Tributes flow for former Bronte Public School principal Peter McCallum

Tributes are flooding in for much-loved former Bronte Public School principal Peter McCallum in the wake of his death, with the teacher’s sad passing being described as “a great loss” to the eastern suburbs community.

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A much-loved eastern suburbs educator is being remembered as “a great man” as the school he spent almost two decades at mourns in the wake of his death.

Tributes are flowing in for former Bronte Public School principal Peter McCallum, who died last week, three weeks after he and wife Audrey were honoured by Waverley Council with a plaque on the Bronte promenade recognising their decades of community service.

Mr McCallum spent 15 years as Bronte Public’s principal between 1984 to 1999, while also spending his spare time dedicating himself to causes such as the Waverley Community and Seniors’ Association and as a justice of the peace.

Though he never really left Bronte Public.

Peter McCallum receives one of Waverley Council's highest honours from mayor John Wakefield in May. Picture: Supplied.

“He was such a precious member of our community,” current principal Catherine Ryan said.

“(Up until a month ago) he was still volunteering his time each week to teach typing to Year 5 students on a Thursday morning.

“He’s a great loss to the community … he was such a great man and the best example of what a good citizen looks like.”

In May Peter and Audrey McCallum both received Waverley Council’s highest community volunteer honour — the ‘best of the best award’.

That gong was awarded to the McCallums after more than 30 years of volunteering at citizenship ceremonies, Anzac Day celebrations and their work with the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick.

Despite leaving Bronte Public 20 years ago, he remained a fabric of the school’s community, regularly visiting to offer any help, Ms Ryan said.

A packed ceremony as the plaque recognising the McCallums at Bronte was unveiled earlier this month. Picture: Supplied.

Peter McCallum (left) with wife Audrey. Mr McCallum is being remembered as tireless community volunteer in the wake of his death. Picture: Supplied.

Waverley mayor John Wakefield paid tribute to Mr McCallum’s tireless efforts over the years.

“Peter was a resident of Waverley for more than 40 years and contributed in both professional and volunteer capacities in our community,” he said.

“Together with his wife Audrey, he exemplified Waverley’s community spirit ... the plaque unveiling was a very proud moment for Peter and his family, and I cannot think of two more deserving people to be honoured.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors, and everyone at Waverley Council, we express our deepest sympathies to Audrey and Peter’s family. Peter will be sorely missed.”

Peter McCallum will be remembered at a funeral on Friday, August 30 at St Patrick’s Church in Bondi.

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