43 Years of Dedication – John Wray’s Inspiring Career in Education

November 27, 2024

John Wray has been a valued member of the Santa Maria College community since 2001 and has served in various roles, including Head of Mathematics and Campus Dean. After an incredible 43 years of teaching, John has decided to retire. His love for teaching has had a lasting impact on the lives of students and the spirit of Santa Maria.

Earlier this year, John was recognised as a Mercy Award finalist for his outstanding dedication to one of our school’s core values: service. John’s passion for mentoring staff and creating a welcoming space for students has been at the heart of his work. Whether it was solving tricky problems, managing timetables, or lending a helping hand to others, John has always gone above and beyond.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with John, who shared his valuable insights and experiences with us.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in teaching, particularly Mathematics, and how has your passion for the subject evolved over the years?

I have always had a love of numbers and, hence, mathematics. I still remember learning to count with Cuisenaire rods in Year 1. Through the years of schooling, I had some wonderful teachers in all subjects who showed passion and dedication, and at the end of Year 12, I chose to study teaching. Over the last 43 years of teaching (19 of those in government schools), I have taught in a variety of schools both in the North West (Tom Price) and in Perth (Rockingham SHS, Hamilton SHS, Lakland SHS) and Santa Maria College (24 years). My greatest pleasure is when a student smiles and says I get it. Mathematics is challenging, and I hope my love of teaching has inspired the many students I have had to do their best.

Could you share some of the most memorable moments from your teaching career?

Over the years, I have held positions of Head of Year 10, Acting Deputy Principal, and Head of Mathematics (five years at Santa Maria) before becoming Campus Dean in 2006, where I spent 17 years. All roles provided me with many highlights and moments when I realised I could make a difference. It is very rewarding when you meet a student while walking through the shops who stops you and thanks you for making a difference in their lives. It reminds you as a teacher that you are teaching a subject and providing a guide to how to live a better life. The same applies to staff you have mentored and seen them go on to very successful careers. I remember my first week at Santa Maria in 2001; every student I passed smiled and said hello. It is still the same today and is one of the things I most admire about the students here.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey at Santa Maria?

I will miss being in the classroom teaching the wonderful students and the day-to-day interactions as you move around the College. Seeing students grow into young adults who will achieve is very rewarding. When I was Campus Dean, seeing the timetable run smoothly after the first two weeks of the year was extremely rewarding. It was very satisfying as you know how much you have tried to ensure all students and staff have exactly what they wanted. I have also worked with wonderful staff: administration, grounds and teaching, who make each day worthwhile, and I will miss the banter and collegiality. Over all the years at Santa Maria, I have witnessed the staff and students make this a wonderful place to be.

If you could share one piece of advice or a life lesson with your students, what would it be?

Never be afraid to challenge yourself. You can only learn what you are capable of if you take risks. I know I have taken chances in my career, and my world is richer for it.

How do you feel your time at Santa Maria has influenced both your professional and personal life?

I like to create and solve puzzles. In my role as Campus Dean, whether it was sorting out reliefs, planning carnivals or a new event, it was always about making it better each time. Obviously, I see the creation of a timetable as the biggest puzzle. We were one of the first schools to use Edval and further expanded it to the students, which had never been done at the time. The implementation of the Buswest service from one bus route and seven students with paper tickets to a service with four different routes, a smartrider system and 130+ students has been a highlight. Over the years, I have always been encouraged by fellow staff to try a different approach to improving the way the school operates. In the process, you develop lasting friendships, and I am in awe of the quality of staff, teaching and non-teaching at this school.

Beyond the classroom, what do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

Apart from being a long-term member of the Eagles, I spend my downtime playing lawn bowls and the occasional golf game, enjoying time with my two young granddaughters and trying to be a home handyman. I also enjoy reading a good book when I have the time.

CommunityImpact, Featured, JohnWray, mathematics, Retirement, SantaMariaCollege, SchoolLeadership

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.