Maxwell admired for commitment

Mary Maxwell brought so much to Queen’s College (QC) and the Mathematics Department and whose serious nature could always be summed up in the phrase that she was famous for, “Now look here… ”.

This is the sentiment that best describes retired Mathematics Teacher, Mary Maxwell.

In reading her citation at the Queen’s College Retirement Function on Saturday night at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa, the Head of the Mathematics Department, Claire Williams, said that Maxwell was a team player who always ensured that she went above and beyond the call of duty.

“Mary was a real team player in the Math department. She created teaching materials for the CAPE pure Math programme and we are still using the notes on the real number system and logic and reasoning – thank you Mary.

“When promotion examination papers needed to be marked she would always share the load of anyone who was struggling to complete. Our weekly departmental meetings covered all topics but none were more controversial than the missives we would receive from the Ministry or CXC, especially when there was a syllabus change that either caught us unawares or seemed unreasonable or both. As we got hot under the collar, Mary’s voice of reason would calm us down with the words “now look here” and we would navigate a path that would ensure that the latest demand was addressed and the students were not disadvantaged.”

Maxwell also ensured that the students knew who was in charge and she also knew how to address any disciplinary issues such as tardiness that the students displayed, said Williams.

“From the students’ perspective she was warm and approachable but she did not tolerate foolishness. Mary had a policy that she never warned students when she would give them a test and she made this clear at the start of every academic year. Her view was that the students should always be on top of the work and so a surprise test should really be no surprise. Their first inkling was when she entered the classroom and gave them the instruction to take out a clean sheet of paper. One year she had an accelerated fourth form group that was timetabled for Friday period 7. I was reminded that she tackled their chronic lateness by walking with a test every Friday and if the full complement was not present five minutes after the bell had rung, then the test was administered. It didn’t take long for the students to improve on their punctuality.” (PJT)