Teacher's passion is infectious
GUIDANCE, knowledge and years of expertise are a few characteristics teachers pass on to their students and for one Warwick State High School teacher it has been an incredible 30-year journey.
Science teacher Stuart Watt has been a member of the WSHS teaching family since 1982 and has not looked back since.
"In some ways moving to Warwick just happened," Mr Watt said.
"Before moving here my wife and I really enjoyed the normal 3-4 year stints at different schools but when I got here I realised what a good school it was to teach at and have been here ever since."
Throughout his years at WSHS and his previous schools Mr Watt has been passionate about what he taught his students.
"I teach science and maths but especially have a passion for science - I'm a trained geologist," Mr Watt said.
"I have found from experience that if the staff aren't passionate or interested in what they are teaching then neither are the kids.
"At WSHS they have good academic standards and enthusiastic staff over the years which have lead to the many students' achievements we have had."
Over the past three decades, Mr Watt has watched some aspects of the school grow and evolve and some stay the same.
"In general I don't see any difference in the students - the vast bulk of them are still good honest people, interested in their work and take pride in their achievements," he said.
Mr Watt, who will retire at the end of the year, said he could not recall one defining moment from his time at WSHS.
"There is no single moment but probably the ones that will come back to me will happen this weekend when students come back to say thank you for the benefits of the school," he said.
"I remember one particular student who later came up to me in Brisbane and said 'thank you'."
