2023 marks the end of Tempe High School Principal Socrates Dassaklis’ 37-year teaching career, leaving behind an immense legacy on his school which also saw him earn a parliamentary tribute.
Mr Dassaklis announced his retirement after a career that spanned from 1986 until 2023, during which he served as a Head Teacher, Deputy Principal and then finally Principal.
The Greek-Australian educator stated that he saw teaching as a viable profession from his time as a pupil.
“I enjoyed learning as a student and once I had learnt something I would love to pass it on to others, so teaching was a good fit for me even though I had considered other fields,” Mr Dassaklis told Neos Kosmos.
“I had good relationships with my teachers and could see the important role they had in assisting young people to better equip themselves for life.”
He adopted this attitude when he himself became a teacher, wishing to foster self-belief in as many young minds as possible so they can reach their personal best.
“It did not matter if this meant exceptional academic results for one student or simply just passing the year for another, the satisfaction for me was that each student felt that they had been supported to achieve the best that they could,” he said.
The English, History and Drama teacher began at Hoxton Park High School before moving to Bossley High School in 1990, and it was there wherein he gained his first stint as Head Teacher in 1994.
He continued as Head Teacher when he moved to Birrong Girls High School in 1999, as well as at Ashfield Boys High School from 2004.
It was in 2009 when he joined Tempe High School as a Deputy Principal, acting in that role for four years before his appointment in 2013 as Principal.
“I had never sought promotion but found myself in situations where I knew that I could make a positive difference by taking on higher roles. I know that this may sound egotistical, but I was also mindful of never wanting to work under someone who was less capable than myself,” Mr Dassaklis told Neos Kosmos.
The now-retired Principal spoke fondly of his 11 years in the role at Tempe, saying:
“I am proud of the inclusive and supportive culture we have built there which has yielded excellent academic results and a positive school environment. We have fostered the creative and technical arts and have become the preferred school for our local community.”
He remarked that the job saw him presented with many challenges, including some that one never wishes to have to experience.
“The passing away of students is always difficult, hearing and dealing with students in desperate need and comforting parents through hardships are all difficult tasks,” the educator said.
“The Covid lock downs were not so hard for me and my staff, and students soldiered on well. The enormous administrative burden on teachers and school leaders was also challenging.”
Mr Dassaklis received recognition of the highest regard for his work when Ron Hoenig, the NSW Minister for Local Government and Member for Heffron (the electorate in which Tempe is located), gave him a parliamentary tribute.
“Ron said some kind words about me which were initially embarrassing, but I was also pleased to have the acknowledgement from such a well-respected man,” the educator said.
When asked about what type of impact he wishes to have left on the pupils he has taught and led, he said:
“I hope that the students I have taught have left my schools knowing the primacy of kindness and the importance of being able to cooperate and collaborate with people from all walks of life.
“Ultimately, I hope I have assisted them to become good Australian citizens who are tolerant of a wide range of views but able to stand up for democracy and resist authoritarianism.”
He concluded with a final plea directed at the Greek-Australian community:
“I urge all my fellow Greek Australians to re-embrace public education as their preferred schooling for their children; our parents did, and it served us well.”
NSW School Principal Socrates Dassaklis receives parliamentary tribute upon retirement - Neos Kosmos
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