Toowoomba Fairholme College teacher John Sessarago to be remembered at special memorial

Fairholme College will hold a memorial service for beloved teacher John Sessarago, who died suddenly late last month. Read the tributes here:

Fairholme College teacher John Sessarago will be celebrated and farewelled at a special memorial this month, as tributes continue to flow for the beloved educator and photographer.

The school will hold the memorial service on February 20 from 5pm at its campus oval to honour Mr Sessarago, who died suddenly late last month at the age of 58.

Known for capturing students’ finest moments as Fairholme’s photographer, ‘Sess’ has been remembered as an inspiring and integral part of the school’s community.

He was also heavily involved in sport, having coached and mentored up-and-coming athletes including a 15-year-old Cathy Freeman.

Fairholme principal Dr Linda Evans paid tribute to the many hats Mr Sessarago wore during his career.

Late Fairholme College teacher John Sessarago with his two daughters.

“He was, sometimes simultaneously, primary school teacher, debating coach, college photographer, videographer, secondary physical education teacher, marketing and promotions team member, Australian world youth athletics coach, rugby coach, touch coach, athletics ‘tragic’,” she wrote in an obituary.

“He was a man who loved a good cap, and he wore many: metaphorically and literally.

“Sess was the man behind the camera at every event and every opportunity – keen always to be an observer, in the background, unobtrusive.

“It would be impossible to quantify how many shots he took over his 36 years at Fairholme – incorporated in his tally, are the countless weddings, formals, and family events he chronicled for staff, past students, and families.”

Dr Evans said Mr Sessarago was a “perpetual presence” at the school who was adored by students across the years.

“‘Above and beyond’ were his hallmarks (and) they led him to being a perpetual presence at school or school events, deeply interested in what was unfolding, keen to chronicle moments on camera and always holding students to high account in terms of contribution, attitude, and effort,” she wrote.

“He led with high expectations, tempered by a strong sense of fun and the most exceptional generosity.

“He had no favourites, but everyone felt they were his favourite, such was his gift for including all and listening, really listening.

“The John Sessarago effect is broad and wide and deep and so many are grateful to him and for him and will continue to be, long into the future.”

Born in Roma and educated in Toowoomba, Mr Sessarago attended both St Mary’s College and Downlands before studying education at what is now UniSQ.

He is survived by his wife Kristen and daughters Jaimee and Georgie, whom Mr Sessarago would refer to as “my beautiful girls”.

The memorial will be lifestreamed by Fairholme College, with the school reserving seat at the event for immediate family and loved ones.