Mr Castles
Ubique Team on behalf of the School
Ubique Team on behalf of the School
‘When we die, I hope that we can all look back upon the life that we have lived and know that we lived it as well as Mr. Castles. I hope that he knew that his quiet, calm endeavours to make the library the locus of our school community were so successful; that he touched so many people on a daily basis; that his seemingly minor attentions in knowing students by name or recommending the perfect book for that reader were actually deeply affecting gestures. So many of us are so saddened by the loss of this wonderful man and his wonderful work from our school, that I am sure he must have known that his life work was work which made an enormous difference. I hope so.’
‘A welcoming smile, a fabulous book recommendation and a drive to create a library space which was vibrant and which balanced the learning, discussion and sanctuary needs of students and staff –this is how I remember dear Rob Castles.’
‘I remember the warmth and enthusiasm Rob Castles brought to the Library and how he transformed the physical space into something welcoming, safe and central to the school community. Rob’s calm, non-judgemental and nurturing disposition ensured that the library became more than just a place to borrow books.’
‘Rob was the pump behind the heart of Uni High. The library has always been both the nerve centre and the nurturing core of our school. Rob created that. He gathered together a gentle and friendly team. He created a space where it was ok to be creative and loud (a piano!), while making room for folk who need space and solitude. A sanctuary where stressed out teachers could also find refuge and a cup of tea. Before his role here – apparently – the library was not that. When I was a new teacher here long ago, his special place became mine. He encouraged me, resourced me and laughed with me. He recommended books, gently questioned assumptions and offered new perspectives. He will be forever part of this school and its heart, forever part of mine.’
You were such an amazing impact on every student of uni high!! <3
Mr Castles, not only a librarian, but a familiar face, a friend, a role model, an inspiration. The warmth and kindness Mr Castles brought to each and every student will never be forgotten. From simply recommending books to students to creating the library we all know and love, everything Mr Castles did made a positive impact on all of our lives. Thank you for everything Mr Castles.