A Great Australian School Celebrating 150 Years
In thinking about how to approach this editorial, it was more difficult to decide on what to leave out, rather than what thoughts to express and elements to focus on, in reflecting on the milestone that is our sesquicentenary. The Wesley story is stored in well-written books, memories of those that attended the school and dog-eared copies of Chronicle and Lion magazines.
At the heart of our long and significant history are the values and experiences of many generations of students and their families, together with staff who have worked at the College.
The Wesley College Song Book, first published in 1893 and now up to the Fourteenth Edition published in 2009, provides great insight for those interested in the continuity and traditions of the school. It has mirrored the growth and development of Wesley, and indeed Australia, over that period of time. The songs reflect the values, aspirations and sentiments of generations of those students and staff who have contributed words and music to the history of Wesley. The song The Best School of All first appeared in the song book in 1907. The music was written by the Headmaster of the day LA Adamson and the words from the 1899 poem of the same name by Sir Henry Newbolt. The last verse speaks to all students of how precious school days can be and how any individual connected to the school hopefully hands on something of themselves, as well as the culture of a place of belonging and learning.
To speak of fame a venture is,
There’s little here can bide,
But we may face the centuries,
And dare the deepening tide;
For though the dust that’s part of us
To dust again be gone,
Yet here shall beat the heart of us-
The School we handed on!
More recent entries in the song book continue to focus on the people of Wesley, but in the context of a greatly increased footprint that is the modern Wesley. College Council member Doug Turnbull (OW1970) with assistance from current staff member Jack Howard (OW1976) wrote the song The Spirit of Wesley for the 2009 edition of the song book. The words of the fourth verse reflect a community with an enhanced understanding of a globally-connected world.
It’s the people who are Wesley
Who keep the spirit ‘live
The spirit of engagement
The care for which we strive
To tolerate and understand
Pursue our very best
To make a difference in the world.
The sesquicentenary provides all those connected to the College the opportunity to both reflect on the evolution of thinking at Wesley since 1866 and ponder on what has changed, and also what seems to be timeless about the “Wesley way”. At its core Wesley offers a quality education “fit for purpose” and relevant to its time. The milestone of 150 years also provides the luxury of imagining the Wesley of the future. As we embark on the next strategic plan, covering a generation of Wesley spanning 2017 to 2030, we take the time to acknowledge the previous generations of the Wesley community and celebrate The Best School of All.
Happy 150th birthday Wesley College.
