28 Feb 2020
Recently we learnt of the death of one of ACT Education’s founding figures, Dr. Milton Edgar (Mick) March, a great loss to the ACT community.
Mick was a leader in the development of the ACT’s unique education system and participated across the board from the commencement of operations in October 1973.
Mick’s passion was to establish a model of public education appropriate for all students.
This drive came from his concern at the time of student alienation in NSW High Schools (Years 7-12). As a direct result he harnessed a very active parent and academic community in the ACT. The result of this collaboration was the ACT’s current Public Education model.
In the 1970’s he was a member of the Campbell Committee, that determined the blueprint for today’s secondary colleges. He was also a founding member of the Interim ACT Schools Authority and the Executive of the new formed ACT Teacher’s Federation.
His work led to the ACT retracting external examinations, providing schools with the ability to innovate and handing assessment responsibilities to teachers.
Mick was Principal of Narrabundah High School from 1973-75 and the foundation Principal of Narrabundah College from 1975-1988.
Narrabundah College’s Kerrie Grundy met Mick in 2011, her first year as Principal. Mick was part of the planning committee to celebrate the College’s 50th Reunion.
She says, “He was an invaluable member of this committee. He brought his enthusiasm, great energy, love of this college and wonderful sense of humour to every meeting and played a significant part in the success of this event.”
Close to 50 years on the ACT’s globally unique education approach, college system, school-based assessment, and the ongoing success of Narrabundah College remain testimony to Mick’s vision and determination.