PR E PA R ATORY S C HO OL
David makes history
Year 5 teacher David Macdonald shares
some details of his life, as this edition’s
staff member in profile.
Old Guildfordian
I have a strong affiliation with Guildford
Grammar School having attended the School,
working here with my wife and both of our
children attend or attended the School. I had
the privilege of having Mr Davidson as my
House Master in Harper House, whom I still
see on a regular basis. Many of my mates
now are still the same ones I had back at
GGS and we have all shared many of life’s
experiences together. I believe, as an Old Boy,
we should never under estimate the close
bonds we share. This was highlighted at my
recent 20 year reunion, where after 20 years
we still shared the same jokes and stories as
if it were yesterday.
History
Never a big fan of History at school, I
became more interested in it while working
away. What started out as a novice interest,
has ended with the completion of a Masters
of History. Much of my studies involved
the Byzantium Empire and Medieval Sicily,
where my wife and I hope to spend some
time later in life.
Sport Teams
I am an active follower of a number of
sports with the EPL and AFL being my most
favoured. In saying this, I also enjoy watching
NFL and now have a better understanding
of the rules. Though not having a successful
Though not an Olympian, I enjoy taking a
dip in the pool when I get a chance. I enjoy
doing open water swimming and hope to
complete all 8 events this session in the
Open Water WA Series. I swim these with
my daughter Brooke, but she usually is
waiting for me at the finish line. I was lucky
enough this year to accompany her to the
Nationals, in Sydney. I recently teamed up
with a few Preparatory School teachers and
completed the Blackwood Marathon, where
I did the swimming leg. I enjoy running and
have the best running partner one could
hope, my wife Siza. We run several times
a week, usually being dragged along by
Phoebe, our dog.
Guitar and Ukulele
I love music and have played guitar for
a while on and off. A few years ago I
purchased my childhood dream guitar, an
American Fender Stratocaster. Though it
spends much of its time in the case, it is
great when I get a chance to plug it in and
smash out a few chords. More recently I
found a liking for the Ukulele after listening
to Eddie Vedder’s Ukulele Songs. As a result
my wife bought me a Cordoba Ukulele for
my birthday. I have the pleasure of playing in
the Preparatory School Rock Band under the
guidance of Mr Dom Papa.
Wife and Children
decade I have been a Dee’s (Melbourne
Football Club) supporter and member for 20
years. In the EPL, I follow West Ham after an
incident whilst in England where I met some
hardened supporters. After some ‘gentle’
persuasion I became a Hammers fan, forever
blowing bubbles. The 2014-15 season has
started well, and hopefully Europe beckons!
The Hounds
We got Phoebe, a Golden Labrador, after
Zac was born. Interestingly they both share
the same birthday. She is mildly crazy and
kept Total Eden Irrigation in business for the
first few years of her life. She is a constant
running companion, though not necessarily
on the same path. We also recently decided
to extend our family, and have acquired
a young Bull Terrier puppy. Hopefully his
fascination for reticulation is less than that
of Phoebe’s.
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Swimming
I am truly blessed to have the most
wonderful wife and children. They provide
me with inspiration and support and are the
backbone of all that I do. We spend a lot of
time together and share the same interests.
They are without a doubt the three people
I am most proud of and I value every day that
I share with them.