What Happened to Lae High School

Hi Everyone,

I went to Lae High School in 1971 and 72 (travelled from Igam Barracks in any army bus).

I see entries here for Lae International High, but Lae High?

Anyone with pictures of Lae High School or knowledge of any teachers or students around this time? I recall Mr Flute was the principal (name sticks cos I remember getting the cane from him). Also Mrs Grant taught English.

Most memorable day was finding with friends an ammo dump at the back of the oval one day!

Regards

San

I remember finding the ammo dump out the back of the school that day - we had to get the army in, but not before we knocked off a heap of the 50 claibre ammo cases (very rusty), and I htink a grenade or two- I think the english teacher (whose room was upstairs from the person in the pic) went ballistic when she saw them. we had to watch the films about not what to do with the stuff.

Cheers
Chris

Hello to Lavwr and anyone who might happen to this web site

My name is Jim Dudgeon, I was one of the original students who enrolled at the LHS on the very fists day it was opened.
There was only the single long block/building then on the official grounds, but, there was one extra building over the road (dirt then) which was the manual arts block.

The first headmaster was a Mr Neil Blackburn, he had a son attending also.
The next headmaster was a Mr Norman Dennis, he took us for the maths classes, and was my tennis/sports teacher, he drove a VW combie station wagon.
There was a Mrs Tonks the english teacher, she was a very small lady.
There was a miss who became a Mrs Gibson while we were there, and Mr Warren Gibson who was the science teacher.

There was a lady who tought french, but her name escapes me, and I think a Mrs Grant, but Im not too sure of this, its 35 odd years ago now.

Ohh you boys will like the next bit, as the school was brand spanking new, the playing fields and ajacent areas had to be made presentable as there was scrub and stuff lying about, so every wednesday afternoon (which was sports period) we downed lessons and fixed up around the school. This went for 6 months.

Yes, we found ammo, and disposed with it :)
Punnishments, well this day I had done something, I think it was giving cheek or had had a physical ex-changeing of views with a fellow student (fight) and so I had to stay back one afternoon, there was a huge pile of a cut down tree branches, Mr Gibson decided to make me move them from that spot to another spot.
Some time later he returned to my toil, examining it he said good work, now since the grass will die in the new spot, you had better put them back in the original spot. Grrrrrrrrr. Ha Ha, yep, I put them back, he had a huge smile on his face.
The first student to ride a motorbike to school was a Garth Bartlet, the motorbike was a Matchless. My brother Stan finished his final year, riding to HS on his BSA motor bike. I had to settle for the wheely wheel.

One day there was a student romance (gazeing in eachothers eyes only), the school work in the 2 kids was sufferring, so the HM delt with it while were all on parade, Im not going to say who they were, but I sure was glad I was standing on parade and not up on the verrandah with the HM.


Somewhere I have a single photo of our class, but it is burried real deep at home.
In those days when a student left High School for the last time, all he or sch got was a A4 typed bit of paper with their exam results on it, there was not even a official school headding on the top to verify that it was a certificate.

As one employer once said to me, any one could type it out, so it might be prudent for someone in the education department to access their database and rectify this little oversite :sad: as I dont have a "proper" certificate.
I can be reached by email by J(surname)@bigpond.com

Hope I have been able to help you out with the info Lauwt :)

HAS ANYONE ALSO GOT ANY MEMORIES OF THIS SCHOOL?
Jim

Sure Jim- It was great for us young bucks- the years being the early 70's, and much of our spare time across the road from Lae High in a mega Chinese Trade store with all the interesting things that made up the fabric of society at the time. The guys on motorbikes when I was there was limited to one American fellow in Form 6 whose Dad was a missionary, his mate I remember used to smoke a pipe- we thought they were pretty cool. The tuck shop served the best potato scallops, Mr Flute was our HM, and also taught science. We had the usual earth quake drills, and one rather rough one was totally ignored by everyone but us (were in English at the time). Buses were 5c home, and I used to walk half the time - less time at home with the homework. I lived on the corner of Vee St across from the SDA church, where we would pop over and watch the planes land.
A bunch of us were learning guitars, and helped (?) the music teacher who had an accoustic an played at a few of the morning and afternoon events. We spent time out at Lae Tech, Igam Barracks, and made some excellent freinds out there. Sat night at Igam film night, and I wathced "Exodus" up there. I remember I couldnt work it out.
Tony Piglett, Albert Delacruz, Scott Walters, the English faimily, to name a few were freinds. We had come down from Madang and I copmleted Grade 6 in Lae (Corontation). Many more memories - Mum has all the photo's in Perth. Cheers.

Hi All,

More good memories of the old Lae High. Certainly light years ahead of the school (and the life) I went to after returning from PNG. From the relaxed and carefree to a school life on another planet.

Has anyone got any pictures of classes, teachers etc etc from Lae High? Or where are those teachers now - Mr Flute would have to be in his 70s!! Mrs Grant taught English in 1972 - she would also have to be in here 70s. I recall a Mr Tye taught music - he would have to be pushing 60!

Regards

San

Vince Tye's (the music teacher) contact details can be found on Friends United site, the old schoolfriends.com.au. Wonderful memories of Lae High, I remember the sadness when Albert De La Cruz was killed on the Highlands Highway (not such a great memory). Do you remember the McClatchie Brothers (John and Sam). Regards, Maz

Thanks for the information Maz, yes I remember Albert he was same year as my sister - I actually recall him sitting on the floor of our house at Igam Barracks trying to teach her to play the guitar... We left Lae before that tragedy. I remember the Nateras & Richardsons but after 30 odd years my memory is a haze. I do have memories of sitting in the music building with cement floor watching ants roaming here and there and dreaming my life away. A far cry from life in Sydney in 2005.

I am so pleased that this thread was started as I thought that my memory was worse than it is. But what happenet it LHS? When did it cease as a school? Did this International school take its place? And when did this happen?
Years 70 and 71 were the best school years for me at LHS. Year 70 was so great that I repeated form 2 with Kevin Macdonald and 1 other person whose name escapes me. And thank you to the person that reminded me of Guy Melling. The death of Albert Delacruz was a tragity. In 1995, or so, Albert Natera worked for the same person that I worked for, so it was good to catch up with him. He and I were in the same class in 70 I think.

That American fellow with the motor bike had a sister called Becky I think. Can't remember his name. Becky married John Walker. They moved to the US.
Thanks Lauwt for the pic of the school. Boy that sure does bring back memories. Was the manual arts room on the ground floor and to the left of the building behind where that person is walking? I cant remember the manual arts teacher's name but I am sure that he is living in the NT and did some time in local politics. I could be wrong but it sure did look like him and the name was familiar.

I found the Camm's family some years ago. They were living on the Sunshine Coast. Mrs Camm and the youngest daughter I think. Glen was living in Adelaide at the time.

Who remembers Flutes daughter Carolyn? And what was the name of that teacher that wore the mini skirts and loved to play volley ball? Boy she made an inpact on our little school.

Does anyone remember Clemence Kamingski, spelling unsure. He was there in 70 and loved Elvis. Dressed like him and had the hair etc. I sure would love to know where he ended up. I used to love going around to his home as his mum always had food ready to eat. No matter what time of the day. He had a couple of brothers I seem to recall.

Anyway must go, but this thread has brought back some wonderful memories. Thank you all:)

The american who had the motorbike is Bruce Hughes, his sisters name is Sondra, the teacher with the mini skirt is Sue Knott, she was living with Eric Willmott (a teacher at Lae High), I remember all the boys used to stand under the steps when Miss Knott walked up them (dirty buggers), you may have been one of them.!!!!! I remember a day when a teacher Mrs Munchow had the hots for Eric Willmott and abused the you know what out of Sue Knott, she was a gorgeous woman, Mrs Munchow was an old dag. Yes I remember Caroline Flute, tried to act straight, but I think that was all an act. Another wonderful teacher there was the Geography teacher Kate Duffy. Who remembers Mrs Grant (could eat an apple through a tennis racket), and her daughters name was Morag Lightbody (real name), caused a lot of merriment among the students as she had enormous boobs. If you have a contact number for Bev Camm would be much appreciated, would love to see what she's up to these days, helped me through a bad time after we left Lae High. And who could forget Peter Holland, little skinny thing, Tim Kennedy used to give him a hard time. Cheers for now, Maz

Some time in the late 70s or 80s (I had left then) Lae High School as we knew it then was moved to Buimo road (opposite the cemetary in the OTC grounds, you know before the Egg Farm). The current location became a provincial high school with 'T' curriculum.
I remember good Mr. Flute I've always thought he had a big heart. Very different from fierce Mrs Grant his deputy. I was there when Chris Walker's elder sister (forgot her name) was the girl school president or somethin.....

The american who had the motorbike is Bruce Hughes, his sisters name is Sondra, the teacher with the mini skirt is Sue Knott, she was living with Eric Willmott (a teacher at Lae High), I remember all the boys used to stand under the steps when Miss Knott walked up them (dirty buggers), you may have been one of them.!!!!! I remember a day when a teacher Mrs Munchow had the hots for Eric Willmott and abused the you know what out of Sue Knott, she was a gorgeous woman, Mrs Munchow was an old dag. Yes I remember Caroline Flute, tried to act straight, but I think that was all an act. Another wonderful teacher there was the Geography teacher Kate Duffy. Who remembers Mrs Grant (could eat an apple through a tennis racket), and her daughters name was Morag Lightbody (real name), caused a lot of merriment among the students as she had enormous boobs. If you have a contact number for Bev Camm would be much appreciated, would love to see what she's up to these days, helped me through a bad time after we left Lae High. And who could forget Peter Holland, little skinny thing, Tim Kennedy used to give him a hard time. Cheers for now, Maz

I never knew that there was a older Hughs brother. Sondra had 2 sisters from memory - Michelle and a younger sister whos name escapes me now. Does anyone know the where-abouts of Michelle?
Eric Willmott was the manual arts teacher I was talking about. I believe that he is/was living in the NT.

Hi everyone,My mum taught at Lae High for a number of years before going across the road to Bulae..she taught Home Economics to the girls including sewing..her name is BEV SANDS & has retired in Port Vila Vanuatu.She taught at the central primary school in vila for a long time & became the headmistress & retired 4 years ago..regards Darren.

Hi Darren, I was in your mums Home Economics Class, sewing and cooking classes, I remember her very fondly even though she was VERY strict, or we thought so at the time. Glad to hear she has retired to a beautiful part of the world., regards Marianne De La Motte

steve and Maz I am very sorry to hear that Albert died. I had left Lae then and just reading this found out he had passed away very sad I liked albert we got along real good as friends

Hello everyone from Lae
I remember the era
I ran a photo posted of Michael Natera, Graham & Mansfield Richardson, San Lau Warren Sheldrick & the blonde haired looks Like Tim Quarry brother of Penny & Jane Quarry. I was living next door to Jan Webb in Coolum for a few years she had twin boys. She is no seperated & have moved to north Queensland somewhere. I know Viki Spears still around would be good to catch up. Mervin English is no longer with us. Met up with Wayne Sheldrick last year. Grant Bartlett & I played in a band together for many years. He now lives in Capalaba & is in contact with Tim Kennedy & Kerry Stephens.
Will post some photos soon cheers to all and be safe.

Would anyone have a contact for Jan Webb. Spoke to Robert Spears a few months ago, he runs a seafood restaurant in Nelson Bay (NSW). Vicki lives in Gosford, will have to get back onto Robbie and get a contact for her. Thanks for the memories, cheers Maz (Marianne De La Motte), ex Lae High Brat

Hi everyone, I just found this site and stepped back 30 years in time. I was at LHS from 73 to 75. I have very hapy memories of LHS, clearly remember Albie Flute (he taught me maths and French - the phrase 'get that glazed look out of your eyes, pamela' will stay with me forever), also Granny (Mrs Grant), Vince Tye for geography, music and also led Scripture Union camps (one very soon after Albert delaC died - very emotional) , Mr Gibson the science teacher, Alan Rowe (maths in 1974, I think; casued a great furore because he wanted the kids to call him Alan and there was a whole issue about whether that was disrespectful, some of the other teachers were very much against it), and Mr Frith for English - read us Winston Churchill's autobiography aloud, one period a week, for what felt like ETERNITY. But what he taught me about grammar and language has been invaluable in the years since. I have a photo of my fourth form somewhere - will try and dig it out and post it, if anyone would be interested? I was in the same year as Joseph Natera, i think.... fourth form in 1975.

Hi everyone, I just found this site and stepped back 30 years in time. I was at LHS from 73 to 75. I have very hapy memories of LHS, clearly remember Albie Flute (he taught me maths and French - the phrase 'get that glazed look out of your eyes, pamela' will stay with me forever), also Granny (Mrs Grant), Vince Tye for geography, music and also led Scripture Union camps (one very soon after Albert delaC died - very emotional) , Mr Gibson the science teacher, Alan Rowe (maths in 1974, I think; casued a great furore because he wanted the kids to call him Alan and there was a whole issue about whether that was disrespectful, some of the other teachers were very much against it), and Mr Frith for English - read us Winston Churchill's autobiography aloud, one period a week, for what felt like ETERNITY. But what he taught me about grammar and language has been invaluable in the years since. I have a photo of my fourth form somewhere - will try and dig it out and post it, if anyone would be interested? I was in the same year as Joseph Natera, i think.... fourth form in 1975.
Hi Pam
I was in the same year as you and have a 3rd form class photo (1974) and would love to post it but not sure how it's done. I would like to see the class photo that you have if you manage to find it, I think I may have left school by the time the photo was taken. I attended the Lae Markham reunion in Brisbane last year and met up with Leonie Hayes and Roderick Ahnon who where also in the year you mention.
Cheers,
Lynne.

Hi Lynne, great to hear from you. Still hunting for the photo, it's around here somewhere. I don't know how to scan them in either, but I have teenage kids so I'm sure they'll know... So sorry I missed the last reunion but I'll try to get to the next one. I've settled in Victoria but never got reacclimatised to the weather, doesn't take much to convince me to head north. Hi to Leonie and Roderick too. I'm still in contact with Ruth, lost touch with Shirin a fewyears ago.

Just came across this site. I taught At Lae High School from 1970 to 1975. It was a great part of my teaching career. I have just retired, having been Deputy Principal at Mackay North S.H.S. in Queensland for many years. I haven't bumped into too many of the old Lae High School folk over the years. I came across Brian Hill working in Mackay a few years ago. So many of the names mentioned on this site bring great memories to me. Albert De La Cruz in particular was an exceptional young man when he tragically died on the Highlands Highway. I clearly remember the earthquake drills that we had at L.H.S. I think that the regular speech that was given started of with something like " You are all dead now" I always thought the evacuation drills were more dangerous than the earthquakes. I am involved in many activities in retirement, and continue as a Civil Marriage celebrant. I have too many stories to tell about those days. Some could not be printed - Regards Vince Tye

Hi there

Our daughter working in New York, came across this website. I was Sue Knott, and yes, I married Eric Willmot, who by the way, was a Maths teacher. We very much enjoyed our time at Lae High. Eric went on to become a Professor at a University and also Director General of the Education systems of South Australia and the ACT. I have taught most of my working life but now work in administration here on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Eric especially remembers many of you, and has many tales he could tell. As we normally visit Port Vila every year, we shall try to contact Bev Sands. Got to say Lae High was my very first teaching post and there was no other school I ever enjoyed as much. All the best to you all.
Sue

Hi there

Our daughter working in New York, came across this website. I was Sue Knott, and yes, I married Eric Willmot, who by the way, was a Maths teacher. We very much enjoyed our time at Lae High. Eric went on to become a Professor at a University and also Director General of the Education systems of South Australia and the ACT. I have taught most of my working life but now work in administration here on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Eric especially remembers many of you, and has many tales he could tell. As we normally visit Port Vila every year, we shall try to contact Bev Sands. Got to say Lae High was my very first teaching post and there was no other school I ever enjoyed as much. All the best to you all.
Sue

Hi Sue/Eric. I remember you both quite well. Eric was a good teacher (if there is such a thing ;-) ). I of course didnt learn anything but did have a great time at LHS. Met some great people. I went to LHS for the last term of '70 and all of '71.
Hope you are both healthy and fit.
Steve

Hi to u both,
I remember Eric and as far as I can remember he was a good teacher but alas I didn't learn anything either. Maybe that was why he was a good teacher hahaha. Eric didn't you have a sister I just have a vague recolection could be wrong

I never knew that there was a older Hughs brother. Sondra had 2 sisters from memory - Michelle and a younger sister whos name escapes me now. Does anyone know the where-abouts of Michelle?
Eric Willmott was the manual arts teacher I was talking about. I believe that he is/was living in the NT.

Hi Steve, I was recently talking to Michelle's former brother-in-law, Stephen Dawson, and he said that Michelle is living in the States, has four children who keep in touch with his kids and that she has remarried.
Regards, Lynne.

Hi there

Our daughter working in New York, came across this website. I was Sue Knott, and yes, I married Eric Willmot, who by the way, was a Maths teacher. We very much enjoyed our time at Lae High. Eric went on to become a Professor at a University and also Director General of the Education systems of South Australia and the ACT. I have taught most of my working life but now work in administration here on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Eric especially remembers many of you, and has many tales he could tell. As we normally visit Port Vila every year, we shall try to contact Bev Sands. Got to say Lae High was my very first teaching post and there was no other school I ever enjoyed as much. All the best to you all.
Sue
Hi Sue and Eric, I was at Lae High from 1971 to 1975 and I'm sure I remember a Mr Willmot but I don't know if I was in his class or not, actually I can't really remember any classes except for some teachers names. What did you teach during your time there and did Eric teach any other subject?
Regards, Lynne.

Hi everyone,My mum taught at Lae High for a number of years before going across the road to Bulae..she taught Home Economics to the girls including sewing..her name is BEV SANDS & has retired in Port Vila Vanuatu.She taught at the central primary school in vila for a long time & became the headmistress & retired 4 years ago..regards Darren.
Hi Darren,

Hope you can and do remember me, I am Hannah Torome's daughter, Elvie. I live in Melbourne now, have been for the last 20 yrs. I also went to Lae High. The good old days! And so did my sisters Gloria, Pauline and MaryLinda and our brother, George. Your mum was our Home Ec. teacher. She taught us to sew and so much more...My mum is still alive and lives in Wamira village, Milne Bay Province. Some of our family still live in Lae. I was in Lae in 2005. Lae has changed but THE PEOPLE are still the same. I had a reunion with all my ex-Lae High Softball Team and also the same mob played with the Freightways Softball Team a few years later and coached then by Alan Rowe. All the girls are still the same. They are now planning to come to visit me here in Melbourne next March. I have been trying to find your mum and your family. I now know where she is, thanks to this forum and for your input. Have been thoroughly enjoying reading all the news of the past.

We're all going back to Alotau for my nephew's wedding (a real taste of Milne Bay style wedding) before we head for Wamira. A hike over the Owens Stanley Ranges by PMV to the northern part of Milne Bay then by boat that could take 5-8hrs to Wamira and if the boat is running late we may overnight in one of the villages there.

I would love to tell my mum news of your parents and your family etc. My email is e_torome@hotmail.com I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Elvie

A couple of pics - one I scanned and one I found on Facebook

Hi Tim, lots of familiar faces there! I'm in the 3N photo, front row, second from left. Doesn't seem that long ago.... Pam (Mansell).