Vale – Frank Reid

Frank was a gifted Maths teacher, teaching to the most advanced level in the HSC, Maths Extension 2, also known as 4 Unit Maths, and only available in Year 12 of the HSC. He inspired students to perform to their highest potential and was a significant contributor to St Ursula’s achieving high overall results in HSC Maths. Frank was highly intelligent and personable with gifted children.

His interest in providing activities and support for talented Maths students led to his running a Program from Sydney University, assisted by the Maths Coordinator. It grew in popularity among local schools and at times they had 50/60 or more boys and girls doing challenging Maths for several hours after school. It was particularly fun one time when the power went out for some time in the lower A Block classrooms. They also provided afternoon tea for this group. It was a bit like doing loaves and fishes to make the little money they had to feed them all.

Frank was so passionate about teaching Maths he never finished a lesson on the bell. I remember a staff member getting very frustrated if she was timetabled into a room after Frank because he always kept her waiting!

Frank had a passion for and a love of music. He played the guitar and could sing well. During assembly one St Ursula’s Day he performed ‘When You Say Nothing At All’ in a soulful manner at a particularly poignant time in his life. Frank also composed and performed a song at a student’s funeral (the niece of a colleague). She had been in his Pastoral Care class for a short while and he was particularly caring towards her.

His dedication showed in all aspects of his own children’s education and sporting interests. Frank helped establish the St Ursula’s cricket team when cricket was introduced for Saturday sport. He assisted the PE staff with showing the girls how to bat properly and organised a practice game at Dowsett Park against the boys next door from De La Salle. A game he also umpired!

Frank was also a great mentor for the whole Maths staff over the many years he served as a friend and colleague. If you ever had difficulty with solving a problem he would help when asked. We always knew he was destined to study, teach and lecture at higher levels. We realised this when he shared the articles he wrote for ‘The Parabola’ magazine such as explaining the physics behind the reverse swing phenomenon of an aging cricket ball.

As a male teacher Frank fitted well into the positive ethos of St Ursula’s encouraging strong independent minded girls and women to flourish.

Frank embraced the Ursuline community wholly and is fondly remembered by all who knew him. We have all been enriched through knowing him.

Thank you Frank.

Maths Department Colleagues and Friends