Former student and teacher reunite for a lesson in teamwork

High performing staff

03 Feb 2025

(From left to right) Teachers Zac West and Alan Dick. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Augustine's Parish Primary School, Currumbin (2025).

As the school bells ring in 2025, St Augustine’s Parish Primary School Currumbin Waters welcomes a heartwarming reunion in its Year 6 classrooms.

Alan Dick, a long-serving teacher with an impressive 46 years at the school, will be sharing the teaching reins with Zac West—a former student of his.

Alan said, “Zac first entered my classroom as a high-spirited Year 7 student”.

“I remember Zac as a talented sportsman and a good lad from a wonderful family,” he said.

“It’s a full-circle moment for me.

“Seeing someone I taught return as a teacher is one of the greatest rewards of this profession.

“It’s a reminder of the lasting impact we have as educators.”

For Zac, the feeling is mutual.

“Alan was a great teacher—firm, fair, and always had a sense of humour,” Zac recalls.

“It’s exciting to work alongside him now.

“In racing terms, it’s like a trifecta: first being his student, then his mentee as a student teacher, and now part of his team.

“I am deeply honoured to get to work alongside Alan, who is a true legend in our school community.

“His dedication to teaching and the generations of students he has impacted is truly inspiring.”

Alan’s career at St Augustine’s Parish Primary School is deeply rooted in family traditions.

Having taught generations of students, he frequently encounters familiar faces.

“At every parent meeting, I ask how many were taught by me, and hands always go up,” Alan said.

“It’s wonderful to see families bringing their children—and now even grandchildren—back to St Augustine’s.

“This school has always been family oriented. It’s what makes it such a special place.”

Alan himself attended St Augustine’s Parish Primary School as a student, as did his four children, who’ve gone on to become educators, a doctor, and an electrician. His wife Karen was also the school’s chess coordinator for many years and now works as a Prep teacher aide.

Zac adds “walking back into the grounds brings back so many memories of going to school here”.

“The school turns 100 in 2026, and I feel honoured to be part of its legacy,” he said.

This year, Alan and Zac will also co-teach alongside Morgan Bartlett, another former student of Alan’s.

Alan adds, “it’s fantastic to work with young teachers—they bring fresh ideas and know how to build teams effectively.”

For more information about St Augustine’s Parish Primary School Currumbin Waters or to enrol click here.