19Mar2021
Thank-you to everyone who braved the 38 degree heat to celebrate Old Boys' Day on Friday, 19 March.
Year on year Old Boys' Day seems to draw bigger crowds, and this year was no different with over 260 Old Boys registered to attend. There were Haleians attending from the 1940s right up to our most recent graduates from 2020.
The day commenced with the chapel service led by Reverend Eleanor O’Donnell. Thank-you to Nick Flavel (1989) and Richard Fowler (1963) for the readings, and to Ernest Chua (2002) for accompanying the hymns on piano. We were also treated to a wonderful performance by the year 5 string quartet.
The choice of venue for the assembly was a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was held in a marquee on the senior school quadrangle which worked rather well, as it allowed for a little breeze to assist in combating the stifling heat.
The assembly felt particularly special this year given we missed out on celebrating in 2020 due to COVID-19. In addition to our normal celebration and roll call, we acknowledged our 60th anniversary of the Wembley Downs campus with the naming of several buildings and facilities on campus.
The Chadwick Sports Pavilion was named in gratitude to Derek Chadwick for over 40 years of exemplary service and loyalty to Hale School, and dedication to the highest principles of sportsmanship.
The John Cruickshank Scoreboard on Craig Oval was named in honour of John Cruickshank (1950); blocks A and B were renamed the J.B. Morrison Building in honour of Jock Morrison (1951) and L block was renamed the Sir Henry Cook Building in honour of Sir Henry Cooke KB (1917). These announcements were made in appreciation for their commitment, dedication and generosity to Hale School over many years.
The Bishop Hale Medal was presented to Harry Garland (2009), who continually strives to achieve personal excellence with an unwavering devotion to duty and we also bid farewell and thank-you to Dr Douglas Smith who many would fondly remember, was our school doctor for over 44 years. Dr Smith would attend Hale every day in the morning, on the way to his General Practice in Innaloo. Much of his work included tending to the rough and tumble of boarding life, the numerous sporting injuries, including suturing on site and plastering fractures.
In continuing with tradition, our oldest Haleian attending the assembly, Ken McHarrie (1940), received a gift from School Captain, Lachlan Flavel. Ken will be 98 in December!
The 2021 rowing crews were announced and Old Haleian and Hale rowing legend Ross Chappell (1954) presented the first VIII with their rowing zootsuits in readiness for the Head of the River.
The AGM followed assembly and then it was into the Memorial Hall for lunch. More than 200 Haleians enjoyed the canapes and drinks on offer. The Faulkner Award was presented to Grant Kidner (1976) and John Garland (1976) and everyone settled in to enjoy an afternoon of catching up.
A wonderful day of celebration, friendship and camaraderie had by all. We encourage you if you have not been to an Old Boys’ Day yet, to please join us next year.
Click Here to view a selection of photos taken on the day
< Back to news stories