Alumni

Alumni news

October 2018

The Death of David Kratz on October 5^th this year, former long serving teacher, is noted with sadness. David joined the staff around 1968-1969. He was immediately faced by the divisive and prolonged teacher strike of 1969. He was a long serving teacher of English, in which subject he stressed debating and public speaking to help students of migrant background improve their skills. Over many years he coordinated middle school year levels, being responsible for the welfare and discipline of students at these levels. He ensured that students followed the rules of good behavior and was tireless in following up any mischief. Some students referred to him as “Detective Kratz” for his ability to get to the bottom of any “incidents”.  He always professionally supported young staff members to come to grips with the realities of school life and many depended on him in their first years of teaching.

In later years David was responsible for daily organization where his flair for administration and close attention to detail ensured an efficient operation for the whole school which was appreciated by all. He departed NHS in 1993 for world travels settling in Northern Scotland and teaching at a girls’ school there. He travelled much and pursued his interest in photography. He will be missed by friends and colleagues alike. Deepest sympathy is extended by the Association to David’s wife Leng.

Vale David

Best wishes are extended to Bruce Campbell, Head Prefect of 1948, who is not well at present. Bruce has been a tower of strength to the Association over many years and is an ongoing loyal supporter of his old school. Get well Bruce! He will be missed at the annual lunch on October 31^st at 12 noon of the Class of 1948. This will be held at the Old England Hotel Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe. All welcome!

August 2018

Congratulations to Ex-student James Liotta (Class of 2000, Deputy School Captain 2000). James directed the 1999 and 2000 successful school productions and returned the following year in a paid position to continue this work. He completed a Diploma of Drama and Community Theatre at NMIT.

James has spent the last 18 years working in performing arts on television, on stage and radio, becoming well known across Australia as an MC, actor and comedian. He appeared in Underbelly, Neighbours, Thank God You’re Here, Upper Middle Bogan, Satisfaction and Prank Patrol to name but a few. He regularly pops up acting in advertisements. His comedic work often has an ethnic twist based on his Italian background. He worked closely with Joe Avati on his national tour and has nationally toured his own sell out show recently. He is in much demand as an MC for festivals and weddings etc. He co-produced shows for Channel 9 in 2014 and won the Victorian Government Excellence in Multicultural Arts Award. In 2012 he was named Actor of the Year in Sydney’s Star City Magazine.

The Ex-student Association wishes James all the very best for continued success in his chosen field.

June 2018

The Annual ‘Back to’ Lunch was held on Tuesday 5 June with the Northern Polytechnic Restaurant well patronised by members and school staff. It was great to see many familiar faces and several new ones.

The first address was delivered by the new and fifteenth principal of the School, Sue Harrap. She told those present of her early life and career progress and indicated strong support for the association. Sue was followed by ex-student (Class of 1955) Associate Professor Alex Lopata, who enchanted those present with a data show around his memories of days at Northcote High School. He spoke of his fond memories of Headmaster Mr Moodie and his wife Doris, of teachers and subjects and old school mates. It was a trip down memory lane. Alex went on to tell us a little of his work as a medical researcher being involved in the first IVF baby in Melbourne working in the team with Professor Karl Wood.

Sincere thanks go to Sue Harrap for her support and encouragement and to Kate Challis and Assistant Principal, Jocelyn Hill for all their hard work to organise the lunch. Thanks too go to the Polytechnic Restaurant for looking after us so well. Hope to see you all next year and many thanks for your attendance.

PS: the mystery singer of the 1947 Speech Night program was solved. It was not the great Donald Smith of the opera stage, but a very competent Donald Smith of Year 11 that year.

May 2018

The ‘Back-to’Lunch for 2018 is set for 5 June at Preston TAFE Campus in the restaurant. Cost $25. Guest Speaker is ex-student, Associate Professor Alex Lopata (1955) a medical researcher. It was hoped to hold the lunch at the school, but building works make that impossible. Perhaps next year? Do come along and meet the new Principal, Sue Harrap. If you have not received an invite in the mail please contact Kate Challis. Bring an old class mate.

Mathematics Teacher of the 1960s, Rod Watson, has informed the School of the passing of Brian John Chatterton Taylor, whom Rod describes as ‘fine teacher of English’ at NHS in the 1960s. Vale Brian. We extend sincere condolences to Brian’s family.

Speech Night 1947. This interesting document has turned up for the archives and was George Stirling’s personal copy. Guests of Honour were Sir Edmund and Lady Mary Herring. What is most intriguing is a musical item, The Last Rose of Summer, sung by a DONAL SMITH who is not noted as a student. Could it be that Music Director Stuart Wilkie, with his extensive contacts in the musical world, invited this budding young tenor to the School? Donald went on to be one of Australia’s and the world’s greatest operatic tenors. Awards go to Warren Bartlett (Year 6), Bruce Campbell (Year 5), Norm Wearne (Year 3) etc. Can anyone remember this event and cast light on the singer?