Oakleigh High School 2026 Reunion

Can anyone recall the name of the (maths, calculus?) teacher in 1968 who played the organ in the new school hall? I remember him stepping up and giving it a great workout. Mr ??.

1968 concert in the new school hall

Mr Vertigan who took us for German in Matric had a fine voice. He formed the Matric boys choir/chorus? for the concert at end of year. I can only remember two songs, 'Riding to the Never Never', and the Stockriders Song. Never Never was written by Letty Katts, many people thought it was a Slim Dusty song.

(Violet Katts, was an Australian songwriter who published under the name Letty Katts, often spelled Lettie. She is best known for her songs "A Town Like Alice" and "Never Never", frequently referred to as "Riding to the Never Never".)

In the middle of our set we burst into the Tarax Lemonade jingle, completely surprising Mr Vertigan. Even had the 'Hi bubble gives you a lift' accompanied by one singer being raised by those around him. I'm not sure Mr V was impressed.

The more I thought about this, the more I recalled - but did it happen?
Did we sing 'Oh the springtime it brings on the shearing'?

Musings - write your story so we can post it here.

OAKLEIGH HIGH SCHOOL No. 8200 - HISTORICAL INFORMATION

SOURCE: PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE VICTORIA - 20.10.05

Oakleigh High School began in February 1955, with a net enrolment of 268 students, - 97 boys and 171 girls, with classes consisting of Forms 1 and 2.

The Official opening of Oakleigh High School, Highland Avenue, North Clayton, 3168, took place on 21st march 1958, by the Minister of Education, the Hon. J.S. Bloomfield. The building model first used was an LTC800 (earlier model).

First HEAD MASTER was Ferdernand Herbert Fliegner, B.A., B.Sc., DipEd.

Staff SCOTT, George S. Man Arts, DTSC

McKAY, Mervyn M. B.A. DipEd. (Q)

WALKER, Francis A. TTC, ManArts

WHITE, John B.A., DipEd TPTC

PAULUSZ, Richard C. 6 UniSubs TPTC

MULLER, George W. B.A. TPTC

HARRIS, Mena C. B.A., TPTC

SHERRINGTON, Mary M. (Mrs) MA, TSTC

DURNAM, Patricia M. (Mrs) 4 UniSubs TPTC

LAMB, Thelma F. TTC (ManArts) DTSC

CURTIS, Phyllis B. (Mrs) DipMus

First Office Bearers - first Advisory Council 1956

President Cr FE Hunt

Vic Pres Mr WF Armstrong

Treasurer Mr WD Halfpenny

Secretary Mr FH Fliegner

Mothers Club Minutes Book dated 1955 - extract from:

1955 President Not known

1956 President Mrs A Hollingworth (interstate)

Secretary Mrs Emma Parker - 7 State Street, East Oakleigh Phone 544 1618

Treasurer Mrs M Trollope (dec)

SCHOOL MOTTO: 1955 VIRTUS et VERITAS (Courage and Truth)

SCHOOL COLOURS: 1955 Grey, Blue and Gold.

COMPOSITION FEES: 1955: 2 pound per years, with no tuition fees. By 1956 this had risen to 2 pound, 10 shillings per years.

HOUSE COLOURS: Forrest - Purple, Hume - Blue, Kennedy - Red, Mitchell - Gold, Phillip - Green, and Sturt - Tan.

OPENING OF FH FLIEGNER HALL 7.10.1967

FH Fliegner Hall was officially opened on 7th October, 1967, by the Minister of Education, the Hon LH Thompson. The gymnasium block was also opened on this occasion.

Findon interstate sporting contest commenced on 21st August 1959 with the first Annual competition. The team consisted of Oakleigh High girls accompanied by 3 teachers. The students were billeted out with families during their stay.

Magazine: "Spinach" Junior students 1970.

Vol 1 April 1970 included a sketch by J Thompson of 2 girls in mini skirts, hair up.

Vol 2 June 1970 and Vol 3 October 1970.

Compiled info by Cheryl Baird Toffolon

Gallery

This space reserved for photos from the Reunion on 22 March 2026