Echo News Echo News
By Morgan de Smidt
THIS month La Salle College celebrated the tireless work of a local legend as he entered retirement.
Peter Elloy is wrapping up 50 years of teaching at the school and said he is experiencing a mix of emotions embarking on his next chapter.
“It will take a long period of adjustment, La Salle is like a home away from home,” Mr Elloy said.
He undertook his teacher training at St Xavier College, Kolkata in 1969 before starting at La Salle College in 1972 teaching lower school English, mathematics, humanities and social sciences and religious education.
Many may wonder why he chose to stick out his job for so long, but Mr Elloy said he’s never had a dull day at school having held positions as year coordinator, head of department for general studies and even deputy principal during his time at the college.
“Every one of the principals have given me the opportunity to serve in an administrative role and that has made life very interesting,” he said.
“Coming from India it is like a culture, if you are happy in that job you stay in that job.
“There is a special culture in La Salle College where staff and students are encouraged to be caring and treat each other with respect, it has made teaching in this environment very enjoyable.”
He said the most important lesson he learnt throughout his career was about dignity.
“If you treat students with respect and understanding, you will gain their respect and confidence and quite often they are looking for someone to talk with them and listen.”
As one of Catholic Education Western Australia’s longest serving employees with an accrued 40 years of sick leave, Mr Elloy’s commitment to his students is unwavering, so much so he plans to return to La Salle next year and volunteer one day a week.
