Joan McCATHIE Obituary

Miss McCathie was a mentor and inspiration to me when I attended Fraser in the 80s. Her legacy is immense.

One of the great outcomes of an education can be finding a teacher who is so inspiring that you at once know where you want to go in life and your future is set. I was fortunate enough to have Joan as my inspiration and I will be forever grateful to her for making biological science my career which I still enjoy today.
I had my first year at the old Tech in downtown Hamilton before the school moved out to Ellicott Road. Her classes were always interesting and motivating; her style of teaching was relaxed and engaging and she always made the topic understandable and simplified.
As we progressed to senior school the class enjoyed trips away to her beach house in Waihi. I think the topic was supposed to be the "rocky shore" but for most, far more was gained from interacting with classmates away from the school campus and enjoying the hospitality Joan provided. Governance sadly took her away from the classroom and I think the teaching of biology lost one of its outstanding practitioners. However she was a wonderful Deputy Principal and other contributors to this forum have acknowledged her great skills and contributions in this role. With Dave Campbell, the school had evolved from the tech school of a bygone era to a modern big coed
I was able to get into Otago Medical School which at that time was not something you could expect to do from Fraser and I owe that very much to the inspiration from Joan
I always thought she was a very "styley" lady- impeccably dressed, well spoken and drove such interesting cars! I remember the red two door Ford Falcon and then the chartreuse Chrysler Charger. Years later I took pride in showing off to her my first Ferrari; however I'm not sure she was that impressed!
I did not see Joan much after starting surgical practice in Wellington- my family had a close association with Fraser and my sister Sue taught at the school and would let me know how Joan was doing. I did not know of her illness and was very sad to hear of her death only today and wish I could have had one last opportunity to say thank you and to say goodbye.
To Gaye and family; sincere condolences.
Vale Joan McCathie

Fondly remembered with deep respect from a young teacher at Fraser High School many moons ago. A true professional with a wonderful sense of humour. Sue Russell

Ms McCathy was one of those people who really made Fraser what it was. She was firm but fair, very respected and always treated students with respect and dignity. I have very fond memories of her when I attended Fraser High School. She gave so much and yet was always available.

Thank you for everything you did for our school and students. You will be missed.

Sending the deepest condolences to Ms McCathies family.

Thank you for all the beautiful tributes to my wonderful sister Joan . So lovely to hear from you all . She really was an unsung hero who was quietly respected and loved . Thankyou xx
Gaye Lorigan

Sad to hear of Joan's passing, my condolences to her family. 'Miss MCathie' was my first science teacher at Fraser High. She was fair & clear and inspired interest in the subject & respect in the manner she conveyed to us her students. RIP
Colleen (Leen) Kader

I had huge respect for Miss McCathie, she was firm and fair. A great teacher and leader. There was always a mischievous side to her that came out every now and then Sending condolences to her family.

In memory of a very special lady, my sympathy to her family, she was always so proud of family members.
Betty Clarke

My condolences to Joan's family. I knew Joan from my time as a student at Fraser High in 1988 and 1989. She allowed me to repeat 7th form on the promise I would pass the second time round (and attend school more often). My attendance the second year was as bad as the first and needless to say I did not pass 7th form in 1989.

Skip forward 25 years and fate would have us cross paths again through the Cambridge Tree Trust, this time with her having retired and me working at Cambridge High School supervising year 13 students (the irony was not lost on either of us lol). I realized that since leaving school I had actually completed enough study that with the completion of a handful of unit standards I would actually be able to finally keep my promise and pass 7th form (now year 13) - it only took 25+ years.

I contacted Joan and told her I had finally kept my promise to her after all these years and invited her to the year 13 graduation that year to see me graduate year 13 (7th form). She came and said I was probably the last of her students she would see pass 7th form. Thank you Joan.

Miss McCathie was a very well respected deputy principal when I attended Fraser High. She was an amazing teacher who had a great sense of humour as well. One of those teachers who is always remembered with fondness.

An amazing lady who showed compassion and care to students and staff at Fraser. As a new teacher, Joan offered support, help and friendship to me. I will always remember the "ladies nights" at Joan's place with fondness.

A well remembered and respected name from Fraser High School in the 70's.

I took over from Joan as HOD Biology at Fraser when she became a deputy principal. She was always there for advice and support. There was great respect for Joan amongst the whole Fraser community - staff, students and parents. A special educator and friend.

I was just one of many Fraser HS students privileged enough to be taught by Joan.
She was the epitome of what a teacher should be... respectful, firm, fair and had a good sense of humour.
My sincere condolences to her family.

Joan was Fraser High School . Very much admired and a very caring person .

Joan was an amazing Lady who gave so much to the students and staff of Fraser! Personally she mentored me as a beginning teacher and then in later years was my confidant as my Deputy Principal! Just a very special
Person