MR COLLY P CONNECTED WITH CUPPA
A FRIEND to generations of Geelong Grammar students — including Prince Charles — who guided them through their formative years.
The life of longtime teacher Michael Collins Persse was recounted yesterday at a memorial attended by about 800 people at the Corio school.
In a message delivered on his behalf by Victorian Governor Linda Dessau, Prince Charles recounted the friendship he developed with Mr Collins Persse and the “gift” of his tutelage.
“Years ago I observed that Michael must surely qualify as one of Australia’s national treasures,” his message read.
“Now that his long and distinguished life and service to others has come to an end, I can only reflect anew on what a truly national treasure he was.”
“Mr Colly P’s” sharp wit, caring nature and endless knowledge was often shared over tea and biscuits with students to “shine a light on the possibilities within them”, the crowd gathered heard.
As a procession of speakers recounted their memories it was clear his 86 years was a life well lived and one with love at its centre.
In June he lost a long health battle that brought to an end 63 years of service at Geelong Grammar, where the archive room is now named in his honour.
In his later years, the crowd heard, he wrote to birthday cards to students and his Christmas card list was so extensive he would start writing them months earlier.
After growing up in outback Queensland, Mr Collins Persse was educated at the Kings School, Parramatta and Balliol College, Oxford University.
He became a Year 12 teacher at 24 and it is with that students credited his ability to connect with them.
In 2015, Mr Collins Persse was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen for his services to the heir apparent.
And last year, for his services to secondary education, and to history, Mr Collins Persse was honoured with an Order of Australia alia Medal.
An accomplished author, thor, Mr Collins Persse has almost single-handedly y documented more than n 100 years of Geelong Grammar history.
He leaves a “palpable legacy” following the establishment of a scholarship in his honour. At the time of his death the fund had grown to more than $1.8 million following donations and a $500,000 contribution from Geelong Grammar. Four ur Michael Collins Persse scholars are continuing his legacy at the school this s year.