A tribute to HBHS Deputy Headmaster

Hamilton Boys' High School deputy headmaster Graham Robinson who passed away at the school on Saturday. Photo / Supplied

On Saturday morning Hamilton Boys' High lost one of its gems in Graham Robinson, who sadly passed away at the school after being apart of the staff there since 1990.

I was shocked at hearing the news and had to double and triple check that it was true. A Hamilton Boys' High school without Mr Robinson was an impossible thought to conjure.

After taking some time to take in the tragic news I realised that in a strange way it did not surprise me as to hearing where he had passed away, such was Mr Robinson's commitment to the school even on the weekends.

I had the privilege of having Mr Robinson as a teacher during 2009 in my first year at high school for the subject future thinking.

Before I had entered that first class I had only heard of brief rumours of "Robocop" Robinson. Strict and firm following every rule to the letter.

That was evident at my first future thinking class as he immediately called up students on their uniforms. This was more than just following the rules however, this was Mr Robinson beginning to shape boys into men.

His teaching style was unique in a way that he would make students think further than the present and looking to where you want to be in the future as a person.

He taught around the school's motto "a wise man carves his own fortune" and the school's crest which is a lion, a red sash and a star.

He would say the lion represents the body, the sash represents the heart and the star which represents mind of not just the school, but also us as men and to remember those representations further on in life.

My next encounter with Mr Robinson came during the weeks of winter. I would often be dropped off early and wandered around until my friends arrived.

On one Monday in term two Mr Robinson approached me and offered me his keys to unlock a classroom to sit in to keep warm, and to welcome any one else to come and stay warm which is where I met one of my best friends who I am still friends with today. His small act of kindness creating a friendship still strong today and leaving a lasting memory.

My last encounter with Mr Robinson was on my last day of high school in 2013. I was heading home after my last class of the year and bumped into him briefly, he still remembered me as the small football crazy year nine who would arrive early in the mornings.

His last words to me was possibly as classic as Mr Robinson as you could get.

"Good luck with your level three examinations Rowland, and pull that right sock up. You are still representing this school until you are home."

Mr Robinson's fortune was Hamilton Boys' High school which he helped craft into the school it is today for the past 27 years as deputy headmaster.

The surprise on students' faces as he sped through the water at house swimming in the teacher verses prefect race catching off guard everyone who had not seen him swim remains still one of my greatest memories of him.

Other memories include seeing him present at numerous weekend sport games always supporting students and his ability to organise over 400 students into a single line at the bus by simply approaching them and not saying a word. He never needed to raise his voice such was the respect for him,

He touched the lives of many students, parents and teachers and he was always helpful and took on roles when needed. He very much loved his school.

Tom Rowland is a staff reporter at Hamilton News