Yenda Public School farewelled an icon on Friday afternoon as veteran teacher Richard Turner wrapped up a 37-year career in teaching.
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Teaching staff, students and community members paid tribute to Mr Turner’s years of teaching at a community picnic held in his honour, a mark of respect for a man held in high-esteem in education circles.
“He has been an excellent classroom practitioner and an outstanding assistant principal and a supervisor to many young and experienced teachers,” Duncan Adams said on Monday, having taught with Mr Turner for nine years at Griffith North Public School. “Everyone that comes across him holds him in such esteem and regard.”
A “Mr Miyagi” of the teaching community Mr Turner’s mentoring to was invaluable to many teachers irrespective of their experience, according to Mr Adams.
But his efforts for others during his career didn’t stop in the classroom or in the staffroom, with Mr Turner also one of the longest standing drivers behind PSSA sport in the area.
It was a time consuming commitment he was dedicated to honouring for decades, according to Griffith PSSA president Geoff Simms. “He has been involved in all levels, running carnivals not only in Griffith and the Riverina but at state, he is very well thought of in PSSA circles,” Mr Simms said. “Well respected and a really good bloke.”