Richard Morris Richard Morris is a stalwart of the College community. After studying economics at LaTrobe University he returned in 1971 to teach at Senior School. Morris became Master in Charge of Economics, then Head of the Business Studies Department. Since 1978 Morris has written many VCE U1-4 Economics textbooks. He was Head of Wettenhall House (1979-1992) and involved in the Rowing program.
When Morris returned to the College as a teacher in 1971, it was “more or less an accident.” The principal at the time, Peter Thwaites, was desperate for an Economics teacher and invited Morris to apply. Who would have guessed at the time that Morris would go on to spend his entire teaching career at the school?
In his first year, apart from teaching Economics, Morris was an Assistant Master in Mackie House and coached the U16B XVIII football team, which won the VH profit Trophy. Morris’s involvement in the Houses, sport and teaching would feature during many of his years at the school.
Morris was made Master in Charge of Economics in the late 1970s, and from the role has developed into Head of the Business Studies department. It is Morris’s interest and excellence in this subject, with his teaching, that he also began writing VCE Economics textbooks. In more recent years, Morris has also been the VET Coordinator.
Rowing would feature most once he was assigned as Master in Charge of Rowing in 1972. His experience as a student on the rowing team, influenced his willingness to be involved in the sport. For almost every year to the early 2000s, Morris was involved in some way with the Rowing program. He served as Master in Charge and coach. From 1986-1988 he coached the 1st VIII crews.
Moving from Mackie, Morris went on to be a tutor for Coles House, then in 1979 was appointed Head of Wettenhall House. A long time head of Wettenhall House, Morris would lead these students for 12 years to 1992. In his final year, the House Captain’s thanked Morris for his service, “During that time, Wettenhall has risen to be one of the strongest houses in the school, and it has only been through his continuous dedication to perfection and caring attitude towards his house members that this has been achieved,” (Pegasus 1992). Morris then became a tutor in Coles House, a position he has remained until recently.
In 2011, the year of the College’s sesquicentenary, Morris reflected on his time as a student, from Kindergarten to Form VI, and as a teacher.
“Several things stand out in my mind. The wonderful friendships, seeing students succeed both at school and beyond, the challenge of ideas, striving for excellence, the constant reappraisal of teaching methodology, the start of co-education, the Year 11 Economics choir and film expo nights, the presentation of crews and the annual Head of the River, coaching and organising rowing camps,” and much more. (
Ad Astra, June 2011)
Sources: Pegasus, Ad Astra, OGC 1963