1/7/2020 Alumni - Northcote High School

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Alumni
Our Ex-students’ Association promotes the interests of
Northcote High School and is a way for past students to stay in
touch with other students and teachers.

Ex-students’ Association
The Northcote High Ex-students’ Association has around 500 members and
warmly welcomes all ex-students and staff to join.

Membership entitles you to access information about Northcote High School, a

copy of our annual Ripples magazine, and invitations to the reunion day and other
school events.

Past Students Register

The Northcote High School Past Students Register lists the names and details of
Northcote High School’s ex-students. The information is from a variety of sources
and there may be variations in the details supplied. Information is not provided on
all students.

Our past students have excelled in a wide range of elds, including science, the
arts, politics, sport and research. See History to learn more about some of our past
students’ achievements.

To join the association or to add new information to the register, contact

Kate Challis on 9488 2300 or email Kate Challis.

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Alumni news

November 2019
The Class of 1948 held its annual luncheon at Old England Hotel, Heidelberg on
Wednesday October 30th. It is close to 70 years since this group graduated from
the School and how amazing it was to see Frank Phillips arrive in full school
uniform (or close to) consisting of shirt, blazer, grey trousers, ribbons and badges.
He added to this his badge of the Order of Australia and his blazer pocket proudly
displayed the crossed hockey sticks of his school day sporting activity. The group
sadly re ected on the recent passing of one of its class mates and regular attendee,
Malcolm Wood. The Association extends deepest sympathy to Malcolm’s family. A
ne meal was enjoyed by all including Kate Challis from the School, representing
the Principal. It was an impressive moment when Frank proposed a toast to the
School and spoke of how much he felt the School had given to him and his class
mates in ne education, sporting opportunities, sense of citizenship and lasting
friendships. The School extends hearty congratulations to this group who are now
the wise sages of the School’s past. One in this group started at the School in1939!
Meliora Sequamur

Class of 1978 Reunion Dinner. Dino Cellini is organizing an annual dinner for the
Class of 1978 following their successful reunion back at the School last year. A hotel
meal is proposed for Thursday November 21st and members of the Class of 1978 are
invited to contact Dino at dcellini@arriveaccountants.com.au for further details.

September 2019
Passing of Hector Gallagher. It is with great sadness that the Ex-students’
Association records the passing of Hector Gallagher (Class of 1941). Hector attended
Northcote High School with his brother Noel in the late 1930s and early 1940s. He
completed Leaving Certi cate (Year 11).  His rst employment was with the
Victorian Railways and this was followed by service in the RAAF as a navigator-
wireless operator during WWII. After the war he trained as a primary school teacher
and later completed degrees in Commerce and Education, the former degree
under the Commonwealth Reconstruction and Training Scheme and he taught for
the Education Department from 1946 to 1965. He then became a member of the
Board of Inspectors 1967-74 and, ultimately, Assistant Director of Secondary
Education 1974-85. He lectured at Monash University in the Faculty of Education
1965-6 and at Rusden State College. He authored several books including being a

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member of the team of four who wrote the history of Northcote High School. His
razor sharp memory of people and events long ago was of great help in the writing
of the history. His calm, professional and objective approach was much appreciated
by the writing team. His knowledge of the Education Department, of personnel
and events was encyclopaedic.  He was a dedicated and active member of the
Northcote High School Ex-Students’ Association and he will be much missed by his
friends at NHS. Publications: We Got a Fair Go-A History of CRTS 1945-
1952.Landforms-An Introduction to Australian Geomorphology. The Green, the
Purple and the Gold – A history of Northcote High School. We extend sincere
condolences to Hec’s family. VALE Hec.

Graham Campbell. James Oliver has pointed out that Graham Campbell attended
NHS around the early 1950s. It is very helpful to have information about ex-students
and past events brought to the attention of the School so that we can continue to
complete the story. Many thanks go to James!  Graham was an Australian Rules
footballer who played 151 games for Fitzroy Football Club (1956-64) having
previously played for the Northcote Stars. He was Fitzroy Club Champion in 1957
winning the Mitchell Medal. He was a handy and consistent goal kicker as rover
and half-forward. He played in the 1960 VFL Preliminary Final and he coached
Fitzroy in 1974 and 1978.  He also coached West Perth 1975-77 winning the WAFL
premiership in 1975 and coached Glenelg 1983-84. Graham remained in Adelaide as
an analyst after retirement from active football, putting his vast football knowledge
to good use as a television football commentator. Well done Graham!

August 2019
Back to Day August 8th saw a valiant band of ex-students face the weather
forecast and assemble in the old Olver Assembly Hall for a very ne morning tea
provided by the School (including the famed sausage rolls and scones and jam and
cream).  The conversations were soon owing to be followed by informative
addresses by Principal Sue Harrap and the School Captains. A ne jazz music
performance was enjoyed. Tours of the School, including the new Arts Building,
followed as attendees gasped at the present extent of School buildings and
complex of courtyards stretching out to what was remembered as the park. One
ex-student had come all the way from the USA and another from Canberra. We
were very pleased to have them join us.

The Ex-student Association sincerely thanks Principal Sue Harrap, Assistant

Principal Jocelyn Hill and Executive Assistant Kate Challis for planning and

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organising the event.

Special Notice
Wales Street Primary School teacher of 1969, Ms Jan Thomas,  is organising a
reunion of her Grade 3/4 Class for July 21st 2019. If interested contact her on
nevillejan99@hotmail.com

June 2019
It is pleasing to note that we now have an interim Committee for the NHS Ex-
student Association.

President:                 Con Dinopoulos 1977

Vice President:        Dino Cellini 1978

Committee:              Trevor Rowe MBE 1930s

 Bill Mudford 1940s

 Andy Treadwell, Ken Cunningham, Bill Newell, Allan Wilcox 1955

 John Gowans 1959

 Jim Corbaleski 1989

Omar Hammoud 1992

Clare Gleghorn 1999

Riste Avramoski 2002.

Other interested ex-students should contact Kate Challis at the School

challis.kate.e1@edumail.vic.gov.au

May 2019
Back to day 2019. This year the school is planning to invite members of the NHS
Ex-Student Association to return to the School for morning tea in early August. The
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School has been waiting for the opening of the new building which houses the
superb new Music facilities and will provide a tour for attendees to the morning
tea. The mail out is being organised at present so please make a diary entry when
the letter arrives.

NHS Ex-Student Association Interim Committee. It is time to formalize the

Association by forming an Interim Committee of Management and the School calls
for volunteers willing to help form such a committee to provide advice on alumni
affairs and to help to promote membership growth. The demands are not
expected to be too great as Gary Israel will continue as liaison of cer helped along
by Kate Challis from the School of ce. If interested or wanting further information
contact Kate at challis.kate.e1@edumail.vic.gov.au

Bi-monthly lunch Class of 1959 will be held on June 4th 2019 at Il Gambero, Lygon
Street, Carlton. Contact John Gowans gowans.john@gmail.com

Turn Up for the Archives – recent acquisitions include the Speech Night Programs
for 1944 and 1945 not previously held by the School. Allen White is thanked for
these as they provide valuable details about the School in these years.

Ex-student Pro le, John Seebeck, Class of 1956. John held the degree of Master
of Science from Melbourne University, although, initially, he did not complete his
degree and left for employment. Later he joined the Fisheries and Wildlife
Department where his developing interest in Victorian/Australian wildlife saw him
return to Melbourne Uni to study Zoology. He became a leading expert and
researcher in understanding rare mammals. He was made a Fellow of the
Australian Mammal Society as well as leading research into the Leadbeater
Possum and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. He was Manager of the Long Footed
Potaroo Recovery Team. He has published numerous scholarly works and
publications and is highly regarded in wildlife circles for his research and
leadership in understanding and protecting rare wildlife. At School he was a keen
hockey player. John certainly lived up to our motto, Meliora Sequamur!

March 2019
The Annual Reunion Class of 1955 will be held on Wednesday March 6th 2019 at
12.30pm at the Peacock Hotel High Street Northcote. Contact Ken Cunningham for
information on kcunning@ozemail.com.au

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Passing of Alumni. Sadly there have been several deaths lately which the
Association records with regret:

Sir William Cole passed away on January 8th at 92 years of age. He attended NHS
from 1934-1940. He served in the RAAF during WWII and later graduated with a
Bachelor of Commerce First Honours from University of Melbourne. He became a
Federal public servant of several Departments – Supply, International Monetary
Fund in Washington, Bureau of Transport Economics, and, later, Finance. From
1978 to 1983 Sir William was Chairman of the Public Service Board. He was knighted
by the Queen for his services to the nation.  The Association extends its deepest
sympathy to Lady Cole and family.

Michael Cuthbert passed away in January after a long illness. He joined the staff in
1988 as a teacher of woodwork/ technology studies and art. For many years he
served as a level coordinator of students in junior years and was highly regarded for
his fairness in his dealings with the pupils and support of staff. Our sincere
condolences are extended to his wife and family.

George Za ropoulos completed his service as Head of School cleaning until 2002
having joined the cleaning staff in the late 1970s. He passed away in February of
this year. George was a most reliable and hard working staff member who took
great pride in his work. The superb surface of the Gymnasium oor was a tribute to
his skills and watchful eye. The ne state of school facilities was very much due to
his dedication. Condolences are extended to his wife Maria, son John and the
family.

Victor Tsilemanis Class of 1960 passed away recently. He was a keen member of
the School Football team and won the Football School Prize. He later played for
Fitzroy Thirds and was turf keeper for Fitzroy Cricket Club. Vale Victor and sincere
sympathy is extended to Victor’s family,

Meliora Sequamur

Alumni News 2018

Alumni News 2017

Alumni News 2016

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Alumni News 2015

Alumni News 2014

Alumni News 2013

Alumni News 2012

Alumni News 2011

History
Established in 1926, our school has a rich history.

International student alumni

Our notable international student alumni.

Northcote Thrive Fund

Help us fund programs and new school spaces and resources.

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VISIT
19–25 St Georges Road
Northcote Victoria 3070

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CALL
+61 3 9488 2300

EMAIL
info@nhs.vic.edu.au

Acknowledgement of Country
Northcote High School respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional
owners of the land on which our school stands and pay respect to the ongoing living
cultures of First Peoples.

© 2019 Northcote High School

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