Retired teacher shares his knowledge

After a long and happy career working as a school teacher and principal, Barry Finch is continuing his love of being in the classroom by tutoring several courses at Bribie Island’s University of the Third Age (U3A).

With his main passions being Australiana, English, geography and history, Barry enjoys sharing his knowledge with others who are keen to learn.

“I am a proud Australian with a sense of humour, which is a bit dry at times, so that’s why I teach a course called A-Z of Aussie Myths, Legends and Humour,” Barry says.

“The course outline is based on a book written by Bruce Elder, which looks at different myths, traditions, and facts that make up Australia’s rich past, diverse culture, and vibrant character.

“We also look in depth at some of Australia’s most famous places and people.”

As outlined in his course notes, some of the topics that students delve deeper into include works by famous Australian artists, cartoonists, poets and singers, famous place names, “Aussie Etiket” by author John O’Grady, Aussie colloquialisms, Aussie paraphernalia, things Australia is famous for, plus much more.

Other courses Barry teaches include Around Australia - which is based on his own personal trip around the country and looks at the history, geography, people, and products in each state and territory - as well as Australian history, poetry writing, and the social and cultural history of Australia.

“I have lots of different subjects in my background from the time when I was a teacher,” Barry explains.

“Initially, I wanted to be a builder and a carpenter, but I got a kick in the bum from my father and headmaster who told me I was going to secondary college, so I ended up going to secondary school.

“Because my father was a police officer and not on a big wage, I got a scholarship which helped pay my fees.

“Once I started teaching, I really enjoyed it and became quite good at it. “I was a good teacher, so I got promoted to principal.”

Barry started as a class teacher at a school at Indooroopilly in 1958, where he had a class of 52 students.

The following two years he taught there also had classes with more than 50 students.

From there, Barry was moved to a one teacher school in Kingaroy with 13 children in eight grades.

“At the time I boarded on a dairy farm and I would help them out in the morning and evening.

“After breakfast I would duck down to school and write everything up on the blackboard, because with students in eight different grades, you had to do a lot of preparation.”

Saying he “has got Queensland covered”, Barry also taught at schools in Mundubbera, Mt Sylvia, Talwood, West Mackay, and Allora.

He retired at the age of 55, and after travelling to England to play cricket in a “Golden Oldies” cricket competition for a week, he returned home to finish building his house, which allowed him to live out his dream of working in the construction industry for a brief time.

He also tutored students for a number of years.

Barry also relishes being a student at U3A, taking art classes.

“I do pencil drawing and acrylic paintwork at home – the walls are covered in my drawings and paintings,” Barry says.

Have fun and stay active at the same time

With a wide range of courses available, Bribie Island U3A is a fantastic way for retirees to have fun, keep active (both physically and mentally), learn new skills, and meet new friends.

Whatever your interest is, there is sure to be a course for you.

Many of the courses are based around art, craft, culture, dance, discussion groups, environment and science, genealogy, geography, health and fitness, history, languages, literature, music, photography, sports and outdoor activities, table games, and technology.

Alternatively, you could enquire about teaching your own course where you can share your knowledge with others.

Each term is run at the same time as a school term.

For more information, phone 3408 1450 between 8.30am-3.30pm weekdays during school terms, or visit the website.

Bribie Island U3A is located at the U3A Recreation Hall, 156A First Ave, Bribie Island.