Hundreds pay respect to passing of Pimlico State High School teacher

Hundreds have mourned the passing of a teacher described as the ‘heart and soul’ of Pimlico State High School.

Hundreds of past and present staff and students of Pimlico State High School have expressed their sadness and condolences at the passing of a school “legend”.

Denise Glasgow, a former Deputy Principal and staff member for 50 years, died this week after a long-term illness.

Posting on the school’s Facebook page, Executive Principal Joel Buchholz said Denise Glasgow was a passionate supporter of the school who had touched countless lives.

“Denise was more than a member of our school staff, she was an institution. She has been part of the fabric of our school community for decades and her legacy will live on well into the future,” Mr Buchholz said.

Townsville MP and former Pimlico High principal Scott Stewart said Denise was a “Pimlico legend”.

Denise Glasgow, former Deputy Principal of Pimlico High School, has died.

“I had the great privilege of working with Denise while I was a Head of Department and later as Principal of Pimlico State High School. As a Deputy Principal and a staff member for 50 years, Denise lived and breathed Pimlico. I can honestly say I’ve never met someone so dedicated to their school community,” Mr Stewart said.

More than a thousand people commented or reacted to the school’s post, with some describing her as “the heart and soul” of the school.

Denise Glasgow photographed with former Pimlico High principal Les Winkle at the school’s 50 year Anniversary Reunion dinner in 2009.

Mrs Glasgow was a finalist in last year’s TEACHX awards and was the driving force behind the school’s Music and Performing Arts Program.

She was also the Artistic Director of Pimlico Presents, the school’s annual concert and

led the North Queensland District Regional Instrumental Program for decades.

Under her leadership, the school was endorsed to have a Music Program of Excellence, giving students access into Queensland Conservatorium of Music programs, while school’s Symphony Orchestra and Senior Strings regularly competed and won State competitions.

She expanded the school’s Visual Arts and Languages curricular with many students achieving Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art and participating in language speaking competitions, Festival of One Act Plays and dance and choral eisteddfods.

She began as a French teacher at Kedron State High School before transferring to Pimlico.

She inspired a love for the French language through student language competitions, cultural festivals and by teaching students to cook French dishes.

She became the school’s Languages Head of Department before being made a Deputy Principal.

Mr Buchholz said Denise’s family and the school would provide further information about plans for a commemoration of Denise’s remarkable life.

Originally published as Hundreds pay respect to passing of Pimlico State High School teacher