The Graylands Teachers College 50th Reunion was held earlier this month, with more than 80 graduates coming together to share lunch, laughter and memories with their former school mates
The Graylands Teachers College 50th Reunion was held earlier this month, with more than 80 graduates coming together to share lunch, laughter and memories with their former school mates.
The 1962 Student Council President, John Reid, hosted the event at his home with partner Monica Reid. The celebrations ended with the group determined to meet again in five year’s time to reminisce once more at the affectionately coined “Reid’s”.
John’s summary of the afternoon is below:
On Sunday, 2 December 2012 over 80 Graylanders and some partners gathered for lunch at the home of Monica and John Reid. People came from far and wide and many had to overcome severe difficulties. The atmosphere quickly became full of joy as old friendships were quickly re-established. We all had adventures to report, humorous memories and endless stories of amazing grandchildren.
John Reid, the President of the Student Council welcomed everybody. He was very proud of the achievements of teachers trained at Graylands. In his experience in schools he frequently found that teachers acknowledged as outstanding by students and parents had been trained at Graylands; their most outstanding characteristics being their dedication to the children, their determination to be highly skilled teachers and their good fun attitude to being part of the staff.
Young Bill Powell gave us our last recorder lesson and led us in a rousing rendition of Non Nobis Solum. It brought tears to the eyes of some.
The centre piece of the afternoon was a replay of the morning college assembly. Principal Barry Bill Halliday Hancock gave a stirring address. He exhorted students to reach for great personal improvement, to uphold the principles of teaching and take the battle cry of "Not for ourselves alone" into our school lives to serve the children and our communities faithfully and well. He praised us for being good students and was confident we would all live up to these values. He did have some slight concern over some male students who elected to miss drama by climbing out the window. He also had some reservation about the Hancock text innovation on "I'm a little Teapot (pisspot)” but all in all he felt we were a fine bunch.
Our very own David Jones, who has achieved the extraordinary honour of having a personal Chair at Curtin University named after him, delivered a delightful address in honour of Mr Bryant McDivan, our well loved and respected Lecturer in Art. Bryant is now in his nineties but still "with it". David has maintained a lifelong relationship with Bryant.
The Women’s Warden, Ms Westhoven, whose main aim in life seemed to be to frustrate the plans of sixty odd lovely honourable boys, was eulogized by June Dawson and Lorraine Morley. They reminded the girls to make sure they kept their heels covered and remembered the traffic light system when they were in cars with boys (if they touch you that is a red light so get out quick). June finished with words of respect for a woman who genuinely cared for us.
Young Harry, now Professor Harry Phillips, represented Alf Bolas and gave us a witty and informative address on the important part sport played in our lives. Harry graciously thanked Monica and John for providing their home as a venue. Appreciation was also recorded to Robin Meharry, Deb Gamble, Eleanor Makin and Barb Lees as members of the organising committee. Reference, too, made to the valuable assistance provided by ECU Office of Advancement (Alumni Relations).
We all left with a determination to live another five years and then to return to "Reid's" and refresh those long term memories.
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