For Chris Shaw, starting small and then upscaling has been a common theme in his "blessed" existence.

A school principalship at tiny Boomai, near the Queensland border, provided a springboard for him to oversee schools across the Liverpool and Western plains.

A cherished childhood in Moree, where he spent countless hours at the pool with friends he is still in contact with, has morphed into a French river cruise with his wife of 41 years, Kerrie.

And a spell on the gate at Tamworth Rugby Park led to him becoming Magpies president.

There are undoubtedly more examples of such occurrences during his 65 trips around the sun. And perhaps now, after recently retiring following a 43-year education career, this stickler for punctuality will lock in a time for himself to ponder that.

The fathe

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