Speech day and prize-giving, 13 December 1898

The Australian Star, 14 December 1898, p 11:

SYDNEY HIGH SCHOOL.

Speech Day.

Presentation of Prizes.

"Speech Day" in connection with the Sydney High School was celebrated to-day at the Castlereagh-street branch of the institution. The chair was occupied by Mr. Hogue (Minister for Public Instruction), and there were present, in addition to the scholars, a large number of visitors. Including friends and relations of the boys and girls.

The head mistress read the report of the girls' department for the past 12 months, disclosing a very satisfactory state of affairs, both as regards attendance and results.

The head master (Mr. Waterhouse) submitted the report of the boys' department for the past year, and as an evidence of the attainments mentioned that 18 candidates had gone from the school to take part in the University Junior examinations, and that the whole of them had passed in a most satisfactory manner. The whole of the candidates representing the school who had taken part in the Public Service examinations had been successful, and had since received appointments. The report contained some good advice to the boys, and expressions of appreciation at the efforts of the teachers…

The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 December 1898, p 8:

… During the past few months a literary and debating society had been formed in connection with the Boys' High School at Ultimo, and a library was also now open.

The Minister for Education, who was received with long and loud applause, expressed his pleasure at the very cordial reception accorded him. He apologised for the absence of the Premier, which was only due to a number of important engagements preventing him from leaving his office. It was to Mr. Reid that the foundation of the High schools of the colony was due—(applause)--although it must not be forgotten that the Public Education Act, which made provision for the establishment of High schools, was due to that eminent statesman, the late Sir Henry Parkes. (Loud applause). In 1883, when the High School was first established, there were only 100 scholars on the roll, but in 1889 the number had increased to 600, which rendered the erection by the Government of the present new school for boys near the Technical College necessary. He expressed his surprise and pleasure at the reports of the year's work, and at the splendid results the scholars had obtained at the University examinations. He would, before concluding, impress upon the boys that they owed a debt of gratitude to their country for High Schools, which were the links between the Primary schools and the University. He wished all the pupils a very happy Christmas. (Applause.)

Mr Hogue then distributed the medals and prizes won by the scholars, as well as the University certificates. The particulars were as follow:--

UNIVERSITY RESULTS— BOYS.

The following obtained medals :— O. U. Vonwiller for arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, mechanics. First classes in individual subjects were obtained by O. U. Vonwiller (English, arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry and mechanics), F. J. Docker (French), J. S. Campbell (Latin).

The Barker Scholarship No. 2 and Horner Exhibition were won by O. U. Vonwiller.

Matriculation honours in various subjects were obtained by J. S. Campbell, O. U. Vonwiller, F. J. Docker, S. J. Bellemy. Five boys went up, all of whom passed and gained matriculation honours, O. U. Vonwiller, S. J. Bellemy, F. J. Docker, J. S. Campbell also qualified for entrance to the department of engineering, while F. W. Downey qualified for entrance to the faculties of law, medicine, and science. Seven first classes, 21 second classes and 14 third classes were obtained, the average pass being 8.4 subjects. The headmaster's prizes for the greatest proficiency at the examinations were won by O. U. Vonwiller, 1, S. J. Bellemey. 2.

Junior Examination.— Eighteen boys presented themselves for examination all of whom passed. The prize for general proficiency was won by H. E. Neal. The medal for English history was won by R. C. Kemp, that for German by H. E. Neil; algebra, R. C. Kemp; geometry, J. M. Perrier (O. A. Diethelm, prox. acc.); physics, E. McKinnon; drawing, L. J. Hawkins. The passes averaged 6 5-6 per head. Fifteen boys passed in seven subjects and three in six subjects for matriculation passes. The prizes offered by the headmaster for the greatest distinction at the examinations were won by H. E. Neal and A. M. Levick.

See also: The Daily Telegraph, 14 December 1898, p 5.

See also: Evening News, 14 December 1898, p 2.