In a unique and surprise presentation, NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar, awarded Mosman High School’s Marie Johanson, one of his former teachers, with a certificate marking 50 years of service.

The school’s principal however, was also surprised, as Mr Dizdar unexpectedly presented her with a 50th anniversary certificate at a staff meeting on Wednesday 3 September.

Marie Johanson – the educator’s educator

Of the 9,000 service certificates Mr Dizdar has signed, Ms Johanson’s is the only one belonging to one of his former teachers.

“It’s just phenomenal to be able to go full circle with a teacher that I immensely admired,” Mr Dizdar said. “It means a lot to me to come out and surprise her with her 50 Year service certificate.”

Ms Johanson began her teaching career in 1973, specialising in Geography, History, and Social Sciences at Mitchell High School and Pendle Hill High School. In 1981, she joined Fort Street High School, where she was appointed Head Teacher in 1990.

It was at Fort Street that she taught Mr Dizdar, leaving a lasting impression on him.

“She was immaculately groomed, highly organised and could seamlessly instil classroom discipline and a love of learning,” he said.

“I'd watch her, and Mr Griffiths, Mr. Baker, Mr Sturm and Ms Draper all outstanding Social Science teachers and thought to myself I want to be like you.”

At Fort Street, Ms Johansson, who guided the school’s participation in the Law Society’s Mock Trial competitions, said many hours were spent in her office, surrounded by students working tirelessly on arguments and pre-trial notes, driven by a genuine curiosity about the law.

“Guiding students as they prepared cases was a deeply rewarding experience. I saw them develop critical thinking, teamwork, advocacy skills, and above all, a strong sense of social justice,” she said.

Ms Johanson’s retirement in 2010 only lasted a year, as she returned in 2011, taking up a position at Mosman High School She was “pleasantly surprised and pleased to be recognised by the service award” 14 years later.

“I feel the same as I did through my various stages of teaching,” Ms Johanson said, noting it’s the students that make teaching special.

“They're always changing. They make life interesting, and you can see them grow before your eyes.

“So many people come back and see you later in life, and I look at what those kids have achieved and I'm happy that they have achieved so much.”

Ms Johanson’s passion for teaching also makes her a role model to early career teachers.

“You must strive for the best and be willing to give your time to support those young people on their journey,” she said.

“A good teacher has to demonstrate a good manner in the classroom but also be warm with the students. When you treat them well, they will also respond and work well with you.”

In handing her the services certificate, Mr Dizdar noted that Ms Johanson not only invests in the students but also in the profession as a long-standing mentor.

“If you're an early career teacher and you land in a school with a Marie Johanson, you need to pick her brain because the first few years of teaching can be challenging,” he said.

Dr Susan Wyatt – principal at the heart of Mosman

Proudly leading Mosman High School for the past 20 years, and equally thrilled to receive a 50-year service certificate is Dr Susan Wyatt, a principal Mr Dizdar describes as phenomenal.

“Dr Wyatt has made this school a real beacon of public education in a very competitive market with lots of options for parents,” he said.

“It's a go-to school and I put that down to Dr Wyatt’s endeavour and drive. She's a very visible leader and I love that in our principals.”

Mr Dizdar said Dr Wyatt’s leadership was noted for her positivity and optimism and she had never lost sight of her science teaching background and her passion for that area.

Dr Wyatt commenced her teaching career at Hunter Girls High School in 1973 and has worked in comprehensive, selective and girls’ schools across Sydney before taking the helm at Mosman in 2005.

During her time at Mosman High School, she has initiated and enhanced a range of programs across arts, dance, music, drama, sport, and technology.

However, her greatest source of pride is seeing the school grow in enrolments and become the school of choice in the local community.

Reflecting on what it takes to be a good principal, she cites the need to be flexible, calm and enjoy engaging with students, parents and colleagues alike.

“An important part of being a principal is to instil those values that are important in our society – caring for others, respect and not to be quick to criticise,” Dr Wyatt said.

“Being supportive of others is something that I really try to instil in students – they should respect difference and do their best to support everyone in our society.”

Dr Wyatt also said a good school leader would want to make a difference and help every student to follow the right pathway for them, whether that it was university, TAFE or pursue an opportunity tin the workforce.

“You have to help each individual student, including letting them know that a chosen pathway doesn't have to be the final pathway,” she said.