Ozcloggie was the username selected when connecting to the internet, in 1996, to represent nationality and background. Born in Gouda, the Netherlands, in 1943, during German occupation and therefore living through the so-called "hunger winter" of 1944, the predisposition to aspire to be a teacher seemed to be in the genes. The principal of the Jan Ligthartschool, attended, as a primary school student, was a cousin of grandfather, Jan Mul. The class teacher, years 3 to 6, was a role model, who arranged for the purchase of a small piano-accordion and provided some basic lessons shortly before the departure to Australia, at age 12, on the ship, the Johan van Oldenbraneveldt. After a few months of 6th grade, primary school, in Scheyville Hostel and Matraville Public School, South Sydney Boys Junior High School, beside the Town Hall, Randwick was where, in spite of still needing to learn to understand and speak English, Latin, French, Physics, Chemistry and Woodwork were the subjects. In 1959 Maroubra Bay High School was opened and a majority of students, along with the teaching staff were transferred there.
In 1962, once again, it was a matter of being among the 'pioneers', of an educational institution. This time Wollongong Teachers College.
In 1964, while cheekily hoping that Riverstone would be considered to satisfy the mandatory "country service", 37 years of teaching primary pupils commenced, at the public school there. Transfer to Maude-via-Hay followed and thence Bourke Intermediate High School. Application to enroll in the Art Teachers Conversion Course was successful and this also meant being appointed as close to home, in Eastlakes, as possible. At Mascot Public School the first promotion was achieved, being placed on "List One".
Having spent much of the teenage years in Bob Potter's Ballroom Dancing Studio (where the film "Strictly Ballroom" was later planned), and attending the art teachers conversion course, was an opportunity to encourage expression through art and dance, by the pupils. Having been taken, as a small boy, weekly to soccer games, in Gouda, coaching soccer, at school, was another major interest.
In order to be appointed to promotions positions, there were a number of transfers from school to school, all within the south-eastern suburbs of Sydney, after Busby West Public School. Multiculturalism, in the late 70s provided opportunities to be a member of syllabus committees- Dutch, for the Department of Education, NSW. There was also a short, unsatisfactory 'stint' as "Co-ordinator of Multicultural Education Resources, through the Child Migrant Education Centre, in the Department of Special Programs. (A title which seems so amusing because it was a position, out-of-my-comfort-zone, which needed to be built up. I MISSED being a "chalky".)
Being back in the classroom, at Georges Hall Public School, with three soccer teams to 'coach', I was back on track, with a shaky start. I also met the mother of my children there. Milperra, Busby West, provided opportunities to enjoy coaching soccer; teach art and dancing, in addition to the basic subjects.
Again somewhat out of my depth at the next school, I certainly enjoyed the last 11 years, at Jannali East, with the normal ups and downs of life and work.
When "multiculturism" 'arrived', while the deployment was not a success, being able to broadcast programs in the Dutch language, via SBS' 2EA, was a wonderful 'hobby' and interaction with the Dutch-Australian heritage was revived. There was even a year of being chairman ('president') of the Netherlands Society in Bankstown. Via the University of New England, as an external student a 'Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Multicultural Education) was achieved. Many in-service courses were attended on a similar theme. A Masters study was started twice but caring for elderly parents became more and more intense, slightly early retirement and dropping out of these courses was the result.
Retired, there was time and opportunity to become involved in "Dutch-Australian" matters again. While deciding NOT to join the Dutch Australia (Cultural) Centre twice, eventually I did join and joined the board. Also, later, the board of the Federation of Netherlands Societies. Have since left the DACC but am still a board member of the Federation of Netherlands Societies.
While being sole carer, another means of remaining occupied and using 'skills', was to join the Free Beach Association of New South Wales, where my (very basic) understanding of setting up a website and producing newsletters was appreciated and for a number of years we promoted naturism, until the FBAofNSW was disbanded.
A highlight, for me was celebrating my 65th birthday with an exhibition of 62 oil paintings, at the Tap Gallery, Darlinghurst. ]]http://ozcloggie.com
Now located in Ramsgate