A teacher who left school after third year has thanked Perth High School for helping him fulfil his dream.
Alex Wasinowicz left the Fair City secondary in 1976 with no qualifications.
But after a career in the army as a physical training instructor, as well as several other roles since leaving the forces, he retrained as a teacher.
And three years ago, his dream of returning to Perth High came true when he took up a role as PE teacher there.
It was an incredible journey for the 59-year-old, who is due to retire from the profession today (Friday, June 28).
And he hopes his own experiences will inspire the current crop of pupils at Perth High.
“I didn’t even get to fourth year,” he said.
“I was determined to return to Perth High to show the teachers back then how to teach.
“Looking back, it was my own fault. I was mischievous.
“The reason I am retiring now is it is all out of my system. I was obsessed with coming back here to redeem myself for my misbehaviour as a child.
“I have fulfilled my dream.
“The pupils should learn from my experience. You must have determination and you must go for things yourself, you can’t expect things handed to you.”
Alex, who completed special forces training as a young man, enlisted in the 1st Battalion The Black Watch and was serving in Northern Ireland on his 18th birthday.
Further postings included Guyana during the Jonestown Massacre and Werl, in West Germany.
After leaving the army as a PTI, he moved to Aberdeen and set up several businesses, pursuing his boyhood passion for martial arts.
He established the Scottish School of Martial Arts and also boxed for Scotland.
But his desire to become a teacher never left him. Karate was given the chop – and he “went back to school” in his 40s to achieve the necessary qualifications.
He admits the education system he has come back to has changed from his own school days.
“Teachers today are far more resilient compared with teachers of the past.
“The teachers [at Perth High] deliver their lessons with such passion. Teachers are tired, especially at this time of year, but they always have a smile on their faces.
“At Perth High, the teachers stand outside their door and welcome the children to the class.”
Looking to the future, Alex aims to get back in the boxing ring.
But his time at Perth High will always remain precious to him.
“I have had such a wonderful time here, I have no regrets.
“I’d like to thank the senior management team, especially the head teacher, and I want to thank Perth High School from the bottom of my heart.”
