They say in life, there’s at least one teacher who leaves an indelible mark on your life For me, that teacher is Simon French. Even amongst the few standout educators I’ve been fortunate to learn from, Mr. French remains a beacon of inspiration and fond memories.
YEAR ONE WAS FUN
My journey with Mr. French started in Year 1. At the time, I didn’t know he was already an accomplished author; to me, he was just the coolest teacher in the world. With his long hair, effortlessly stylish clothes, and a super cool old car-a turquoise one, I vividly recall-he caught the fascination of every student in our class. I remember how he made learning fun, playing “Video Killed the Radio Star” in our classroom. That song quickly became a favorite, not just for Year 1 but for years to come.
One vivid memory I have is of my rather unorthodox writing habits. I equally comfortable holding my pens in either hand, and I had a tendency to write from the bottom of the page up, and sometimes even from right to left! Mr. French didn’t try to stifle my creativity; instead, he nurtured it. His classroom was a safe space where our quirks were embraced, and our individuality was celebrated.
A COOL TEACHER
Years later, I would come to learn that Simon French was much more than a “cool teacher.” He was an author, and quite a famous one at that, known for his profound impact on children and families through his literature. 
His works have won multiple awards, but what stands out most is his ability to capture the essence of childhood with empathy and authenticity. Though he had already written significant works before he became my teacher, his passion overshadowed storytelling for his never dedication to teaching.
Did he spark my love for writing? While I can’t say for certain, what I do know is that Mr. French made a lasting impact on me. He showed me the power of creativity and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness. He taught me that a teacher can touch lives in ways that extend far beyond the classroom walls.
So here’s to Mr. French, a teacher who was and continues to be, a profound influence in my life. He was a true gem, and his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, including mine. Thank you, Mr. French, for being the amazing teacher and person you are. My favourite teacher ~ 1981 the year he wrote Cannily Cannily.
Author – Louise Dutka
