"Westleigh College, Northcote" by Trevor Batrouney - A History of the School

                                                                       

Some great new information from another “Westleigh Girl” – Harry Blutstein!

 

Many, many thanks, Harry! I am thrilled to receive any new information. Harry writes:

"I have put a post/comment on the blog. It is a comment to the last post as I haven’t worked out how to post an item of my own!

In any case, you can purchase the booklet, "Westleigh College, Northcote" for $10 from Trevor Batrouney. 

You can contact Mr Trevor Batrouney via email: trevorb[at]planet.net.au.

Find attached a report card for Raey Cope (I have others from between 1932-1937) and photos of what I think was one of the school buildings at 212 Clarke Street.

Trevor did give his permission for his contract details to be included.

[.....]

His book gave me the location of the school building in Clarke Street, and there are several others that I’ll investigate (and photograph).

What I think is remarkable about the report cards is the range of subjects offered.

At the time this would have been unusual for any school, let alone a private girl’s school.

It is a great pity that the school records were destroyed."

This is quite extraordinary!

In my time at Westleigh College  – 1954 - 1960 - the school was located in James Street so I don’t recall anything about Clarke Street.

Harry very kindly sent me the pictures which I have posted as well.

 

I especially like the report card, dated 1937, below.

It clearly shows Miss Clarice’s signature and the school emblem, or logo as we would now call it.

This was pasted into every book prize that was awarded on Speech Night

I mentioned that the Mayor of Northcote was Mr Batrouney while I attended Westleigh ColIege. I am assuming Trevor Batrouney is his son. 

Mr Batrouney always gave a speech at Speech night. And I mentioned this here. 

I also remember the school fees bill, as sent to my parents, looked very similar to the report card.

I don’t have any of these documents and any longer but I have no doubt they will look familiar to many ex-pupils.

Harry very kindly posted details in comments here.

Little by little more information will hopefully emerge.....stay tuned!

     

 Again, the pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them directly.              

                                            

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!