HAPPY HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY

At one hundred years of age, there is no slowing past student of Hale School, Jim MacKenzie (1917-25) down.

 
Last week he was part of a group of past students invited to attend the Memorial Service held at the School to reflect upon lives lost in times of war. Whilst the rest of the group toured the new Forrest Library Building before sitting down to lunch, Jim was whisked away to talk with Year 10 History students about his involvement in WWII! Jim and fellow Old Haleian, Peter Salmon, were able to bring events to life - in ways that text books never could. The boys were moved to hear their stories of hardship, endurance and sacrifice.

Not that long ago, Jim was at the top of Jacobs Ladder in Kings Park addressing a group of Year 11 students before they left for their visit to the Kokoda Track.

This week Jim was on campus yet again for a double century celebration. The Old Haleians’ Association celebrated its centenary this year and it seemed only fitting that Jim (who himself turned 100 in August) should be invited to cut the cake. It afforded a great opportunity for the School to acknowledge the achievements of the Association over 100 years and to congratulate Jim on reaching such a milestone.

Jim doesn't like driving at night! He was chauffeured to the cocktail party prior to the cake cutting ceremony and was heard to whisper, ‘I don’t think I’ll be staying too long’. Two hours later, Jim was still enjoying a glass of wine with the Headmaster, the Old Haleians’ Association President and other assembled dignitaries.

The foyer of the newly opened Forrest Library Building made a fitting setting for the anniversary cocktail party. Jim was particularly overawed by the facilities available to students today – a far cry from the slate he was given as a student on which to practice his ABCs.