Over 37 years, Tim Morris (OM 1981) has made an extraordinary contribution to the life of Melbourne Grammar School, from his first role as a boarding tutor in his early twenties to his time as a sporting coach, Head of three Houses, and a valued member of the Senior School Executive.
He will retire at the end of this year.
Finding joy in participation
Tim says he still remembers his first lesson as a Melbourne Grammar teacher: a double Year 11 Politics class. “Those 75 minutes felt like a long time, but I loved teaching right from the start,” he says. “My ambition was never to be a Headmaster, but trying to do the best I can for the students in my care has always been important to me.”
“I learned enthusiasm from my teachers when I was a student at Melbourne Grammar,” Tim adds. “From the moment I commenced in Year 7, I was advised to be as involved as possible – to be part of it all.”
Having clearly taken this advice to heart in his professional life, Tim’s roles have included Head of Bruce, Perry, and Morris Houses, Morris being his own House during his student days. He has also served as Head of Staff Development and been part of the Old Melburnians Council. All this alongside his work as Teacher in Charge of Athletics and Football, and Manager of 1st XI Cricket, where Tim has made some of his most significant contributions.
“I cannot stress how important his support for coaches and students has been,” said Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School Ben Hanisch when announcing Tim’s retirement. “Members of any team Tim was involved in respected his organisation, knowledge, and interest in their wellbeing.”
A guardian of Melbourne Grammar history
Having missed only one APS athletics final since 1978 and kept meticulous records of every result since 1991, Tim’s passion for our School’s sporting history is clear. “Some of the most exciting moments were the sporting wins, especially when we won our first athletics premiership in 48 years in 2010,” Tim says. “In football, my stand-out moment were the three premierships: in 1995, and especially when I was Teacher-in-Charge in 2008 and 2013. The 1st XI Cricket team’s undefeated run in 2022 was also a clear highlight.”
Tim plans to transfer his meticulous sporting records to the School Archives during the next few months, before beginning a new chapter. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren, and playing golf, but seeing students and colleagues every day is something I’ll really miss,” he says. “As a teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to see what good people our students are, and it’s the relationships I’ve built with them that I’m most proud of.”
