Australian Jesuit Sets Record as World’s Oldest Schoolteacher

CathNews ^ | 10/15/12

[marshmallow]

Australian Fr Geoffrey Schneider SJ, has been declared the world's oldest working teacher, by Guinness World Records, reports the Independent Catholic News.

Father Geoffrey Schneider, who has been teacher and chaplain at Sydney’s St Aloysius’ College's Junior School for 47 years, said he has no intention of retiring, as he approaches his 100th birthday in December.

The secret of his success, he said, is “a mountain of patience”. “If things are going wrong, don’t start shouting. Just proceed quietly and things will settle down eventually. Their books will eventually open.”

Fr Schneider has taught at schools in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, shaping the intellects and values of leading figures of Australian government, business, academia and sport, including Tony Abbott.

Retirement doesn't appeal to him. Why retire, he said, “So I can read the paper every morning and then forget what’s in it? That’s what a retired friend told me happens to him...At 3pm there’s afternoon tea and if you don’t turn up in the first minute they come knock on your door and say, ‘It’s tea time now’.