Proud Ipswichian, Graham Pringle completed his primary schooling at Ipswich Central and his secondary at Ipswich Grammar School. He then shared the years from 1944 to 1946 at the University of Queensland and the Teachers Training College.
From 1947 to 1953, he taught on the staff of his alma mater, I.G.S. An outstanding sportsman, he represented Queensland at Rugby Union during this period. Having sharpened his skills as a teacher, he was able to join the state service at Rockhampton State High for 1954. He continued as a staff teacher at the Secondary Department of Pialba State School [1955-59] and at Corinda State High [1960-63]. He was appointed Deputy Principal at Nambour [1964-67] and Principal at Sarina [1968-69] and Murgon [1970-71] before his appointment as Regional Secondary Inspector for the Wide Bay Region [1972-3]. His straight-shooting, no-nonsense style made him a welcome addition to the hierarchy when he was appointed Regional Director, North West in 1974, and then R.D. for Central Queensland for 1976 to 1979. He returned to his beloved Ipswich in 1980 where he remained until 1986. The admiration held by Brisbane West Region Principals is reflected in Ray Kelley’s congratulatory parody below.
In retirement he volunteered to be the Director of the Expo Chapel in 1988, where he and Noreen sometimes provided Phil Cullen with a cuppa on his way to relieve as Manager of the Pavilion of the Holy See [aka Acting Pope]. Graham worked part-time for H & R Block from 1989 to 2000. In their retirement years, Graham and Noreen have travelled extensively especially to U.S.A. when daughter Helen was a Princeton student.
CONGRATULATING GRAHAM
[Tune: "Peggy O'Neill"]
If he looks you in the eye,
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If he’s straight as any die,
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If at midnight the tidings be dire
[If a Brisbane West school is on fire],
Hear the spectacular language vernacular -
That’s Pringle, R.D.!
If Wide Bay made wide his view,
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If he gained a Longreach, too,
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If he followed a hot Rocky track,
If, home-seeking, he then Ipswiched back -
Dear to his memory boyhood haunts Bremery -
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If he yearned for restful days,
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If he’s earned our zestful praise,
That’s Pringle, R.D.
If, with honour, he bears from this hall
Heartfelt thanks and goodwill from us all,
Warm admiration now – take a vacation now -
That’s Pringle, R.D!
