The 1944 School Magazine

The issue of this magazine finds the war situation greatly improved; a struggle that might have plunged mankind into barbarism at last gives signs of coming to an end. And with this brighter war news, the minds of men everywhere are turning to consider the world after the war and our much-talked-of "new order." There is a general feeling that a way of life which could cause two world wars within a generation must be wrong; that we cannot return to the old state of affairs; that the mistakes of the past must never mar the future. That there must be a new order, everyone agrees; just what form it is to take is a question not so easily answered.

But in any new order a vitally important place must be assigned to education — a place much higher in our attention than at present. For on education devolves the task of moulding the character and shaping the mind of the individual, and we must remember that a nation is but the people that make it up. If our new order is to be a success, it is essential that every person should take an intelligent interest in the affairs, not only of his country, but of the world as a whole. This ideal can be obtained only through a wise and adequate system of education.

That our present system is not thus adequate I do not need to state. That fact has been generally recognised. For many, education does not last long enough to leave a strong and lasting effect. The aim of education should not be merely to crowd facts into the heads of the pupils, but to produce men and women fit to take their places as citizens of the nation; it should teach not only how to succeed in a certain vocation, but also how to make the best use of leisure. These things must be remembered when post-war education is considered.

It must be emphasised, however, that the time to plan for winning the peace is not when we have won the war. It is only fair to the magnificent body of men risking their lives for us that when they return there should be concrete evidence that they have not fought in vain. The Old Boys of this School have led Australia in their readiness to enlist. They have fought and died on every front. To them and to the others we at home have a trust to keep, a trust we must not betray.

The 46th Annual General Meeting (November 1944). The retiring President, Mr. D. F. Robertson, proposed as his successor Dr. C. M. Lilley — "though a busy man professionally, [he] had kindly consented to" stand — the Lilley name and family being long associated with the School. Dr. Lilley was elected President for 1944–45. Mr. J. G. Nowlan was re-acclaimed Hon. Secretary (assisted in sending out notices by Mr. Laurie Higginson).