mmg.com.au

Much-loved Deniliquin High School science teacher Bruce Crothers has retired.

Mr Crothers, who was generally happy to be called Bruce by his pupils, says he has ‘‘no regrets’’ from his 30 years at Deni High.

The 55 year-old said he stayed in Deniliquin for so long because of the ‘‘great school’’ and ‘‘lovely students’’.

‘‘It was a safe town for my kids to grow up in.

‘‘There’s lots of opportunities for extracurricular activities.

‘‘I stayed because of the exceptional staff and the support I have received from my colleagues, and the rapport you have with colleagues because you’re in a small country community.’’

But it was the ‘‘way the local community accepted me as one of their own’’ that had the biggest impact on Mr Crothers.

‘‘There would be very few families in Deniliquin that I have not taught a brother, sister, mum, dad, etcetera ... I like that.’’

Mr Crothers was born in Tocumwal and educated at Finley High School and later the University of NSW.

He was school captain and Dux of Finley High, so the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree with his son, Mathew, also Dux and school captain at Deni High.

Throughout his time in Deniliquin Mr Crothers has been involved with the Blighty Football Club, Deniliquin Soccer Club and Little Athletics.

‘‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Deniliquin and have made a lot of very close friends along the way, which I will always cherish.

‘‘I have no regrets about staying in Deniliquin for 30 years. It has all been positive,’’ said Mr Crothers, who has no plans to leave the town he loves.

He plans to ‘‘have a break’’ before seeking local employment.

‘‘I want to relax for a while and then try and find employment to keep me amused after I get my house the way I want it.

‘‘I’ll travel to see family in Geelong and friends on the coast if they don’t get sick of me visiting,’’ he laughed.

‘‘Being on your toes all the time and trying to keep up with the way young minds think has been the hardest part of teaching.

‘‘Also getting to make great friends and then they move on, for good reasons.

‘‘Thanks to all the people in Deniliquin.’’

Mr Crothers has three children — Matthew, Hayley and Ryan — and he is also a grandfather.