A life in firsts and lasts

In the early 1990s, John Guy stepped into a demountable building at Hunter Valley Grammar School, unsure of what lay ahead. The school was in its third year, its future uncertain, and its staff small enough to fit into a single room. 

Coming from Singleton High – a large, well-resourced school – John found himself in a place where even the viability of the school was under review.

“It was filled with trepidation. “I’d come from a school with 1,500 students. Suddenly, I was at a small school with limited resources and big questions about its future.”

His first role was as a Humanities teacher in the old C Block, teaching Geography and History in modest rooms with shared spaces. Despite the challenges, the staff were welcoming, professional, and determined to make things work.

“We had one overhead projector and one video recorder. Everyone wanted to use modern teaching methods, but you just had to make do.”

It didn’t take long for John to become a cornerstone of the HVGS community. He took on leadership roles as Head of Gloucester House and Head of Stage, and became a driving force behind the school’s pastoral care program. 

His belief in the potential of every student – especially during their most challenging moments – earned him deep respect.

Firsts that built a legacy

John’s career was marked by bold beginnings. 

He helped organise the School’s first overseas rugby and netball sports tour to Fiji with no mobile phones or email, just fax machines and determination. 

He led the first outdoor education camp at Skate Bay, where teachers were treated like students, hiking through the bush and cooking ration packs.

And he witnessed the surreal moment of the first Presentation Ball, when a bomb scare forced everyone – students in gowns, parents in black tie – into the carpark to cut the cake. Feeling more like Lord of the Flies, it is those moments that helped shape the School’s culture – resilient, resourceful, and united.

Lasts that leave a mark

After 33 and a half years, John’s final days were filled with reflection and celebration. 

His last Year 12 Economics class was particularly meaningful, with students sharing how his teaching had changed their career paths.

“Some students told me they’d discovered a passion for Economics. That was incredibly rewarding.”

The farewell assembly on 29 July 2025 – coincidentally his son’s birthday – was a humbling experience. Speeches from Heather Russell-McLaren (OAM), Principal Rebecca Butterworth, the House Captains, and video messages from past students brought home the impact he’d made.

And then came the moment that took him by surprise: the school rugby field being named in his honour.

"That was totally unexpected and deeply moving. It meant a lot.”

A legacy of integrity and optimism

When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, John is thoughtful.

“That I was consistent, engaging, and fair. That I helped build rugby’s profile, introduced programs like Driver Reviver, and contributed to a culture where staff and students supported one another.”

He’s seen the School evolve – from booking time on a single computer to the rise of BYOD and social media. He has seen former students return with their own children and others become HVGS teachers. And through it all, he’s remained a steadfast presence – ever-present at events, always advocating for students, and living the school’s motto: Success Through Endeavour.

Words to carry forward

As he steps into retirement, John offers this advice to those just starting out at HVGS:

“What you put in is what you get out,” he says. “Involve yourself fully. Treat everyone – staff, students, admin, maintenance – with respect and fairness. And always remember where the School came from. It was built on the shoulders of people who took big risks. That legacy is worth honouring.”