Reminiscences: A F O'Rourke (Teacher 1942-1964)

24 Years at SBHS 1942-1964: Such a title could indicate favourable or unfavourable interpretations - 24 years is a long spell at any one appointment, but service at S.H.S. was always appealing and enjoyable. You might well ask why? - all of you knew the school as students, especially selected for secondary education that was to blossom into the tertiary field, and ultimately into very worthy enterprises.

I, on the other hand, had to face up to the great responsibility of helping you in your study, your physical and academic development and advancing maturity. So we found ourselves here at Moore Park in a fine building with good facilities and promising futures. What then must follow, if S. H. S. was to continue and add to what had been already achieved? It is this point that I must emphasise what is basic to any educational advance of a school or college.

First and foremost is the quality of the Headmaster and staff - that word quality has a very wide and comprehensive meaning, and it is with it, that I should like to deal as far as S. H. S. is concerned. It was in 1942 that I was transferred from Canberra High School to S. H. S. In those days teachers borrowed from N. S. W. Education Department supplied the demand for education in the Federal Capital Territory, and strange to say, we were told that only top quality staff could be offered to the Federal Capital Territory. Needless to say we teachers believed the propaganda, but as far as I was concerned the reverse was true. My appointment to S.H.S. was accomplished by the assurance that only the "goods" got to S.H.S. Well, be all that as it may I shall be pleased to pass on to the quality of Headmaster and staff I first encountered in 1942.

My best introduction to Mr James Killip and his quality is to be found in an official letter of thanks, on his retirement from the Director General of Education, J. G. Mackenzie. It reads -

Dear Mr Killip,

On the occasion of your retirement from the Dept. of Education, in which you have served as a teacher for 46 years, ( of which 15 years were spent at S.H.S.), may I extend to you the sincere thanks of the Minister, my colleagues, and myself, for the long, loyal and efficient service, you have rendered to the State.

As Headmaster of S. H. S. you have not only had charge of a school enjoying a long tradition of public service and esteem, but also you have been in a position of liaison between the systems of departmental High Schools and Great Public Schools. The manner in which you have discharged your duties has justified the confidence, which led to your appointment.

Nor has your influence in the service been confined to those schools in which you have served. Those, who taught with you, have carried your ideals of service and scholarship into other schools of the State, to the general benefit of the whole organisation of Secondary Schools. Such an opportunity has been the privilege of your senior office, but the efficiency with which it has been discharged has been your personal contribution.

I trust your retirement will be blessed with good health and enriched with the joy of those rewards which faithful service merits.

Yours faithfully,

J. G. McKenzie,

Director General of Education

Well, so much for the quality of James Killip. I can only add that as Headmaster of S. H. S., he had a more onerous task than any other Headmaster in Public or Private schools. But so did the other Headmasters in my experience at S. H. S.

Gordon Barr and Murray Callaghan have their history in the school, but my sojourn with each was very short, and I must leave their story to someone else. Outstanding in his love for the school and his fine competent service on its behalf was Ken Andrews, sitting here tonight still contributing to the welfare of the school. Indeed, I feel sure there is very little so precious in the life of this fine teacher and Headmaster as S.H.S. Ken gave nine years of great service to the school in scholarship and administration. His enthusiasm, to this day, is so obvious to all, and respect for him as a firm and just administrator by the senior students, in particular, is well remembered. Personally, I, as a member of the staff have much to remember him for, but will say no more, and spare him greater embarrassment.

And so we come to those whom Mr Killip and Ken Andrews had to trust and depend on - the staff itself. Let me say outright that the Education Department never left S.H.S. devoid of competent and willing staff - its solidarity and scholarship left nothing to be desired, and the good will fostered by Mr Killip and his deputy Perc Hallett made the school function with harmonious efficiency.

Perhaps mention of some of my colleagues on the staff in 1942 will recall to your memory bygone events of interest.

There is no need to mention the Deputy, Perc Hallett - he was S.H.S.

Willfy Cummins - Mathematician and Rowing master.

Lennie Basser - Athletics Master of proven reputation.

T. B. Ingram - English specialist.

L. Swan and Ollie Taylor - Masters of Commerce.

J. Dabron - Music Specialist and the source of great humour.

But I must stop here to avoid boredom.

Many changes took place throughout those 24 years, and the number of colleagues, who have passed away is a little frightening - they include Jim Killip and Perc Hallett, whose funerals I attended.

I shall say no more about staff members except that they were inspired men who lifted their students to outstanding academic results, and set them on the road to great success.

Now I should like to revert to my own individual world at S.H.S. My relationship with my students, both in the academic sphere and on the sporting field - Rugby in particular.

Arriving at High in 1942, I joined Maurie Lynch in coaching the 1st XV in the two competitions, C.H.S. and G.P.S.

The whole set up was foreign to me, especially the skills in forward play. But learn I did, and quickly under circumstances where the C. H. S. played one another in two games each season - home and away.

We did well in the C. H. S. competition, winning nine games, drawing one and losing two in twelve games.

The G. P. S. was a different story.

Win against T. K. S. 21 - 8

Win against T. S. C. 11 - 9

Loss to S. G. S. 8 - 16

Loss to S. I. C. 9 - 14

Loss to S. C. E. G. S. 5 - 9

Loss to S. J. C. 13 - 30

In all two wins and five losses.

Quite clearly something drastic had to be done and done quickly. G.P.S. strength had to be overcome, but the odds were against us. I gained nothing but admiration for Sydney High teams, beaten as they were five times out of seven. They were gallant in defeat on every occasion, and quite clearly over-matched every Saturday. these were the days before the Wyndham Scheme, when talented lads from High gained their Leaving certificate around the age of sixteen. I did not have one player touching eighteen. The opposition was older and heavier. At school age, weight and age count heavily on the football field.

Diamond Jubilee year, 1943, brought a dramatic change. High won the C.H.S. competition in clear cut fashion, winning all fourteen games.

In G.P.S. all games were well won except

St. Josephs who won 14-0

Kings School who won 8-0

Thus S.H.S. had set a school record, nineteen wins and two defeats.

S.H.S. 1st XV was now highly respected on the football field, and it was not surprising when in 1946, the school team were co-premiers with St Joseph's College. S.H.S., at last had its name on the G. P. S. Shield. That year our only defeat was by St Josephs 14 - 9.

Other scores were

S. H. S. beat Grammar 8 - 6

S. H. S. beat Newington 17 - 12

S. H. S. beat St Ignatius 31 - 9

S. H. S. beat Scots 6 - 0

S. H. S. beat Shore 10 - 3

S. H. S. beat Kings  36 - 3

If you add to that record, success in all C.H.S. games except one against Fort Street (beaten 9 - 6) you will realise the fine standard now reached by S.H.S.

And may I record here my full admiration for the lads who took the field on Wednesday and again on Saturday of the football season - admiration of their stamina and courage, and their great capacity to turn a half-time deficit into victory (following some half-time discussion, to use a polite term). My admiration expanded greatly when I realised that some members of the side were carrying injuries received in mid-week C.H.S. games, but still playing their hearts out to finish in front.

That was the situation that new followers were conscious of. For my part it was a situation involving plain "guts" not excelled in my football experience. Little wonder I remember with great satisfaction the lads from S.H.S. who brought such great renown to the school as a result of their efforts on the football field, and provided an example for all who were to follow them.

At this point it may be opportune to select some of the individuals who stood out for their brilliant and sustained displays leading to victory. I do this fully realising that I could render a disservice to some fine lads who thoroughly deserve mention. John Dexter was Captain of the School and 1st XV, when I joined the staff in 1942, and an excellent product.

But first and foremost the name of Brian Allsopp must emerge from the ruck. The combined comments of Frank Allsopp (no relation) and myself in the November Record of 1954 will suffice to reveal what we thought of Brian Allsopp.

No account of the 1954 football season would be complete without mention of Allsopp's achievements. His play in the five-eight position throughout the two competitions (CHS & GPS) marked him out as a player of outstanding ability - one of the best that have ever played in that position for High. His football sense, elusiveness and speed made him a superb attacking player, and some of his tries notably those against Kings and Riverview, were really brilliant efforts. Of his defence there was some doubt until the game against Scots, which proved that his tackling was of the same high standard as his general play. Evidence of his ability as a goal-kicker is shown by the fact that during the two competitions, he kicked no less than 57 goals. A word must also be said about his captaincy; it is no disparagement of the team he led, to say, that by his generalship and his inspiring football, he lifted the efforts to a standard of play, which otherwise could not have been attained. His selection as Captain of the GPS First against Duntroon was a well-deserved reward for his leadership throughout the season, and a great honour to S. H. S.

Allsopp's total of points scored in competition games during that season constitutes a record for a Sydney High player and one that will be difficult to break.

It is as follows:

Tries 28

Goals 45

Penalty goals 12

Total 216 points

But Allsopp's achievements embraced more than excellence in football: - Cricket and athletics found him equally prominent and his efforts in both these sporting activities are well recorded in the 1954 Record. I have not time for them here but this slightly-built lad must be acclaimed as one of the most distinguished sportsmen in the annals of S.H.S. Indeed, it was already recognised in 1954, when he was awarded a Triple Blue, and emphasised to the full when he was granted this school's rarest and most coveted distinction - An Honour cap for "outstanding ability in a number of sports."

Thus 1954 was truly the Allsopp year, and it must go down as one of the most successful in the history of the school: - The First Grade Team was C.H.S. undefeated premiers and third in the G.P.S. Competition, - narrowly defeated by St Joseph's 6 - 3, and Kings School 16 - 13. It is well that you take into consideration the unusual demand on the players forced to play two hard games a week against teams who could concentrate on one big weekly effort.

Now I feel obliged to name some of the other stars in that twenty four year period at S.H.S. actually they are included in the High Bulletin of July 8th, 1958 - two teams were selected, Probables and possibles and if opposed to each other, what would be the result?

Probables

F.B.R. Smee (1946 - 7)

C. Chamberlain (1953 - 4)

K Mc Lellan (1946) R Tate (1946-7) B Allsopp (1952- 4) (Vice-Capt)

C. Smee (1951 - 2 - 3)

J. Bosler (1949 - 50)

G. Sample (1956 - 7)

J. Thornett (1950 - 1)(Captain) J. Mc Gill (1957)

K. Rubie (1956 - 7 ) N. Stuart (1952 - 3)

J. Gonzalez (1948) D. Stewart (1946)

K. Wilkinson (1946 - 7 )

Possibles

G. Burge (1955) J. Browne (1954)

M. Saunders (1951) G. Beverley (1956)

J. Kenelly (1950 - 1)  J. Harris (1955 - 6)

P. Turner (1946 - 7) (Captain) M. Hudson (1951)

R. Booth (1946) W. Dadour (1948)(Vice Captain)

A. Linnane (1946-7)

M. March (1946)

H. Stevenson (1949)

J. Bell (1946)

B. Gell (1948 - 9)

Now I am sure that you will be familiar with some of these. you will notice that Allsopp is in the centre to make room for either Smee or turner at five - eighth. despite the above experiment, many fine players are omitted.

Keith Cross, the Khan brothers, Fidden, Gordon, Morcombe, Presgrave, Bacon, Roulston, Skyring, Annetts, the Emerson twins, Merret, Hopkins, Dexter - last, but certainly not least, Peter Johnson.

It was with great interest that I followed the football destiny of so many of these young men as they moved into the International, Interstate and Club areas. I think that the efforts made at the S.H.S. in the football competition proved of great benefit to the district clubs adjacent to the school.

A good example of their contribution to Australian Rugby is to be seen in the selection of the 1966 Wallaby Rugby Union tourists -

John Thornett, Captain

Peter Crittle

Peter Johnson

John Brass

Phillip Smith

Five internationals. John Thornett, among the finest products from S.H.S., stroked the First VIII and was a top swimmer and water-polo player. He must have gone very close to Brian Allsopp's outstanding ranking.

I must not wind up on football on this occasion without naming Bill Acason, and the part he played in the rising success of the school's Rugby. Bill's area was the gymnasium where he subjected the lads to severe training and physical culture of an advanced kind. Wrestling and boxing were parts of the package, and Bill himself engaged the students in wrestling bouts that caused Mr Killip to shudder and give the gym a wide berth. But for me, it was great. Bill Acason was a big help in fielding a very well-conditioned and tough bunch of forwards, who made their presence felt on the football arena - young and overmatched in age and weight. Lieut. W.S. (Bill) Acason, a product of the British Army (Aldershot) helped me more than he realised. S.H.S. was one of the fittest combinations in the competition; indeed often the main factor in victory. I am afraid that at times they were too fit. I remember well, Keith Khan - excellent breakaway - playing with sleeves rolled up, and breathing fire and brimstone out of his nostrils, throwing his arms about as he tore into the forward play. This display was too much for Mr Killip, a constant supporter of the team; he came to me to ask Khan to appear a little calmer. Yes, I have much to thank Bill Acason for; he helped produce fine top-conditioned lads, and I carried on from there.

So far I have concentrated on the 1st XV, and it would be most remiss of me not to recognise that the school fielded six grade teams, from which Firsts were fed.

The 1st and 2nd teams had to play under the most arduous circumstances - two matches a week C.H.S. and G.P.S. I cannot help stressing the strain that these circumstances incurred. I have had personal experience of such conditions in England at Headingly Leeds. Leeds was a brilliant combination winning most of the cups and distinctions possible. The success of the team in Cup ties and premiership matches forced us to play mid-week; indeed sometimes three times a week. Hence I knew full well what I was loading onto S.H.S. 1sts and 2nds.

Naturally a master was in charge of each grade team. I cannot mention them all but no one will ever forget Frank Allsopp (1943-1962), (English, History Master with great academic responsibility) who was prominent with the 2nd XV and my colleague with the 1st XV. Murray Callaghan (later Headmaster of the school) coach of the 4th XV, and Bill Gollan coach of the 5th XV.

Both teams were premiers in their grades. Incidentally Tom Pearson's grade VI were premiers also.

All that in my first year on the staff. Such success in the Junior ranks signalled equal success for the Seniors. I still go pensive about what the achievements might have been by S.H.S. on the G.P.S. field (football) had these lads been one year older. S.H.S. had outstanding success in the C.H.S. competitions. In 1945, for example, Alex Mitchell's team was unbeaten premiers in Third Grade - they scored 175 points to 9 in competition matches - a truly remarkable performance. In this same year, the Fifth Grade, under Sid Frappel, were undefeated premiers. To top all such 1945 performances was the defeat of St Joseph's College by the First XV 15 - 11. High had been trying to win this fixture since 1906. High finished four points behind St Joseph's - the winners in 1945.

By this time you will be wondering what was going on at the school besides football. Well there was plenty; need I mention the spate of activity:-

Rowing, Cricket, Athletics, Swimming, Water-polo, Debating, Band, Choir, Drama Club, Cadet Corps, Chess Club, Gymnastic Club, Camera Club, Science Club, Inter-School Christian Fellowship, School Orchestra, Air-Training Corps A.T.C., and so on.

If I remember rightly the staff numbered a little over 40 - (Head and Deputy excluded) - the essential task was the teaching of the subject in which you were specifically trained, and supplying all that was necessary to advance the Academic requirements of those in your care.

For myself SHS was ideal as a teaching appointment - full scope was offered to make use of teaching techniques and scholarship. The school had selectivity in its enrolment of pupils who responded admirably to tuition. Indeed some of the results in the Leaving Certificate were extraordinary. You will forgive me, if I boast, that the talent I handled often gained high places in the State: there was one occasion when first in the State in Modern History was mine or rather Ken Cable, and another first in the State in English was won by my pupil, Gary Scrimgeour. On many occasions places in the first ten in the State came my way in both English and Modern History. All these exploits you must attribute, in the main, to the students. I think all teachers agree with that, and certainly it applied to SHS students. I always remind myself of the answer given by the great jockey Darby Munro, when he was being reprimanded for a very close second to a champion race horse in a very important race. Asked why he was beaten so narrowly, he answered: "I can't go without the bloody horse". That is exactly the position in which the teacher finds himself. It did not happen very often at High.

You will be relieved, I feel, when I say to you, that I am coming to the end. I am considerably out of practice in fulfilling my commitment to your fine secretary Arch Ferguson, although I appreciate the compliment he bestowed on me when he asked me to give this memorial lecture.

I don't fully understand what position the school is in, regarding G.P.S. status and selectivity to-day, but for myself I can only say, that I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by H S Dettmann - Headmaster of Sydney Grammar School - and neatly placed at the bottom of your stationery. This is what he wrote:

I like to think of Sydney Boys' High School, as more than a State High School, and it is more.

It has an independent history and tradition of its own, a great tradition which is the greatest part of it. In this democratic age, it is a link, a most valuable link, between a great highly developed state system of education, and a number of great private secondary schools.

Unofficially I would like to tell you of a few incidents, I recall with amusement. On one occasion at Newington, when opposing an exceptionally heavy opposition, John Dexter (5/8 and Captain) was laid cold in the first five minutes, after handling the ball. It was quite clear that Newington, fully realising the lightness of the High team, was out to win physically. This was emphasised when Bruce Hopkins (1/2) back was also knocked cold, after passing the ball. Thus after about ten minutes play, High had two casualties. The reaction on my part was an approach to the Newington coach, stationed on the side line, with the request that the tough stuff be cut out. I told him that my lads were trained in boxing and would give a creditable display, if that continued. From then on we had football and a great win.

On another occasion against Scots at Bellevue Hill, some little disturbance occurred and I was astounded to hear Keith Khan shouting: "Brockoff, I'll knock your block off". You will of course be familiar with that fine breakaway Brockoff who went on to gain representative honours in RU and is at present active in the coaching of rep sides.