It was with great sadness that we learned recently of the death of Brian Hortle. Brian was the foundation Principal of Rosny College, appointed in 1972 to plan the operation of the new College that would provide for the post-compulsory education needs of students in the Clarence municipality. Matriculation Colleges were introduced in Tasmania during the 1960s to prepare students for entry to university and professional employment. Each of these used the premises/buildings of existing High Schools. Rosny with its 'open' teaching spaces demanded a different approach. Brian's vision and energy were immediately put into practice.

He insisted that the name of the new college should be Rosny College, omitting the word Matriculation from its title. A new timetable was introduced encompassing three two and a half hour slots each day, a decision was made not to have a school uniform and students were allowed, even encouraged, to use staff Christian or given names rather than the more formal Mr/Mrs/Ms terms of address. Brian was universally known as, and addressed as, Brian by both staff and students and knew most students by name. 

His relationship with both these groups was perhaps the feature that most would allude to as being central to why they so much enjoyed being at Rosny. Early to work each morning, he was always ready for a chat about anything that was going on and so approachable if someone had a problem. His understanding that the times indeed were ‘a-changin' was not universally shared nor appreciated by some senior administrative personnel within the Education Department. He never wavered, convinced that all young people, regardless of their ability, their background or their intent, should be provided with the opportunity and guidance to fulfil their needs and dreams.

Rosny was different, not only from other schools and colleges in Tasmania but from those throughout the Australian states and from overseas countries too, and he was frequently sought to address conferences elaborating on what was happening at Rosny.

All this was in significant part due to Brian Hortle. He had a clear vision of creating an upper secondary learning environment that promoted and encouraged the provision of learning opportunities for all students, not just those who wished to proceed to university/tertiary study. He was prepared to take risks to empower his staff to assist students in the academic process but also to interact with them as social mentors. We all regret the passing of Brian Hortle. It was so sad that he was not able to participate personally in the 50th Anniversary Celebrations last year. We thank him for allowing us, encouraging us, to be part of something new - so daring, so challenging, with outcomes so varied, but which made us part of something so special.