Foundation Member stories
Our very first members share their stories (and wisdom!)
As part of our 70-year anniversary celebrations, we connected with 323 Foundation Members who joined us in 1954 and are still with Teachers Health today! We then travelled around NSW to meet seven of those members.
The stories we heard warmed our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. As we leafed through photo albums, viewed mementos and shared a laugh over coffee, we heard about simple but happy childhoods, teaching without textbooks, and the passions, loves and losses that have made our members’ lives so meaningful.
A huge thank you to John, Jean, Yvonne, Elaine, Bruce, Coralie and Nola for opening up your hearts (and homes) to share your wonderful stories with us – stories we will treasure forever.
Our first members on teaching, life and Teachers Health
From growing up without electricity to teaching classes of up to 60 students, our Foundation Members talk about their lives. Hear what made them choose teaching and why they’re still so loyal to Teachers Health.
Our first members on what they’d say to younger teachers
Share in advice and tips from those who’ve been there before you. Our six Foundation Members share their wisdom on what’s changed (and what’s stayed the same) since their days in front of the blackboard.
John Hodge (95), High School Principal
John Hodge loves maths and science, and got great joy out of inspiring his students to do the same. He also adores his wife Jean and their big family, and talks fondly about his teaching days and what keeps him so positive.
Elaine Borger (90), Head of Department
Having started teaching way back in 1954, Elaine says she still connects with many of her students today. She reminisces about how wonderful her teaching career was and the lasting satisfaction she got from being there for her students.
Yvonne Cains OAM (86), High School Teacher
Yvonne says teaching was rewarding in so many ways – not just through her students’ achievements but in the time she got to spend with them every day. Yvonne is also a highly accomplished Bridge Master, which she loves teaching and playing.
Bruce Rickard (94), Principal
Bruce says that he liked people and loved science, so teaching was the perfect choice of career for him. He got a real thrill out of helping his students (as well as flying planes!). When Bruce became a principal he missed the students so much he returned to casual teaching.
Coralie Richmond OAM (86), School Teacher
As well as being a teacher, Coralie was – and still is – an active member of the community. From being awarded an OAM, being a leader in the Salvation Army, a panel member at the Youth Koori Court, and being a JP, she spends her days helping others.
Nola Scott (92), School Teacher
Despite loving school as a child, Nola says she didn’t have the patience for teaching – but we find that hard to believe! She got great joy out of bringing up her two children with her (fighter-pilot) husband Bill. Today, Nola is a croquet grand champion and avid Wordler!
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