BHS Prefects 1944

This time, twelve months ago, we were members of a fourth year class, but with the coming of the new year a fresh chapter of our school life has been opened. This year’s comparatively large fifth year class allowed the number of Prefects to reach fourteen, a number which is easily adapted to meet the demands of the school. At our first fortnightly meeting Miss Elsie Higgins and James Preston were elected secretary and treasurer respectively, while Miss Winifred Ellis and Douglas Murray assumed the laborious duties of Pound Prefects. Our adoption of a roster of particular duties overcame the necessity for further appointments, so that the year’s work was immediately undertaken, the results up to date being satisfactory and in some ways almost pleasing.

Early in the year we were pleased to discover that our presence at a Parents and Citizens’ meeting had been requested in order that we might receive our badges, a surprise we welcomed heartily after the nervous tension which had settled upon us on receipt of the invitation. Mr. Davies-Moore has also made an application for our Prefects’ shields but so far we do not know if they are procurable.

One of the most far-reaching discussions which has arisen during our meetings was concerned with the lack of uniformity in the boys’ dress, and when the matter was referred to the Headmaster he immediately took interest in the idea and, as a result, a boys’ uniform has been planned. It will take several years for the complete uniform to become general throughout the school, but it is hoped that the senior boys will be able to wear it towards the end of this year. Those boys who are anxious to complete their uniforms gradually are reminded that the summer uniform will consist of a short-sleeved grey shirt with the maroon school pocket and either grey slacks or grey shorts with long grey socks, while for winter a grey suit will be worn with the same shirt and tie. Such a uniform will be greatly appreciated by the whole school, especially since the existing honour pockets will be available for all boys — and girls, too — upon completion of their particular uniforms.

The more widely known of our activities, however, lie in the social direction. Up to date we have held two Upper School dances and corresponding Lower School socials, all of which were pleasantly successful, and it is expected that three more such evenings will have passed before the “ Kingia ” is printed. The first social was in the form of a welcome to the new students and our new Headmaster. Mr. Colgan assisted in the actual management of the games and dances, but on this occasion his gym. squad of eight boys and a hilarious “ shadow-show ” by Beg. Bradshaw and his fellow-stars completely overwhelmed the other items. Our dancing practices have been designed to overcome the difficulties in modern dancing and it is fervently hoped that under the expert guidance of the fifth year girls and boys the remainder of the Upper School will be able to discover the technique of the quickstep and the modern waltz, which Mrs. Kenrick has been explaining to the Prefects and others of the fifth year for the past few weeks. Altogether there is every reason to believe that by the end of the year these classes will have benefited the learners.

Whilst speaking of these money-making concerns, we cannot go further without paying due tribute to the Pound Prefects and our treasurer. For some weeks our only source of income lay in the pound from which we were able to produce sufficient money for two Pres’ Teas, but when Jim collected Mr. Johnson’s hoard of lost clothing and commenced to sell it (aided, of course, by Grant Johnson) the funds rapidly rose to a happier height.

The Pres’ Teas are, nevertheless, the greatest privileges we enjoy. It is not permissible for us to disclose the actual sequence of events at these exclusive functions, but we may, perhaps, mention the fact that our four chefs keep us in prolonged suspense before they open the door to admit the remaining hungry ten, and that Doug. is quite capable of disposing of any surplus food when the feast is over.

Despite the continual vigilance imposed upon our Pound Prefects by their taking dispositions, they volunteered to conduct a waste paper collection. The boxes provided for the purpose are rapidly filled and frequently emptied, but they are a serious contrast with a neighbouring receptacle for old magazines. We fully appreciate the fact that there are endless calls made upon the magazines of the town, but that is hardly an excuse for the poor response, especially
when the basket is emptied every few weeks.

Before concluding our notes we wish to express our regret in losing one of our original number, Ken Midgley, who is now taking a special course at the Technical College. Miss Burton’s transfer has affected the Prefects ’ social organisations, but our manifold thanks are readily extended to Mrs. Kenrick for her valuable assistance with the Upper School dancing, and to Miss Bodkin who will be filling Miss Burton’s place at the Lower School dancing practices. Mr. Davies-Moore has faithfully remained the “ father of the prefects, ” and in expressing the appreciation we feel for his undivided interest in everyone’s welfare, we cannot forget Miss Stevens, Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Johnson, whose advice and help have always been readily given. We thank the staff, we thank the School and, above all, we thank the Prefects of earlier years for the honour and the privileges we entertain in our final year at Bunbury High. To the Prefects of the future we say, “ En Avant,” and to the School of to-day we repeat this motto.

'Prefect Notes' by M.C.R. and D.F.C. from the 1944 edition of the Kingia magazine.