HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL TO HAMILTON GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL AND HAMILTON BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL…

THE EVOLUTION

The aging oak trees, the carefully crafted landscape are the essence of the original Hamilton High School site which forms part of our heritage and inheritance from former pupils. The time, planning, devotion to learning and the strong stewardship of past principals, have all contributed to the students’ experience of Hamilton High School, Hamilton Girls’ High and Hamilton Boys’ High. Hamilton High School was a focal point for the growing city and guided many of New Zealand’s future leaders. Over the last hundred years, thousands of families have contributed to building these schools; their spirit, and their soul.

Hamilton High School had its roots in the nineteenth century. The Waikato Times reported in 1883, of the establishment of a High School department in Cambridge and in Hamilton. At that time free education ceased at standard four. For students who wished to continue their learning, Forms 1 and 2 were founded; however attendance required a payment of eight guineas a year.

In February 1903, Hamilton West Primary School became a District High School, with a roll of twenty secondary pupils. Mr Eben Wilson was appointed to take charge of the secondary school, with   Mr W.H Worsley  acting as the headmaster. By 1905 additional buildings were needed. The Old West School, positioned above Garden Place was altered and buildings added. The Volunteer Hall in Knox Street became the temporary accommodation for the Hamilton High School  students. By 1906 the Old Town Hall basement was used as a venue for the secondary classes, a site that was used for the following five years.

 Hamilton West District High in 1909 was under threat of disestablishment. Also in 1909, a piece of land became available for the proposed secondary school. A grant of 3,500 pounds allowed the  Education Board to proceed with the building of  a school. The Minister of Education, at the time supported the concept of an agricultural college. Hamilton High School was to become primarily an academic institution, one that could have agricultural leanings. In 1910, the construction of the new school that was sited between Hill and Wards Streets was completed, and   Mr Eben Wilson was appointed as headmaster.  A name change from Waikato High School, to Hamilton High School occurred.  Classes were transferred to the new site on the 10th 0f July 1910. The Headmaster and the Chairman of the Board addressed the assembled 70 pupils. A foundation Board was established in 1911.

Hamilton in 1911   had a small but growing population. The end of the Maori Wars in the Waikato was only four decades away. The town grew out of the settling of the discharged military personnel who were given allotments. Hamilton was a service town providing for the needs of the surrounding country areas. The completion of the main trunk line in 1877 saw the development of Frankton and made Hamilton an important rail centre. Trains were the dominant means of  transport. Train pupils were a real force at the old High School.

 In 1911, the then Minister of Education Hon. George Foulds formally opened the Hamilton High School, on the 13th of July 1911.  The Minister of Education declared that the curriculum would provide an appropriate learning environment for those students who sought agricultural, commercial, technical, and professional occupations. In 1911 there were four classrooms, a laboratory, a room for domestic science, the Headmaster’s study, an upstairs teachers’ staff room, a balcony that overlooked the grand entrance. The staff at that time consisted of Mr. Wilson, Miss Collins, and Mr. JG Patterson, who became the Science master.

 In 1912 another twelve areas of land were gained from the Domain Board ‘on the understanding that a residential block should be built for boys.  Over the following years, additions to the School included an annex that contained rooms for woodwork and cookery. Providing enough classrooms for students was a concern. At one time pupils were taught on the stairs that led up to the staff room. Eventually a new wing and a hall were established. In 1921 the hall was used for the break up ceremony, for the first time. Previously, the morning assembly had been held in the corridor outside the Head’s study.

The hostel was an important aspect of Hamilton High School from 1920; twenty girls lived in Abbotsford, which was a great house in Anglesea Street. By 1930, Sonninghill in River Road was developed, and accommodated 60 girls.  The proposed boys’ hostel was dismissed in the 1930’s. In 1971 the new Sonninghill hostel was founded in Marama Street. It is conveniently sited, has some modern units and under a series of great matrons has made a vital contribution to Girls’ High. Boys’ High has Argyle House; it has been run by a Manager and House Masters. Jim Bennett, manager for many years set a wonderful example to follow.                            

At Hamilton High School, the Pavilion was constructed in 1926, influenced by a classical design and located in a beautiful setting.    Also in 1921, 47 acres were bought by the Board for the purpose of founding a Boys’ School.  The land in Peachgrove Road over the following years was overgrown with gorse and blackberry.

The first principal, Mr. Wilson planned the layout of the school grounds carefully. Boys on Saturdays and after school, wheeled their barrows, and eventually carved out of the muddy grounds, the playing fields. Trees, rose gardens, flower beds and shrubs that grew up around Hamilton High School, were well established by 1920. The school buildings were smothered with distinctive creepers. Smooth grass tennis lawns added to the overall landscape. There was a good balance of native trees and shrubs, deciduous trees and flower beds. Hamilton High School was often the winner of the schools’ section of the annual Hamilton City Council’s Garden Competition.

A ‘new’ swimming pool was created by 1931 and enclosed by grass terraces. A Government grant of 600 pounds, the aid of the Old Boys Association [100 pounds], and school fund raising and entertainments [300 pounds] enabled the pool project to be completed.

On the reverse slopes were planted native trees and azaleas. During 1933, the Depression led to workmen being employed to level the top field, and to cut the turfed terraces which flanked the pool complex.  The upper field had been called the ‘Horse Paddock’ as this was where the pupils who had ridden horses to school, left their rides to graze. This field was also a parade ground for the Artillery section, which was then a part of school cadets. 

The Hon. Peter Fraser, Minister of Education submitted a scheme to re-organize the secondary schools of Hamilton. Early in 1939 the Hamilton High Board asked again, that Minister Fraser proceed with the scheme. However the outbreak of war, meant that any changes were delayed for some years.

 

The Second World War years brought rationing and substitute products in many areas. School uniforms were changed slightly because of this. Long black stockings and shoes were replaced by New Zealand made sandals and ankle socks for the girls. Orientation week in the 1940’s is recalled by some students. The boys were introduced to military training while the girls played sports and marched around the lawn in front of the School under the supervision of the prefects. The girls learned to march to the accompaniment of Sussex By The Sea ‘’Sussex, Sussex by the sea, good old Sussex by the sea….’

Old Boys joined the Services and sadly there were causalities. A much respected teacher, Mr. Ken Barling was killed in action. The High School maintained its reputation as a sound academic institution through the endeavors of some fine staff such as Senior Mistress Miss Hogg, Miss Dickie and Mr. Gudex a very scholarly English teacher, whose two sons attended the School at various times. Mr. Apthorp, the music teacher assisted at morning assembly. The students would rise from their cross legged position on the floor of the hall to sing ‘’The Best school of all. ‘’ ‘’It’s good to see thee school we knew’’. Mr. Tait followed Mr. Eben Wilson as principal and was a wise leader who set high standards in all aspects of the School. In 1952 a new gym was added to the Hamilton High School complex.  From those origins in 1911, until 1955, both boys and girls shared the site west of the river, and the school developed and grew.

 Thirty-four years were to pass however, before the Boys’ School became a reality. The impetus for the construction of the new school seems to have come from the Board of Governors together with the energy and persistence of Mr. H.D. ‘Grub’ Tait, then Headmaster of Hamilton High School. By 1953, a foundation stone had been laid at the new Boys’ High site that was situated in Peachgrove Road. The Hon. RM Algie, the then Minister of Education established this stone on March the 11th. By 1954, the first and second year boys were able to occupy one wing of the Boy’s High School, except for 4a.

In 1955,  all of the boys had crossed the river, and attended Hamilton Boy’ High School. The Hon. RM Algie formally opened Hamilton Boys’ High School on the 4th of February 1955, with a school roll of 556. The hall was crowded on this day, and the platform filled with local dignitaries.  Mr. Tait, the first principal of Hamilton Boy’s High School brought his enthusiasm   for nature and landscaping to the fresh campus.

Over the years the Boys’ High School has grown strong and has established itself as a sound and progressive institution. The individual strengths and preferences of former Principals culminated in an extensive development of both buildings and educational opportunities. Argyle House, the Schools’ boarding establishment was built; it has proved to be a vital contributor to the Schools’ variety and achievement of pupils. Since the School opened, many facilities have been developed and refurbished as required.  Boys’ High has a fine gymnasium, Music and Art Room, laboratories  and  a Math’s block. The landscape had not been forgotten. Playing fields have been formed and trees were planted from time to time.  Past principals could be contented with this physical progress which reflected the breadth of the educational curriculum of a progressive school. 

The present Principal, Mrs. Susan Hassall, inherited a well run school from Mr. James Bennett.

The past had seen other fine principals. Among them Mr. Aubrey Baigent;  learned and insightful. Principal Mr Dick Taylor who followed Mr. Baigent   upheld the School’s standards throughout the changes of the sixties. Mr. Tony Steel, appointed in 1981, brought a youthful vigour and the skills and the experiences of a former All Black.

When Mr. Bennett retired in 1999, he had given thirty-five years of service to the School, as teacher and manger of Argyle House, then  principal. He was a true all rounder; a gifted organizer and achiever. At that time a joint Board governed the Schools; and they kept in touch with each other frequently.

Mrs. Hassall has been on the staff at Boys’ High for over two decades and understands the needs of such a school and how to fulfil those needs. She was an English teacher of distinction and made sure boys were given every opportunity to develop their potential. She is a committed advocate of single sex education.

Mrs Hassall encourages participation in sport and the School has enjoyed success, especially in rugby and rowing. The boys have won the Maadi Cup, which is open to all secondary schools. No mean feat to win this.

Perhaps recent School rowers have heard their grandfathers recall the days in assembly at the old High School. There boys and girls sang ‘The Eton Boating Song’’ with great gusto; ‘’Charming boating weather…’ The future is bright for Boys’ High which is readily acknowledged as a school that provides sound education for many boys from many different backgrounds.

February 1955, brought a new era for Hamilton Girl’s High School which was led by the first principal Miss Joan Ellis. Miss Ellis improved the uniform, provided seats for assembly and really made life more comfortable for the students, who also received a sound education.  A wide ranging renovation programme was initiated.  Miss Lesley Anderson became principal in 1958.  She was firm and would not accept shoddy work. Under her influence the girls became the efficient and quick. Examination results were good. Miss Patricia Edbrooke arrived to lead Hamilton Girls’ High in 1969. The Malins wing was built in 1962, under Miss Edbrooke’s leadership. In the 1970’s the Hepburn block was built, the hall, staffroom, music rooms, were   added to the school site. It was in the early 1970’s that the original school buildings were demolished. A set of steps remain from the old school, which now leads to the wharenui. Miss Edbrooke ran a well disciplined school, encouraged the girls to participate in all aspects of school life. She welcomed parents who were happy to supervise recreational evenings for the girls.

Mrs. Lynn Scott, followed Miss Edbrooke as principal of Hamilton Girls’ High School, in 1982 and instilled the attitude into the pupils that ‘Girls’ can do anything!’  ‘To keep striving, the stars are reachable’.  Lynn’s warm compassionate leadership added a real sense of community to the School. Other principals of Hamilton Girls’ High School include Mrs. Judith Miles, who was principal for ten years, until 1998. Mrs Miles, always poised and dignified. Judith Miles was interested in drama; the girls benefited from this. Her delivery filled the assembly hall with her clear, beautifully enunciated speech. Mrs Miles encouraged her students to aim high. Mrs. Lil Garland was the next to lead Hamilton Girls’ High School. Prime Minster, the Rt. Hon.   Helen Clarke opened the new Technology block in 1999 and the new Administration block in 2002.   

Ms Mary Ann Baxter is our current Principal who started in Term 2 of 2004. Mary Ann has been very supportive of the Old Girls’ Association and invites positive student interaction with our former pupils. Students are encouraged to fulfill their potential and dreams, as well as mentor younger pupils. A wide range of sporting, academic, cultural and arts opportunities are now open to the girls. Hamilton Girls’ High has reached an exciting time of growth, expansion and development, under Mary Ann’s strong and visionary leadership. A new hall, music and drama suites are planned for the school, as well as a new gym. A Foundation has been established to help bring these projects to fruition.

After 100 years of progress, Hamilton High School has grown into two notable schools: Hamilton Girls’ High and Hamilton Boys’ High. As we begin our journey into the next 100 years, with enthusiasm and gratitude, we reflect on those who have passed on this awesome inheritance. The contribution to society of the Hamilton High School, Hamilton Girls’ High School and  Boys’ High School has been to give the community confident sound young women  and young men   who are pursuing their destinies both in New Zealand and overseas.

Fortunam Fingit Sibi [badge]

Former pupils come to visit ‘the best school of all ‘during our Centennial celebrations: 17th-20th of March 2011.

In addition to independent research some of this material has come from previous reunion booklets; special acknowledgements to Peter Skerman  and Violet Jolly.

 
Dr. Penny Pollard

2010