14 Dec 2020
Roger Penrith, highly respected community member and Director of the Griffith Clontarf Academy, passed away on Saturday. Roger had been completing a surf rescue cetificate in Wollongong.
Roger took great pride in his role and made a huge impact on the lives of the young people with whom he worked. Our students have described Roger as ‘a father figure, a great man who always looked after us … he wanted the best for us and worked hard to get us through school so that we’d have a better future.’ Roger encouraged Aboriginal students to take pride in themselves and in their culture.
Roger was always warm, friendly and caring in his dealings with students, staff, parents, carers, and members of our community. He will be a great loss to our school. We feel deeply for Roger’s family, friends and colleagues.
It is important at this time that we care for ourselves, and each other. Members of the school counselling team, our Student Support Officer and Clontarf Foundation staff are available during school hours for anyone who is feeling in need of a friendly chat.
Additional support is available from:
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Lifeline: 131 114
EAP (for department staff): 1800 060 650