By Derek Schlennstedt
Mount Dandenong Primary School has paid homage to John Burgan, after the Victorian Government recognised him for an astonishing 55 years of service to education.
On 21 July, more than 200 dedicated teachers were honoured for their service, with John being just one of two people in the state to have served 55 years in education – the bulk of which were at Mount Dandenong Primary School.
His children, Andrew, Caroline and Matt accepted the award on John’s behalf who was unable to attend the award ceremony due to a stroke in 2017.
Mr Burgan was at Mt Dandenong from 1981 until 2017 and had a huge impact on the school, including playing a central role in helping secure the ‘new’ school in the early 1990s.
The school took to Facebook to pay homage to the grade six and reading recovery teacher.
“John taught generations of Mount Dandenong Primary students and has always been a trusted provider of wisdom and guidance in our school community,” the school posted on Facebook.
Former teacher and Principal at Mount Dandenong Primary School, Wendy Britt reflected on her time with Mr Burgan and said he was someone who all teachers and students admired.
“I knew john in all sorts of roles,” she said.
“He taught both my sons who had him in grade 6 and they loved ‘burgo’ as they would call him.”
“I suppose he drifted in and out of teaching, but he loved it and he always came back.”
“He was fantastic as the reading intervention teacher helping the children who were struggling with their literacy and he was doing that up until he had his stroke …that was really his role.”
She told the Mail that as the grade six teacher at Mount Dandenong he would endeavour to make their graduation year feel ‘special’.
“He helped to make year six a special year, and then when he was no longer there those camps and productions that he had introduced continued on, because you didn’t dare drop them as they were so wonderful and everyone loved them.”
“I am lucky that I knew him as a colleague, but also because he taught my children and I know how much they admire him.”
John’s son Matt Burgan accepted the award with his brother and sister and spoke to the Mail about Mr Burgan’s love for teaching.
He said that his dad kept working right up until his stroke in 2017.
“He Taught at Mount Dandenong every year since 1981,” Matt said.
“Ultimately, he loved teaching kids; he just loved spending time and helping kids.”
