Mr Jon O’Dwyer has reached a milestone at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, marking 20 years in his role contributing to the school’s sporting programs and broader community. His two decades of service represent a substantial part of the School’s history and growth over its 25 years.
Mr O’Dwyer joined the school in 2006 and has held several leadership positions, including Head of Junior School, before becoming Head of Sport 13 years ago. Mr O’Dwyer’s loyalty, longevity and unwavering passion for supporting both his students and colleagues have made him a cornerstone of the School community. During his tenure, the school’s sporting facilities have expanded from modest beginnings, including a single basketball court with minimal equipment storage, to include a fully equipped gymnasium. A new sports oval, comparable in size to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is scheduled for completion within the next 12 months.
Before entering teaching, Mr O’Dwyer planned a career in sports administration and worked at the Barooga Sporties Club. His experience with young people inspired him to pursue teaching, leading him to return to university as a mature-age student in Sydney.
In his current role, Mr O’Dwyer has overseen the development of the school’s Sports Academy program for students in Years 7 to 10, which supports aspiring athletes while promoting participation and achievement across a range of sports.
‘When we go to interschool competitions and I watch our teams and individuals perform well, it gives me a lot of pride and satisfaction,’ he said. Students have recently achieved success at state level in sports including kayaking, gymnastics, athletics, and dance.
Reflecting on his career, Mr O’Dwyer encouraged aspiring teachers to focus on building strong relationships with students and to value the teaching journey.
