The Chevalier College community has paid tribute to teacher Fred Duncan, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly recently.
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Principal Chris McDermott said Mr Duncan joined the staff of Chevalier College in 2011 and quickly became a valued member of the school community.
"A teacher of science and religious education, he quickly endeared himself to students and staff," McDermott said.
"Some recall him as being quirky, others deeply caring but the overwhelming sentiment was that he was a faith-filled man who was heart-centred.
"This was particularly important for a school owned and conducted by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart."
Outside of the classroom, Mr Duncan was also a successful basketball coach.
"He was always keen to work with teams that had potential and needed that 'something different' to help them believe in themselves," Mr McDermott said.
"Fred was very proud of the day his team won the ISA competition after many years of hard work. Fred genuinely loved kids - an essential ingredient for any teacher.
"The college community was in shock when it heard the news of his sudden and unexpected passing and the community will be grieving for some time to come. May he now rest in the arms of the angels."
Students, teachers and staff have remembered the late teacher across the school grounds and on the sporting fields.
This included players from the Chevalier College 14s and 16s soccer teams, who had a minute's silence for Mr Duncan.
Year 12 student Finn Lowden said his former homeroom teacher motivated him and other students at the school.
"Here at Chevalier College, we have so many teachers who dedicate themselves to their work, family, friends and students all driven and powered by love. Mr Duncan was more than that," Finn said.
"Seeing him every day in home room is what really motivated myself and other students to wake up in the morning and to have a full day of school being fully enlightened by his fun, silly and motivating presence.
"Everyone who experienced Mr Duncan's personality instantly adored him because of the love he had for every individual he came in contact with.
"Now he has finally met the man he has been praying to his whole life. He will be missed here on earth."
