The Progressive Educationalist

Ivan

By Neville Grayson

2006 saw the passing of one of Albany Creek’s former Principals – Mr Ivan Harold Stegman, 1928 to 1984.
Ivan was Principal of Albany Creek State School from 1976 to 1984 – a time when the school population was growing rapidly. It was changing from a small country school to the large school it is now.

Prior to coming to Albany Creek Ivan had served as an assistant teacher at Mareeba and as Principal at Takura, Parkes, Airville, Yarraman, Allora and Babinda.
Ivan was held in high regard by the school community and well known in educational circles throughout the State for his educational vision, innovative idea, and ability to inspire students and teachers.
MATT CAMPBELL, a well-known Albany Creek identity, called Ivan a “progressive educationalist”.
It was during Ivan’s principalship that Class Assembly items, “Kerribee” concert, the Speaking Competition, a very innovative literature-based Reading Program, a Creative Writing Program and “New” Maths Program, to name but a few, were introduced into the school.
With his strong belief in the importance of reading he advocated very strongly to the existing library built at the school. (I am sure he would approve of the 2006 addition to the library). Ivan was very proud of the work of the students and introduced “Albany Creek on Show”.
This was a forerunner to the current “Open Days” at schools. Many of Ivan’s initiative at Albany Creek have stood the test of time and have become embedded in the curriculum and psyche of the school.
When Ivan and his wife Fay and children Craig and Anthony first arrived at Albany Creek they lived in the school residence, which was situated between the Year 1 Block and the dental clinic. (This residence was relocated to the Samford Village Historical Museum.)
Living on site gave Ivan time to follow his passion for gardening. After 5pm each day and at weekends Ivan could be seen with a wheelbarrow and tools making gardens and in general beautifying the school. At that time the school competed with great success in the state-wide Tidy Schools Competition and the local Albany Creek Garden Competition.
Ivan was very involved with the scouting movement and its “Gang Shows” and his love of drama and the Arts was recognised by the naming of the “Ivan Stegman Park” located behind the “Centro” shopping centre. It was originally designed as an amphitheatre for children to perform with the audience seated on the surrounding slope.
While Principal of Albany Creek Ivan, was able to share his knowledge and expertise with other schools in the Brisbane North area when he visited them as an Acting Inspector of Schools.
In latter years Ivan did not enjoy good health but he harboured an enduring love of Albany Creek School and visited the school on many occasions. He enjoyed seeing the school progressing so well.
Ivan Stegman enriched the lives of the many students and teachers with whom he interacted. Albany Creek School and the Albany Creek community were fortunate to have had Ivan as their school principal.

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