Harold Beatty Remembers
Harold Beatty
This is the time when most ex-students and tea¬chers say “I remember the time”. I would like to say that this-is a “time to remember”. A time to remember some of the teachers who have passed on to greener pastures after leaving their mark in the foundation of the traditions of Gosford High School.
I must apologise to the women teachers and to those men whose deeds I cannot recall. It is rather difficult to put these names in chronological order or in order of importance as each has contributed in no uncertain manner to the makeup of a first class High School.I make no reference to those teachers who are still living because their “work for the school” is not finished.
Archibald W. Kerr (A.W.K) – a superb craftsman teacher – the man with the “persuader” that was very seldom used. He could solve most practical problems in the School and the community. If he didn’t have a particular tool to finish some in¬tricate piece of work, he would set to and make it. Arch. did much to cement good relations between the “School and the Community”.
Joseph McBride (Jimmy Mc) – a quiet, unassuming Science teacher, Cadet Captain, cartographer and brilliant “pen-man” – a man who could transform a “blot” into a work of art. Author of several text books, he had a terrific fund of general knowledge. He has designed many school badges including our own Gosford High badge.
Allan Maclnnes (Uncle Bumpy) – Geography teacher with a wealth of practical knowledge who was al¬ways ready to give sound and valuable advice to all students. He was a competent goal-keeper in the annual Students U Teachers hockey match.
Hec. Eager – Economics teacher and late Headmaster Wyong High School. He was able to combine sound teaching and administration with some very good hints on how to catch beach worms and whiting.
Hedley Green – Science Master – a quiet, affable teacher who made himself indispensable with his audio and photographic ability. Where the action was, there was Hedley with his microphone and camera.
Harold Beatty Class 1943
George Kent – A quiet, yet forceful efficient teacher who could adapt himself to most subjects – a very good “staff” man who could “pull-his weight” in any situation.
Larry Foley – Language Master – master of the art of overcoming health hazards and bringing genial conviviality into the staff room. He was an in¬spiration to all teachers and students with his traditional methods of teaching. As a story – teller he was unsurpassed – can you ever forget, his “big mug on the camel” tale at one of the Farewell Dinners.
Leo Collitts – Maestro of the music room. An earnest, capable teacher who was able to influence many of his students to follow a musical career. He was responsible for the music for our School Song and conducted many choirs as well as instillinc a love of good music into his sometimes reluctant students.
Sam Langford – Latin teacher – A conscientious, earnest man with a love for “flowery” language. Sam always came into the staff room behind some gorgeous bloom that he had grown with loving care. Many of Gosford’s great footballers started with Sam’s astute and energetic coaching. He was the perfect foil to the wit of Larry Foley – they were indispensable in the language department.
John Gibson (Hoot) – A fine, upstanding gentleman who demanded respect from both teachers and pupils alike. He was a Headmaster of the “old school” and did much to enhance the school tradition.
C.O.G. Thomas (Cog.) -Teacher of Maths, Deputy and finally Headmaster at Erina High. “Cog” was the hard working, efficient type who could get the most out of his students. He had a most en¬gaging “burr” in his voice that could instil confidence in the most reluctant pupil. He would often work into the early hours of the morning to make sure everything ran smoothly during the day.
Harry Godfrey – genial Commerce teacher who was never in a hurry but managed to get the work done in time. He was the first teacher to introduce shorthand and typing into the High School and at one time had as many as twenty typewriters clattering away in one of the portables.
I know that other teachers and headmasters may have departed this life, but the teachers I have mentioned will remain in my memory forever.
H. Beatty
The school history section of this site if from the publication Looking Back 1929 to 1979 for the 50th centenary of the school. The publication was produced by the student committee – Tony Lamb, Sue Wishart, Chris Bell, Karen Chapman, Cathy Hughes with support from then History Mistress Mrs Elizabeth Ferguson and support an photography assistance from then Headmaster Mr Peter Feilen.
