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22 December, 2021

Trinity Bay SHS says Farewell Mr Woodcock

After 37 years of dedication to the students, staff, parents, and school community of Trinity Bay State High School (SHS), Mr Martin Woodcock is taking the next step in his career and leaving Trinity Bay hopeful yet nostalgic.

By Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

Mr Martin Woodcock with the school community at Trinity Bay as they wish him farewell. Photo by Isabella Guzman
Mr Martin Woodcock with the school community at Trinity Bay as they wish him farewell. Photo by Isabella Guzman

Mr Woodcock called time on his school career and is moving to his next challenge in a regional capability development role.

The school community prepared to say goodbye to him on December 10 with an emotional ceremony to honour his legacy and passion for education. 

After moving from his home and family in Adelaide, Mr Woodcock started his teaching career at T-Bay in 1984 as a humanities teacher. 

He recalled the school in those days was not quite as well-resourced as it is now. 

“I had to teach a class of students in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies underneath C block – there were too many students and not enough classrooms, so we just had to make the best of the situation,” Mr Woodcock said. 

“Forget about air conditioning; we didn’t even have walls for those lessons…but every student successfully passed the subject.” 

In 37 years of service, Mr Woodcock served as a teacher and the Humanities Subject Master, then moved to the role of Deputy and finally led the school as Principal. 

“My strongest memories and proudest moments are linked to the amazing staff that I have had the privilege to work beside, as well as being trusted to educate the incredible students at Trinity Bay SHS”. 

On the morning of December 10, the school community came together to say goodbye and thank him. 

Mr Woodcock walked one last time with his students, current and past, and many of his colleagues as they celebrated his achievements and thanked him for his efforts over decades of service with a traditional cultural farewell. 

Mr Woodcock, his colleagues and the students were visibly moved as they walked to the theatre where he would be honoured for the last time at Trinity Bay SHS. 

The Trinity Bay SHS staff also said goodbye and good luck with a celebration where Martin’s dedication and humble personality were acknowledged and praised. 

Though Mr Woodcock is leaving Trinity Bay, he will always be a much-loved member of the T-Bay family. His contributions and leadership have left a lasting legacy of excellence for future students, staff and community members.

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