Hubert Joseph Slattery
Hubert Slattery passed away recently at the grand age of 98 years, following an impressive record within the Education Department, stretching back to 1925, when he first began as a teacher's aide at Warburton Primary School on probation, till his retirement from CHS, in 1971, when he was ranked the third highest Principal in the State of Victoria.
In 1926, he completed his Primary Teachers Certificate and began as Head Teacher in Mardan South Primary School, where he remained till 1934. He was selected by the Department of Education to become a secondary school teacher; he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Education, prior to appointment in the secondary schools division.
His secondary school career began at Melbourne Boys' High School where he taught English, Latin and History. In order to achieve promotion, he then moved to higher elementary schools at Terang and Korumburra, then high schools at Dimboola and Morwell, which necessitated many moves for his family before they returned to Melbourne in 1959, where he became principals of Reservoir and Nunawading High Schools.
Hubert Slattery then became principal of Camberwell High, upon the retirement of Ivor Gazzard. During his time at the helm of CHS, he instituted a successful transition program for first formers that helped them integrate into their new school environment. He also introduced electives for Forms 3 and 4 and was an advocate for the abolition of exams. He was very supportive of the music side of CHS, especially the choral festivals and our orchestra. Hubert also was instrumental in fostering donations towards the rowing program to purchase new equipment (this period saw a resurgence in our rowing reputation, much as during the glory years of the late fifties). The 'seventies building' owes much to him as he oversaw this major capital works program to fruition - giving the students fine resources such as science and biology labs, a new library, cafeteria and an assembly hall where the entire school could congregate, out of the elements.
Hubert lost his dear wife, Freda, five years prior to his death and is survived by his three children; John, Margaret and Peter (who is also an ex-CHS student). I wish to acknowledge his daughter, Margaret, for kindly answering my request for information.
Vale Mr Slattery.
Hubert Slattery and Miss Milne, standing with asian students from CHS - 1970.
©CHESS 2001