HALL OF FAME

Joan Margaret Benson (1927 - 2009)

Teacher 1950 - 1991

The energetic, organised and extremely competent Joan Benson taught at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School (IGGS) for 41 years from 1950 to 1991. Initially her role at the School was that of Physical Education Mistress, responsible not only for teaching physical education to the general student body, but also for training competitive sports teams such as those for tennis, netball, athletics and swimming and preparing the School for annual competitive sports meets such as those for the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Sports Association.

However, Joan Benson’s skills extended well beyond the sports fields. She also taught Art, Geography and Economics. After 1970, she made a complete transition from Physical Education to academic teaching. Geography was her main teaching subject and she became Head of Geography in 1982. Her organisational and administrative skills were such that in addition to continuing to teach Geography and Economics, she was appointed Deputy Principal in 1981, a position she held until her retirement in 1991. Added to those responsibilities were those of a Resident Mistress, a role Joan Benson maintained throughout all her years at IGGS.

Joan Benson’s secondary education was at Somerville House in South Brisbane. Following secondary school, she gained a Diploma in Physical Education at the University of Queensland. She continued her studies while teaching at IGGS and graduated with a Bachelor of Educational Studies in 1977.

After retirement, Joan maintained an active interest in the affairs of IGGS and followed with great interest the lives and careers of former students. She was an active member of the IGGS Old Girls Association as well as maintaining her connections with the University of Queensland through the Alumni Friends.