Vale John Schuh
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 7, 2 October 2026, page no.14
The QTU was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of QTU principal activist John Schuh, a true champion of public education.
John never really left Brisbane’s Northside. He went to Banyo High as a student, and worked at Deception Bay, Bribie Island, Aspley, Dakabin, Pine Rivers, and Ferny Grove.
I first met him at Dakabin SHS, when he was appointed deputy principal. At the time, Dakabin was not the easiest of schools, but John arrived with new ideas and passion for the role. He raised a few eyebrows, playing footy on the oval at lunchtime with some of the most challenging kids — getting to know them, spending time with them, and building relationships.
John’s involvement in the Union was significant. He was a Principal Union Rep from 2018 and represented the QTU on promotion and selection panels from 2015. He was affectionately known as one of the QTU Northside Mafia, and was the epitome of this group — principals who, like John, led the Union from the front. He was never afraid to stand up to the department to protect his teachers, staff, and students. He also willingly gave his time to contribute to the discussions and negotiations.
One of my fondest memories is of John standing on the back of a truck outside Parliament House, berating the Newman government over its EB pay offer. At the time, this was not only bold but courageous.
I know one of John’s proudest moments was when he returned to Dakabin SHS as principal. The ten years since he’d been deputy there had seen the school become very run down. John invited me to address a staff meeting. Members moved a series of resolutions calling on the Education Minister to commit resources to refurbishing the school. This resulted in a $10 million make-over.
I feel privileged to have known John, and thank him and his wife Maree, on behalf of the QTU and all QTU members, for his lifelong commitment to public education.