November 24, 2021
November 24, 2021
I’m going to be 50 next year and I still hate Maths. But I’ve always said “the only good thing about Maths was Roque D’Silva”. I could write an essay about him but I’ll say this much for now - Roque epitomised what it meant to be a teacher – he was passionate about his trade, he was disciplined and above all, he was a loving father to us all.
In 1986, the school decided to segregate it’s 5 divisions in Years 9 and 10 by academic competency. If Class A was the cream at the top, then Class E was the sour curd at the bottom. And Roque only taught Classes D & E because he wanted to fight for the underdogs. Not surprisingly, those 2 classes scored higher in Maths than us spoiled brats in A & B.
I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. Even when he turned away from the blackboard to face the class because we were causing a ruckus behind his back.. that firm stare looked like it was about to crack into a cheeky smile. We would fall silent immediately.. but never out of fear, always respect.
Requiescant in Pace Roque, I share a birthday with you and my wedding anniversary.. intercede for us!
In 1986, the school decided to segregate it’s 5 divisions in Years 9 and 10 by academic competency. If Class A was the cream at the top, then Class E was the sour curd at the bottom. And Roque only taught Classes D & E because he wanted to fight for the underdogs. Not surprisingly, those 2 classes scored higher in Maths than us spoiled brats in A & B.
I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. Even when he turned away from the blackboard to face the class because we were causing a ruckus behind his back.. that firm stare looked like it was about to crack into a cheeky smile. We would fall silent immediately.. but never out of fear, always respect.
Requiescant in Pace Roque, I share a birthday with you and my wedding anniversary.. intercede for us!