Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
Schneider, Geoffrey

Teacher, administrator; born Hawthorn, Victoria, 23 December 1912; died Melbourne, 8 October 2018, aged 105.

Paul Geoffrey Schneider was born into a world of change. Edward VII was King-emperor, the Romanovs were celebrating five hundred years in Russia, Lenin had never been heard of. It was a time when steam trains pulled through Auburn station in Melbourne and the early electric trams were in Riversdale Road. He was educated at Xavier College, Kew, and entered the Society at Loyola College, Greenwich, NSW, 8 February 1933. His juniorate was at Loyola, Watsonia, 1934-36 and philosophy was first at Loyola, 1937-38, and then at Canisius College, Pymble, 1939. Regency was at St Louis School, Perth, 1940-42, and theology at Canisius College, Pymble, 1943-46. He was ordained by Cardinal Gilroy at St Mary's Church, North Sydney, 5 January 1946. Tertianship followed at Loyola, Watsonia, 1947 under director Father John Fahy. He was professed, 2 February 1981.

After studies, Schneider's first appointment was to St Louis in 1948, but in 1949 he began a long career as headmaster at the Xavier College's preparatory schools, Burke Hall and Kostka Hall. He was at Burke Hall until 1951, and at Kostka Hall, 1952-54 and 1956, and at Burke Hall, 1955, and 1957-1964. In both schools he was also prefect of studies and prefect of discipline and sports master. He taught various subject such as religion and mathematics and directed the various Sodalities.

From 1965 to 1976 he was appointed headmaster, prefect of studies and sports master of the Junior School at St Aloysius' College, Milsons Point. He also taught religion and English. His workload was beyond compare yet was undertaken with total dedication and patience. He was a very competent administrator. He never drove a car, travelling everywhere by public transport, especially to watch students playing sports all over Sydney.

During this time Schneider and other senior Jesuits were sent to the Pastoral Institute in Manila for renewal in the spirit of Vatican II. He underwent a conversion here and amazed his contemporaries when he returned preaching 'new ideas' such as the importance of the laity as the 'people of God'. Schneider never lived with ideas of clericalism, equally sharing his life and ministry with the laity as much as with his Jesuit brothers.

From 1977-80 he was seconded as a consultant to the Catholic Education Office, Sydney. He had one more appointment as headmaster, prefect of studies and sports master to Kostka Hall in 1981.

He then returned to St Aloysius' College in 1982 as chaplain to the Junior School, as well as teaching religion. He was recognised by the Government of NSW as the oldest teacher in the State when he reached 100 years old. He remained in those roles until 2014, when signs of dementia appeared. Otherwise, he was considered very healthy. He ended up at Mary MacKillop Residence for the aged at Hawthorn East. At his death he was by far the oldest Jesuit to have lived in the province.

Schneider was an amazing person, ageless, totally dedicated and committed, a seemingly permanent feature at St Aloysius College, the longest-serving member of staff, a man of Germanic routine and regularity. He was a man of much frugality, and simplicity. At Burke Hall his bedroom was a broom cupboard, adjoining his office. Clothing was only an essential, much of it needed constant repair or replacement. Fellow staff members were generous in keeping him presentable. He enjoyed Sunday excursions to various places around Sydney, such as Cronulla, Katoomba, or Palm Beach, eating a cut sandwich and reading the latest Tablet. This exercise kept him fit. He would occasionally go to Melbourne to see his family, an exercise that he would always organise himself. He was independent to the end, always wanting to cause no one any fuss. He also visited David's Place in inner-city Surry Hills, a place for the homeless, and those with mental health issues. Here he was remembered as a quiet presence, a man of humble demeanour, wishing to listen to the marginalised.

Schneider was also a member of a Christian Living Group from 1985, which continued until 2015, acting as their spiritual guide. Linda Bryan, a member of the group, said that he was much loved by the group and their children. She praised his dedication and commitment, and fidelity to meetings. He was generous and non-judgmental to a fault, especially when the group went its own ways. He was a special member of the group sharing many family celebrations. Ever faithful and steadfast in all things.

At one stage the college administration organised for Schneider to receive an Order of Australia. The application was accepted, but when the names were announced, Schneider's name did not appear. It was discovered later that he had privately declined the honour. His ministry was not about himself, but others.

When he turned 100, he became the oldest active teacher in the world. He once said that he would like to be remembered as kind and sensible. Michael McGirr remembered him as having 'a deep sense of faithful service without every seeking the limelight. He took joy in simple things.' Another former student, Mackenzie Fikkers, thought that Schneider taught him 'humility, reflection, and being above all to be a man for others'.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)