Stinker’s Stories: Education as it should be

I WONDER how many of the thousands who attended Nelson Bay High School realise that 2025 is a very significant year in the history of the old school.

This year Nelson Bay High would be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Up until 1974 a Central School serviced the growing community.

Any student wishing to further their education into years 11 and 12 would be required to travel to either Raymond Terrace or Newcastle – which, of course, was too much for some.

Opening its doors in February 1975, Nelson Bay truly had a High School.

With a newly appointed Principal Tom O’Dwyer and a mixture of experienced staff members and an influx of keen young teachers, the school had an atmosphere of progress, activity, involvement and fun.

It was without doubt a wonderful period in the history of local education.

This atmosphere progressed for many years to follow with the fantastic kids that continued to enroll.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of this teaching experience in which boys and girls, mostly from struggling families, achieved their aims in life whether it be through an apprenticeship, music, art, dance, a local business, as builders or teachers, or with government agencies, Police Force, Water Police or National Parks.

To continue the proud traditions of this community many boys moved into the fishing, farming and oyster industries.

On the sporting fields and in the surf past students have achieved remarkable success at all levels.

The Worimi kids were a sheer delight to teach and have become valued members of the community since their school days, where they continue to contribute positively in all fields of employment.

I have found that far too many schools, public and private, are of the belief that the number of high achievers is a reflection, an indication, of a successful educational unit.

How wrong.

Nelson Bay High School can boast of past students who have reached the highest levels of achievement in our society, in far greater numbers than a small school should reach or expect to reach.

Academics, professors, surgeons and specialists, bankers and barristers – great heights have been attained by local kids in Australia and around the world, which tells me that any school can produce champions if the kids want to attend with a desire to achieve and are supported by an enthusiastic and capable staff.

As the local Tomaree Peninsula population continued to swell, it was necessary to move to a bigger school outside the Nelson Bay perimeter.

In 1998 Nelson Bay High, complete with demountable classrooms and termite-infested buildings, closed the doors on a period that will remain in my mind for all time.

Every teacher and every student who had the pleasure of being part of Nelson Bay High School should be thankful for their experiences and proud of what was achieved.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE