Speech Night

Speech Night at Westleigh College was the grand climax of the school year.

It occurred just before we broke up for the Christmas holidays and it was always held at the Northcote Town Hall.

We always wore our usual school uniform with white socks, not tan socks.

It was the one time all the teachers dressed up, maybe had their hair done, and wore some makeup.

It was also a time when all the parents, including fathers, generally made an appearance.

The main purpose of Speech Night was, I think, to reward outstanding pupils in all the fields taught: both academic and sport.

As well as that it gave Miss Clarice a chance to give a review of the school to all involved.

Yes, there were actually speeches!

I don't recall Miss Lillian Everard or Matron ever giving a speech, however.

The speeches and award presentations happened at the end.

Before speech time the parents were treated to seeing their daughters sing the songs Madame Northcote had taught them, and also the routines Miss Vera Hopton had prepared the girls to do.

After a lot of rehearsals the standard was very high.

This was done on a class by class basic.

It was not uncommon for solo performances also. Since so many of the girls were ballet and dance students there were always a few of these routines as well.

Many of the girls attended the May Downs' school which used to be in Burke Street back then. It's still going to this day.

I think I enjoyed these the most.

When all the performances were over the stage was set for the speeches and awards.

As well as a speech from Miss Clarice we usually also heard a speech by the then Mayor of Northcote, who, as far as I can recall, was a Mr Batrouney.

Books were usually rewarded to whoever reached the highest academic level for each grade and small silver trophies were awarded to the athletes and swimmers who had shone that year.

The books had a a presentation certificate pasted inside the cover, as shown above.

This was signed by Miss Lillian Everard and Miss Clarice. A book with a certificate is still in my possession.

A large trophy was awarded to the winning House: either Westgarth or Thornton.

I recall Westgarth almost always won.

Considering the size of the school there was quite a lot of talent there!

More About The Uniform...

The Darebin Historical Encyclopedia has a photo of a young girl at the Northcote Carnegie Library.

This library was used by the girls at Westleigh College, as well as the private library of the Misses Everard, which was in their home on the school site.

She is wearing the winter uniform with the velvet hat, showing the Petersham hatband with the horizontal stripe bearing the school colors.

I am unable to identify the child in the photo, but I know I had a school bag just like this brown leather bag. (Maybe it is me?)

There is another photograph on the linked page (above) that clearly shows a Westleigh College student as the "W" school badge can easily be seen on the hatband.

The photos were taken in the 1950's.

The Misses Everard - Part Two

The Warrandyte connection seems to be accurate. Most pupils knew there was a street called "Everard Drive" there, and I recall my father taking us there for a Sunday Drive and actually finding it. 

Back in the 1950's Warrandyte was not quite the trendy place it is today. In fact, it seemed miles away from Melbourne - which it was - and back then it was considered a long trip to the country.

Today it's considered a Sunday outing: afternoon tea, and shopping for lovely handcrafts.

I don't recall seeing the hotel, but I am pretty sure that the Misses Everard probably saw it like this.

Everard Drive still exists.

The Misses Everard - Part One

The anedotal evidence surrounding the history of the Misses Everard consisted largely of their connection to Point Hicks/ Cape Everard, and Warrandyte.

It was frequently mentioned that their ancestor was honoured by Captain Cook who named this first sighting of Australia Point Hicks, and it was later changed to Cape Everard.

Information on Point Hicks/ Cape Everard can be found here and here.