“They say the mark of a man is the legacy that he leaves behind. In the case of John Alloway, the number of young men he has influenced, and lives he has changed, cannot be measured.” – Margaret Hodgson

A driving force in ensuring Catholic school students were able to represent Queensland in sport, John Alloway has left an outstanding legacy both at his school and state-wide.

The 72-year-old Ignatius Park College (IPC) Health and Physical Education (HPE) teacher, who still rides his pushbike to work and can be found lifting weights in the gym of an afternoon, is known for being engaged with students throughout the day and being a bedrock of the school, where he has taught for 42 years.

IPC Deputy Principal Margaret Hodgson says John has a strong rapport with all students and can get the best out of individuals.

“His ability to connect with all learners in his class, particularly the marginalised, is second to none,” Ms Hodgson says.

Under John’s leadership as the Head of Sport, Ignatius Park College has won the Melton Black Shield for Champion Sporting School in Townsville for about 40 years straight.

In his lessons, he differentiates for all levels and provides feedback that provokes deep, independent thought. The HPE teacher encourages life-long learning and models it in his own life.

“He embraces life as a journey of continual learning, and he is always looking to better himself. These key philosophies and qualities ensure that all learners in John Alloway’s class always get the very best,” colleague and football coach Christian Quabba says.

As Head of Sport, John oversees all sports carnivals and ensures they are run safely. A testament to John’s rapport with students is that every student, no matter their ability, competes in at least one event at school carnivals.

“John has taught boys confidence, how to give anything a go and, most importantly, how to be well-rounded young men who contribute to society,” Margaret says.

John has taught Senior HP&E since 1978, wrote the first Senior HP&E Program for Ignatius Park College and has written the program at school-level several times over the years as Faculty Leader. He is always lending a hand to beginning teachers and constantly passes on the latest developments in the sector to colleagues across the school.

As Sports Coordinator he ensures all sporting programs receive equal favour. For the past 20 years, John has assisted with the Rugby Union program and taken teams on tour to Europe for the last 18 years.

John also ran fundraising events, starting in 1978 and continuing until COVID-19 restrictions. This included the organising and running of for over 20 years for Townsville students. Funds were raised for teams and individuals so that, no matter their economic circumstances, they could participate and reach their full potential. Some of the funds would even go towards bread and spreads for the Toastroom where students have breakfast after early-morning training. John did not want students to go hungry with a full day of learning ahead of them.

John is a bedrock of the school community, having kept track of the achievements of many alumni and the many different career paths they have followed since graduation. Old Boys at reunions without fail will ask about John Alloway and share a story about him.

Congratulations John on being shortlisted for the TEACHX Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award.