DORA Creek School of Arts Community Hall recently hosted a 50-year reunion for 22 former students of the Wyong High School class of 1968.
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This class of 1968 was the second group to complete the new Wyndham Scheme of the NSW high school system, former student and one of the event’s organisers, Chris Gavenlock, said.
“The last time these school friends got together as a group was in 1995 for a reunion held at Mannering Park Hall,” she said.
Of the 24 boys and 16 girls who completed the HSC at Wyong High School in 1968, five had passed away and there were only four who could not be located, she said.
Three former Wyong High School teachers also attended the reunion.
“Many travelled from interstate, Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT. American Rotary exchange student, Charlotte Carter, travelled from the United States to attend,” Ms Gavenlock said.
“Charlotte’s itinerary also included a visit to Wyong High School and attendance at a Rotary meeting.”
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‘Show and tell’ tables were set up around the hall featuring shared memorabilia including embroidery works from school days, books written by the authors in the group, photographs, and letters from former students who couldn’t attend on the day.
“Photos from school days were projected on the screen, there was a playlist of 1960s music, and many conversations and much laughter flowed throughout the day,” Ms Gavenlock said.
Former teacher George Geatches spoke of his experience at Wyong High School and the particular type of marbles game that was played by the boys.
It was a game that he’s never seen played anywhere else during his teaching career.
“George said that he never did get to understand the rules but he knew that the boys certainly did as there was always an exchange of won marbles at the end of games.”
Also among the teachers to attend the reunion were Frank McKone and Howard Cassify.
“As very young English-drama teachers, new to Wyong High School, Mr McKone and Mr Cassidy were given the responsibility of teaching the senior classes of 1967 and 1968,” Ms Gavenlock said.
At the reunion, the pair presented an improvisation, taking it in turn to speak about their Wyong High School days and read excerpts from various editions of the school magazine, The Lakes.
There was an open microphone throughout the day, and many people took the opportunity to address the room.
“The fact that so many attended was testament to the affection this group felt for their fellow classmates, as well as for their teachers throughout their school years,” Ms Gavenlock said.