Adapted from the writing of Jan Hales

On September 14, 2021 Max Morris passed away quietly in his home at Warrigal Bundanoon. After a lifetime of adventure and achievement, one of the foundational members of the TIGS community quietly found his peace with God. 

Max joined The Illawarra Grammar School as Science Master in 1964 shortly after the School’s opening. Previously, Max had taught at several schools in East Africa before settling in Wollongong. Teaching under Rev. Bosanquet, Max was known as a disciplinarian in his early days, affectionately referred to as the “ogre of the science labs”. However as the school became co-educational and the pedagogy of teaching became better understood, his approach softened considerably.

From the beginning Max was deeply involved with the School, he was instrumental in the design and development of the science labs and his vision for the future helped TIGS to become the success it is today. 

In 1978, while completing his Masters in Education, Max was responsible for introducing a student centered learning approach to the School, moving away from the days of teacher focused learning. Max was also one of the early champions of multimedia learning, for which he received government funding in 1977 to research its application in schools.

During his 25 years at TIGS, Max held several positions including: Acting Headmaster, House Teacher of Aranda and President of the Staff Association. He was also recognised by students and teachers alike as a great teacher.