SW grammar school farewells head

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School is losing a stalwart with the retirement of deputy head Andy Cowan from his role of 20 years.

Mr Cowan has been at the school since 1988 and has also served as the secondary school head for several years.

But the school won't lose the valuable staff member completely - Mr Cowan plans to return to teaching part-time in 2016 after taking long-service leave.

"My real love is teaching so I've always made sure I taught as well," he said.

"It's really important as it keeps you in touch with students and they get to see you as more of a person."

Mr Cowan moved to Australia in 1988 for the job after meeting Grammar's headmaster - also from his native Zimbabwe - the year before.

He has also been the school's head of science and boarding during his 27 years of service.

Mr Cowan believes technology has provided the biggest change in teaching since he started.

"There has been tremendous change and the biggest has been the impact of technology of classrooms," he said.

"When I left boarding in 1996, we didn't have a mobile phone in the whole school.

"The kids haven't changed, though.

"They're all looking for the same thing - good relationships, good role models and teachers they respect."

Mr Cowan will step down at the end of term two before travelling around Europe and also to England to watch this year's Rugby World Cup.

He was grateful for everything the school - and Australia - had given him.

"I consider myself very privileged to have worked in this school and met many wonderful people," he said.

"I've enjoyed working with some wonderful young people and I'm not pessimistic about the young people of today.

"I'm very confident they will rise to the challenges of the future."