Mark Sheridan, a respected primary school teacher, is set to retire after an impressive career spanning over 50 years. His final day in the classroom will be on September 26, 2023, marking the end of a journey that began when he received a letter informing him of his first teaching position in Orange, New South Wales.
Reflecting on his early career, the Mudgee native recalled his initial reaction to the job offer. “Oh my god, that’s a cold place,” he thought at the time. Yet, what he discovered in Orange was a community that offered warmth and support, far surpassing any fears about the chilly winters.
During his time at boarding school in Sydney, Sheridan found the rural lifestyle appealing. He noted that Orange “fitted everything” he wanted. The convenience of a ten-minute drive to work was a particular highlight for him. He began his teaching career in 1975 at the old De La Salle campus, followed by a three-year stint in Blayney. Despite contemplating job opportunities elsewhere, he ultimately returned to Orange to work at St Joseph’s Primary, a decision he considers pivotal for his career.
Sheridan recalls the early days of teaching as quite different from today. “I remember getting a pile of exercise books, a piece of chalk and being told to go for it,” he explained, noting the lack of structured guidance on teaching methods and programs. Nevertheless, he thrived in this environment, dedicating himself to shaping the minds of hundreds, if not thousands, of students over the decades.
A strong advocate for the importance of connection in education, Sheridan emphasized that successful teaching relies heavily on the relationships fostered with students. “A lot of the school system is down to the way you interact with children,” he stated. He found that these connections often emerged through sports and other engaging activities. “If you don’t have connection, it can be hard.”
In 2012, when St Joseph’s merged with Sacred Heart Infants School to form Catherine McAuley, Sheridan remained a constant presence, continuing to nurture generations of students. As his retirement approaches, he admits that the decision was not an easy one. He expressed a deep love for teaching and connecting with students, stating, “I never really wanted to be out of the classroom because I enjoyed it so much.”
With mixed emotions reflecting on his impending retirement, Sheridan feels ready to close this chapter of his life, saying, “I’ll be happy to close this book and maybe start a new one.” When asked for parting words of wisdom for his former students, his smile broadened. “I talk too much as it is,” he joked, revealing the warmth and humor that have made him a beloved figure in the classroom.
Mark Sheridan’s retirement signifies the end of an era for the Orange community, where his impact on education and the lives of students will long be remembered.
