Phil Greenaway SAM HOWARD S am started life as a teacher at Dulwich in September 2006. As a proud OA, his love and dedication to all things Dulwich was crystal clear from the outset. Sam’s infectious enthusiasm saw him appointed Master i/c Rugby in September 2008 after Ian Martin’s departure. The phrase ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ springs to mind. Filling the shoes of such a totemic figure as Ian Martin would be daunting to some, but seemingly not SD Howard. He quickly set about improving the quality of the experience for all boys across each sport – Rugby in particular – and settled effortlessly into the PE Department in typical fashion. Sam will be remembered by most for the remarkable achievements of the 1st XV in winning the St Joseph’s Festival and three national cups, but this would not do complete justice to his overall contribution. The vibrancy Spanish Secondary School of the Year by the Spanish Institute in 2009. It was typical of his generosity and vision that he was also responsible for a much-coveted Spanish website that was used by many other MFL departments in the UK and abroad. His promotions to Head of Year and to Deputy Director of University Admissions were very richly deserved and despite his increase in responsibilities, Mark remained fully committed to his teaching, relishing the challenge of keeping his classroom practice at the cutting edge along with maintaining a strong commitment to trips and the supra-curricular languages programme. His teaching, assemblies, extension classes and forays
of Rugby at Dulwich is largely down to the work Sam committed to those outside of the 1st XV; he was equally as caring about the development of the U12 F team as he was about the results of the seniors. With this in mind, Sam set about creating a fixture list that was increasingly challenging but, most importantly, afforded more boys to play across the greater number of teams than witnessed in previous years. Sam will also be remembered for the numerous tours he ran including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA/Canada and Gibraltar. The time and effort that goes into organising such tours cannot be underestimated and the fundraising to support them also requires a huge amount of time. Not many other members of staff would have given up their time for a number of consecutive years to the Founder’s Day clean up at 8am on a Sunday morning. Sam did this to support boys in their efforts to raise money for tours and make them aware of the efforts of their parents in finding the necessary funds to support them in their endeavours. Perhaps Sam’s most poignant legacy to Dulwich College will be his contribution to the Henry Fraser Trust. Following Henry’s accident, into Gaelic and Portuguese show a true depth of academic rigour and passion that have inspired many an Alleynian to study Spanish and other languages beyond the confines of SE21. Away from the classroom, Mark consistently made a great contribution to the wider life of the College. He accompanied innumerable language trips with unstinting regularity, humour and efficiency. A talented sportsman, Mark put his expertise to good use, taking many Rugby and Hockey teams and developed excellent relationships with the boys in his teams. His caring yet competitive nature was instrumental in the revival of the 3rd XI Hockey team where he generated a strong, enthusiastic
Sam embarked on organising the annual staff Rugby fixture which has been so successful in helping raise awareness of Henry’s condition, providing support for the family and generating much needed funds. Sam was also involved in the running of the Lower School House Competitions and celebrated his love of all things Dulwich. Sam wouldn’t miss a House Music competition or a chance to watch House Drama at any level and revel – sometimes excessively – in any Howard House victory that came their way. Sam was also a vibrant and supportive member of the Dulwich Common Room and would often be seen putting the world to rights with his colleagues on a Friday after work – unless of course it was the summer term when his role in charge of the Dusters took over. Even when not available or selected for a coveted starting spot in the XI, he ensured the beers were chilled and in plentiful supply alongside a well-stocked barbecue. When he did play, his performance behind the stumps as WK was always impressive, though many an opposing batmen made the unusual request for earplugs rather than a new bat or gloves. spirit amongst the boys. Mark is also a very talented musician and played the violin in the orchestra for the College’s annual Choral Concert; was a member of Dulwich Chamber Choir; and is also a fine pianist. In short, Mark is one of a rare breed of fantastic schoolmasters who combines a wide range of skills that instils in boys an appreciation for and love of learning in all spheres of their daily lives. The breadth of commitment that he brought to the College will be sorely missed. We wish Mark, Alison and Leo all the best in their move west – Millfield has appointed a gem. Few who have been taught by him will forget Don Marco.
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