The most flattering word I hear these days is my nickname. Few students ever called me ‘Noons’ to my face, though many students have talked with me about nicknames. One of my first Year 12 classes decided they were going to create a nickname for me, and spent half of lunchtime in my classroom testing names. Noonie, The Noonster, Mr Noonieberger, The NoonMeister, The Big Kahuna … They had me in fits as they tested and rejected each name. Most kids settled on the easy ‘Noons’ behind my back. Some of the staff used to call me 'Noonie' and whenever something strange happened, they would use the 'Twilight Zone' theme to point the finger - 'Noonie, Noonie, Noonie, Noonie'. It was good for a laugh.

I recently met with a Business Consultant in Geelong who was looking for some technical advice for an educational project he’s interested in. Geelong is about an hour from my home in Ballarat, though often students from Ballarat choose the University in Geelong as their preferred option. I was looking at a list of his clients, and came across one name that was familiar. I questioned him on it. Narelle. Tallish girl, blonde hair, great graphic artist, quiet nature? He confirmed it was probably her.

I told him what a great student she had been, with a lovely outlook on life. I left it at that – I figure most kids leave rural cities to escape their roots and start a new life. I know I did.

I had cause to ring the Business Consultant the next day with some ideas, and as soon as he heard my voice he bellowed down the phone ‘Noooooooooooooooooooons!’.

I laughed. ‘You’ve been speaking with Narelle, haven’t you?’ She was one of only a few students who called me Noons to my face.

When students are happy to be associated with you, and feel comfortable enough to play with your name, they are trying to make a connection. Their way. Meet them half way and you will find they use your nickname with the greatest respect. If you deny students the opportunity to connect with you, you will be fortunate if they even treat you with courtesy.