Coogee Boys' Preparatory School

Within a relatively short space of time, certainly since our last newsletter I can only state, ‘How quickly things change!’ What was once our accepted normal has been put on hold for the time being, as we navigate our ‘new normal’ with the advent of COVID19. With school closures worldwide, and considerable information forthcoming from medical experts locally and globally, expressing the importance of not just social distancing, but home isolation to help curb the spread of COVID-19, it was clear that Coogee Prep, along with many other schools in NSW were to follow suit.

I now find what we once understood about schooling has been turned upside down, with empty School classrooms and lessons now taking place remotely from home each day. I am sure that both Bill Nimmo and Nick Brown would have been extremely impressed with the manner in which the Coogee Prep community has embraced this challenge. The speed with which our students, parents and teachers transitioned into a whole new educational mode has been truly inspiring.

We have in place strategies and protocols to achieve effective online distance education for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. I have stressed to our CPS community, that whilst we have temporarily closed our physical doors, we are very much open to teaching and learning remotely. One might say business as usual, just done differently!

Our teachers continue to show tremendous fortitude, commitment and creativity as they adapt to a new learning order and meet the requirements of using technology to deliver their best teaching. This has been a credit to the flexibility and agility of being a small school with a steely determination to offer the best possible education to our boys during these unprecedented times.

My admiration for the staff and our parents, in achieving what we have thus far, knows no bounds. The boys, and their parents have applied themselves to online learning with enthusiasm and diligence, and for this I applaud them.

From May 11th we begin the gradual transition back to the physical classroom on campus, with the boys coming in one class at a time, one day a week. Before the end of Term 2, if all goes well and God willing, we plan to be back to full-time lessons at School. We are keen to get back to the hard work and fun times of school life as we know it, a place full of boys, with energy and learning to inspire us all.

We continue to thrive as the only small independent boys’ prep school in the Eastern Suburbs and relish the constant community contact we maintain with our immediate and wider circle of Old Boys. It is this that keeps us aware of our past and gives a clear focus on our future. When we see what Coogee Prep boys achieve across all disciplines and walks of life, it is clear that our motto of Gentleman Scholar and Sportsman lives up to its name.

Enjoy this issue of the Old Boys’ Newsletter and please stay in touch with us - we welcome you with open arms!

Yours sincerely

John T. Dicks

(From L-R) Lindsay Stirton, James Duncan, Paul Glare, Graham Alley, Trevor Danos and Robert Hegedus.

What do you call a dinner with three lawyers, a professor of medicine, an optometrist and a scientist? A Coogee Boys' Prep Class of 1969 reunion dinner! Gentlemen, Scholars and Sportsmen all!

Fifty years since leaving Coogee Prep, many members of the Class of 1969 retain their bonds of friendship. The group still attempt to get together every year and sent us a photo from their 2019, fifty-year reunion dinner.

Some of the group’s favourite memories include watching the Apollo 11 moon landing with their Year 6 class, a school camp to the Kangaroo Valley where they went caving in the cliffside and canoeing in the local river, and the annual pet show and Christmas party.

Above all, members of the Coogee Prep class of 1969 remember the exceptional education they received.

“The tuition at Prep was exceptional and I remember starting high school and having an advantage because we covered areas of mathematics and languages that we covered in the first year of high school. So, in some areas I basically had a head-start for high school”.  Robert Hegedus

“Mr Brown taught us Latin, French and Algebra - that put me ahead of the curve for high school. The focus in earlier years on grammar, spelling and parsing have been invaluable. What I like most about being a CPS Old Boy is how unique and privileged an experience it is to have been to CPS and the rich and proud history of CPS”. Trevor Danos AM

Trevor Danos AM was DUX in his final year at CPS and went on to the Scots College on an academic scholarship. Trevor believes that Coogee Prep, and Mr Brown in particular, prepared him exceptionally well for high school.

Trevor was deeply and keenly interested in science. In his fifth year of high school, Trevor was lucky enough to be selected to attend the 17th International Science School for High School Students, run by the Science Foundation for Physics from 26 August to 6 September 1974. He vividly remembers this fortnight where he immersed himself in learning about science.

Trevor continued his academic journey at the University of Sydney where he studied economics and law. He spent the next thirty years successfully practising commercial law at some of Australia’s largest and most prestigious law firms. He specialised in finance and major procurements.

During his professional legal career and when his children were in high school, Trevor’s interest in science was rekindled. Trevor returned to the University of Sydney, as a mature- age student to complete undergraduate and postgraduate studies in science. He published papers on the history and philosophy of science.

Trevor now sits on, or has sat, on various government boards in the areas of aviation, electricity, health and science. He also sits on not-for-profit boards in the areas of medical research, science research, community housing, disability housing and innovation. Trevor was made a member of the order of Australia on Australia Day, 2014 Trevor was made a Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2014 for significant service to the community through contributions to a range of scientific, educational, governmental, legal and charitable associations.

Trevor is a proud husband to Veronica, a dentist, and father of two children. His son Andrew, attended Coogee Prep and is now a physics researcher. His daughter, Isabelle is a genetics counsellor. A passion for science clearly runs in the family.

Trevor has remained maintained his connection to CPS, giving the Guest of Honour Address at Speech Night in 2014.

Like Trevor, Paul Glare went on to the Scots College after completing his primary education at Coogee Prep. He recalls, “although I was in the First XV at CPS, my football career petered out at high school.” Paul completed undergraduate Medicine studies at the University of Sydney and undertook physician training at RPAH during which time he developed an interest in palliative care.

Paul has since focused his medical career on palliative care. He spent two years at the Cleveland Clinic as a research fellow working on opioid pharmacology in cancer pain. He has served as the head of palliative care at RPAH and as the Chief of Pain & Palliative Care Service 

When in sixth class (2A), the boys had to write a four part story and read it out to the class.  Paul Glare wrote his under the pseudonym PG Lane.  The list of boys for 1969 in the back of the centenary book lists as a classmate PG Lane. as well as listing Paul Glare!

We asked our Old Boys how their days at Coogee Prep contributed to their subsequent achievements and the next chapters of their lives. Our Old Boys are an accomplished and well-rounded group of men spanning generations. They value the Coogee Prep motto – Gentleman, Scholar, Sportsman – and have carried it with them throughout their lives.

Being instilled with attributes such as self-discipline, leadership and community awareness and responsibility has laid the foundation for success for our Old Boys.

The school’s motto- Gentlemen, Scholar, Sportsman is exactly how your groomed to tackle the next phase - High School. – Jamie Sharman (Class of 2017)

Coogee Prep gave me a strong sense of self-discipline and responsibility, community awareness and concepts of leadership. – W.G. “Mick” (Class of 1944)

The attitude of respect and teamwork that got ingrained in me at Coogee Prep really help me achieve my target. – James Pauling (Class of 1999)

The patterns established at Coogee Prep of enthusiasm, discipline, lust for learning, sense of adventure, balancing work, sport, play and community responsibilities have influenced my whole life and I am very grateful for such influences that have led to a very fulfilling and productive life. – Martin Fryer (Class of 1972)

I was fortunate enough to be sent to CPS to an environment that promoted education, sport & proper standards of behaviour – Peter Selby Brown (Class of 1945)

I was given self-confidence and leadership skills and I became Company Sergeant Major in the RBHS Cadet Unit – Richard W. Bligh (Class of 1962)

The school set me up with good foundations for succeeding at everything. – Harrison Lee (Class of 2017)

CPS taught me right from wrong, tolerance and how to improve yourself. – John Hector McPhail (Class of 1957)

My life at Coogee Prep was a great grounding for me and at the time there was flexibility for me to strive in areas I could achieve well in. I recall in sixth grade that on many Thursday afternoons I spent time with the Transition class which included reading stories, doing outside activities and in general, entertaining the class. To this day I still enjoy being a positive role model to those children less fortunate through "Children At Risk" programs based in Brisbane and though Scouts Australia and an abseiling instructor for youth members. – Brett Bernhardt (Class of 1973)

Garth Ross on the left (Class of 1967  and Ashley Ross ( Class of 1964)  attended Coogee Prep for their Primary schooling. Their mother - the amazing Enid Ross was the first President of the Coogee Prep Parents and Friends Association.  Enid had to bully Mr Nimmo into getting a new suit for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations as his favourite suit had cigarette burns in it!

Thank you Garth Ross for sending us this photo of the three of you celebrating Enid's 96th birthday.

Dear Mr. Dicks, 

I hope you are in good health and coping as well as possible in this challenging time for educators. 

Recently I was made aware of Margaret Cameron's 1995 book on the history of Coogee Prep and, while I have only scanned it, I spotted a small gap in the history. While it is probably insignificant and may be covered elsewhere in the school archive, I thought you might be interested in the following.

In 1964, the year of the school's 50th anniversary, I was the Class 3/4 teacher and sportsmaster at Coogee Prep, replacing Nick Brown who had taken a year's sabbatical to travel overseas. I was a 20 year old medical student who wanted to have a year's break from study while I contemplated a change of direction. I knew Nick Brown (slightly at that time) and was active in sport, and I was invited by Mr. Bill Nimmo to fill in for a year. Peter Briscoe, another med student who was Nick's friend and squash partner, helped out with the sport, and we'd be off a couple of times a week to the middle of Randwick Racecourse for cricket or rugby. Every time I pass the racecourse I wonder if the Coogee Prep boys still play there.

It was a very interesting and happy year for a young bloke in his first real job, and it must have been formative as I've stayed with education ever since. As I remember, we were only four teachers - Mr. Nimmo, Mrs. Pat Furmage, Mrs. Booth, and me. Things were pretty formal, but we all got on well. Bill Nimmo must have told me many things, but the one I remember is his constant line: 'Caban, you'd be a reasonable-looking young fellow if only you'd get a proper haircut'.

Though I didn't work with Nick Brown at the school, we became good friends, playing together in a badge team at White City for many years. 

I've been going through the news of the 100 year celebrations and old boys' news, and I remember many of the names of boys I taught. Great memories!  As I said, I stayed with education, and after a few more years in schools I got into the university sector, eventually becoming Dean of Design, Architecture and Building at UTS, where I am now Emeritus Professor. Nick invited me back to the school on a few occasions, once as guest speaker at the annual awards night (or equivalent).

I've been married for 48 years, am a father and grandfather - my proudest achievements!

With best wishes,

Geoffrey Caban 

Dear John, Tessa and Kerry,

Remember CPS had already been running for five years when the Spanish flu hit Sydney in 1919.In any case my thoughts are with you all and the staff and boys. Everything that Coogee Prep did so well in terms of co-curricular will have needed to change, a huge shift in your practice! 

Keep up your hand washing and take care! Who needs to sing happy birthday twice when you have “Lads who surely know what sport is...”

All the very best,

James Hanscombe (Class of 1984) 

Old Boy, past teacher and great-grandson of Bill Nimmo

Hi Tessa

Kaede is playing cricket now for the British School in Tokyo team, but is still a proud Coogee Prep boy and continues to wear his CPS hat

Hope everyone is well

All the best.

Mike, Saori and Kaede Sommer

 All hail to CPS! - to Mr Dicks number one

Your work is almost done

As headmaster you should stand tall, for

Little Gentlemen Sportsmen Scholars you have helped them all.

And what of the teachers what taught ’em all this stuff.

From the letter we had to sign last week, they’ve nearly had enough!

Actually not true - With our boys, it soon became clear that we had quite a nice year

Unlike other classes which come to mind that seemed quite a handful for staff, at times, take the year above and below

Whether this was naughty parents or naughty boys we will never know

Now some of you teachers were there at the start – Mr Gowland was almost changing nappies for his part

Ryan - we thought you’d be long gone by 2020 off to the mountains to snow board a plenty.

But instead you stuck around to give the boys a moral compass, a sense of right and wrong, and in society, where and how to belong.

Ms Gershon a deputy head no boy will ever forget, one who can command respect

Ten feet tall, a muso, a barracker for the Rabbitohs and famous for her glamour dresses when out on the tiles she goes.

Miss Bown … – I think the first love interest for a number of our boys!

But actually taught them the three Rs very well and how not to make too much noise.

The beautiful Ms Verrell, now Mrs Mitchell and ‘up the duff’,

And in charge of library books and other clever stuff

But then as our boys got older, the male teachers took over.

I hope I can remember, it’s hard with so many in disguise this Movember.

Take Mr WP (AKA Brad Pitt, Kelly Tells me – and now I’ll be in trouble) … Mr WP - what is the secret to your teaching so low key and Willy Wonka ways that make you so popular

With most of those little Umpa Lumpas?

Then Mr O’Conner came along, they tell me a lot of fun

But who still makes boys get their work done

The shock came in year five that tiny room the lads squeezed in

For a year of the great Mr Davis cooking, debates and a big dose of upfront discipline

And good to have Mr Sarkies, Superman on the rugby pitch in the thick of it,

Although Stutch is sad that we missed you on the cricket

There were highs and there were lows you teachers went through them all –

CPS turned a hundred with only three headmasters

The country tour, the performance at Town Hall where Coogee lifted the rafters.

And then we lost dear Mr Dicks number two which hit boys and staff right through. 

A small school are we, but one big family – and who holds it altogether? – why Tessa!

Yes Mrs Morris, font of all knowledge, child and parent, is a national treasure.

And not forgetting Bob, the uniform shop, and the Lollipop - Mr Dicks perhaps your best pick.

No telling the boys has he saved from being run over by the many lunatics.

Because teachers - they are our precious little darlings, as you know so painfully

well

Hopefully our year hasn’t been too much a living hell.

Think kindly of us and them, surely none have been an outright shocker? 

They’re simple lads that in later life will remember you mostly for chair soccer.

You have given them the grounding they won’t forget

None have left the teacher’s pet 

So thank you teachers and thank you Mr Dicks

For making fine young men out of our Year Six.

Ticky Fullerton

Proud Year 6 mother to Freddie Fullerton (Class of 2019) recited at the Year 6 2019 Farewell dinner

 ‘Taken from us too soon to fly free for eternity’

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Christian Whyte, aged just 40 years old. Christian was residing in Switzerland and living his life to the fullest as a professional action sports filmmaker. Christian was an elite and enthusiastic speedrider, freefly skydiver, base jumper and paraglider.

Christian will be dearly missed by the Whyte family, including his loving wife Susi and younger brother Trent (Class of 1994). The CPS community extends our deepest sympathies to the Whyte family and remember him as an extraordinary sportsman.

We were so sad to hear of th passing of much loved Old Boy Barry Collins OAM Class of 1948. Barry was a huge supporter of Coogee Prep until the end of his life and always came to our functions and events. He was an honoured guest at Speech Day in 2018. Barry was responsible for including Coogee prep into the Schools Anzac March which takes place each year with the support of the Coogee Diggers Club . H always had time to speak to the boys and share his stories such as would be an excellent person to interview - he has amazing stories about swimming training with Bill Nimmo at Wylies, and coupons being used to fit school uniforms and the war and the importance that school sport at Coogee Prep played in gaining him a Sports Scholarship to Newington College.

He excelled in Basketball and played a big part in establishing Basketball in Australia (he taught Ms Gershon when she was in High School!).

Barry - we will all miss  a great deal will raise a glass to you each Anzac Day in memory of your loving and kind heart and support for all things Coogee Prep. You personify what it means to be a true Gentleman, Scholar and Sportsman.

We extend our sincerest condolences to the Coogee Prep Old Boys’ Union President, Brett Jowett (Class of 1975), for the passing of his cherished mother Robyn aged 77 years.

Robyn was the loved wife of Charlie and mother of Brett, Garry and Gregg.

She was the adored "Marnie" of Mackenzie (Class of 2004), Mitchell (Class of 2006), Ashlee, Emily, Jake and Elisha.

Robyn was a wonderful woman who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

This year, CPS students participated in the Pretty Foundation movement. The Pretty Foundation’s vision is a world where girls are comfortable in their bodies and confident in themselves and conquering their endeavours. Their mission is to empower girls with the perspective, skills and support to develop and nurture a positive body image for themselves and others.

Headmaster John Dicks believes it’s important for CPS to promote body positivity and support their female peers.

“I think that while the message of body positivity needs to be carried by the community as a whole, it is so important that young boys are standing side by side with their female peers in supporting and building body positivity. It is important that each of the CPS students show themselves respect and kindness with regards to body image, but equally so, to their female peers. Schools like Coogee Prep have a duty to join the conversation, supporting positive messaging around body image. Being in an all boys environment, where our students don’t necessarily have that female interaction each day in the schooling environment, it seems almost more important that we keep body positivity as a central part of our messaging on a regular basis.” – Headmaster John Dicks