Teacher leaves “2nd home”

When he began work at Ōrewa College as a new teacher in 1978, Rex Trebilco had no idea that he would still be there more than 40 years later.

The roll at the time was around 400-500, and he joined a small, tightly knit group of teachers who needed to be multi-taskers – as well as teaching biology and science, Rex coached rugby and was in charge of athletics and boys’ cricket.

In 1982 the school began offering horticulture and Rex and the woodwork teacher built greenhouses and raised beds. Rex was happy to add horticulture to the mix and taught it alongside his other subjects for 30 years, until lack of student interest saw the end of the course – something he describes as “very disappointing”.

Rex will retire at the end of this term, breaking a connection with the college that spans 45 years.

In that time, he has seen a lot of change, from an increasing reliance on the internet rather than text books, to enormous growth – the current roll is 1990.

He found the transition to digital learning a massive challenge, but says he adapted to it.

Students have also changed, he says.

“There is a lack of personal discipline and respect for others, which the school is continually working hard to address,” Rex says.

Having said that, he says he has had few disciplinary issues in his classes – “I use a bit of ‘old school’ firmness, and I care about the way the kids feel,” he says. “I still have a rapport with students, even though I’m an old fella, and a lot of ex-pupils have stayed in touch over the years.”

One of the biggest rewards has been seeing kids succeed academically.

“The bottom line is that we are there to help students take whatever their next step may be. It was always important to me that students do well in exams.”

Deciding to retire was not easy, having spent two-thirds of his life at the school.

“I never intended to stay that long, but I’m glad I did. I’ve worked with some amazingly talented and dedicated people and the stability of it has really helped over the years.

Rex has lived on the Coast since 1980, built a home in Red Beach and raised his children here. He loves the area and will remain here in retirement.

“I’m not sure what the next few years hold – the process of leaving is hard, but you don’t want to go on too long.”

Many farewells – In total, 7 teachers are retiring from Ōrewa College this term, with over 200 years’ of service to the school in total. The others leaving are: Sorrel O’Leary, Teacher in Charge of Spanish, 21 years. Sue McCarthny, Deputy Principal, 23 years. Meryl Howell, Head of English Department, 22 years. Bruce Hume, Head of Science Department, 37 years. Gavin Fitzhenry, Second in charge of English Department, 22 years. Dianne Sinclair, Dean and Textiles Teacher, 37 years