant to both Rosebank and the greater community ... we are forever grateful for John’s dedication and vision,” Rosebank College’s current principal Iris Nastasi said.

Chair of the Rosebank board and past student of John Hawley, Tara McCarthy, also paid tribute to her former teacher.

“The Rosebank community lost a good Christian man of commitment, innovation, integrity and kindness in John Hawley,” Ms McCarthy said.

“John had many gifts as an educator and principal. He was a firm but fair leader who remembered every student’s name. He made a lasting impact on all of his students and staff.”

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