History
(Names found within the School Grounds)
James Ruse Agricultural High School Pioneers Inc.
Gesta Non Verba {Deeds Not Words}
This page was last updated: April 11, 2018
Offices, Buildings, and Roadways

Simmons Road is named for Mr. John T. Simmons, A.S.T.C., a foundation mem­ber of the school who had much to do with establishing Farm Mechanics as an import­ant compulsory subject in the school. He was active in many areas of school endeavour, including coach of the 1st XV. He left here to take up a position at Casino High School, and subsequently he was Deputy Principal at Yanco High School, and he is now Prin­cipal at Willyama High School.

Coveney Range: This was named for Mr. Michael Coveney, a foundation teacher of Agricultural Science who was responsible for the formation of the James Ruse Cadet Unit, and was its first C.O. The range was built, free of charge to the school, by Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher.

Peterson Block: This building was named for Miss Elaine Peterson, B.A., who was, for a time, Acting English Mistress at this school. She left here to be English Mistress at Peakhurst Girls' High School. Miss Peterson did much to develop English and History as important subjects in the school. She was a most capable speaker and was President of the Toast Mistress Club. The Administration Block was originally the home of the Felton family. It was built in 1885 and the architect was thought to have been Charles Slatyer (a picture of the house can be found in the book "Architecture of Victorian Sydney" by Morton Herman - Page 172), where it was described as a coun­try house at Felton Road, and Baker Streets, Carlingford.

Stockman's Path: This is named for Mr. John Stockman who was an assistant Science Teacher at the school.

The Walters Field is named for Mr. Earl A. Walters, B.Sc. Agr. Dip. Ed., the first Agriculture Master of the school. Mr. Walters was instrumental in the devel­opment of the school playing field to its present standard. The Earl Walters Shield for competition between Hurlstone Agricul­tural High School and James Ruse is also named for him.

Barrengarry Close: This is the roadway which serves the Administration building and it is named for the original Felton estate, which was called "Barren­garry".

Littler Street was named for John E. Littler, B.A., a foundation member of the staff of James Ruse, who made a signi­ficant contribution in the English/History Department of the school. He is now Head­master at Holroyd High School.

Grogan Lane which services the school farm is named for Mr. Trevor Gro­gan, a foundation member of the school Agriculture staff. The system of excursions to support agricultural studies within the school, was set up by him. He left here to take up a position as Special Master at Narrabri High School. The Trevor J. Gro­gan Service Award has also been named for him.

Mills Block: This is the original school Science Block (Rooms 6 and 7) named for Mr. W. C. Mills, B.Sc. Agr. Dip. Ed. who was first an Assistant, and then Master of Science and Agriculture at the school. In addition to these duties, Mr. Mills was an Officer in the Cadet Unit and achieved worthwhile success as Bandmaster of the Cadet Band. In this position he had the distinction of his band winning the trophy for the best Drum and Bugle band (an honour held for many years by the King's School).

Shearman Block: The School's original Library (now the Music complex) named for Mr. A. Shearman, B.A., H.D.A. Mr. Shearman established the Library for James Ruse which was highly regarded by the Department, so much so that Mr. Shearman was asked to be one of the first Lecturers in Library Practice in New South Wales. Initially he operated from Sydney Teachers' College, but later from the Uni­versity of N.S.W. Mr. Shearman did capable work in a number of areas, and his ground plan for the development of the school gardens is a permanent monument to his dedication and industry.

Schofield Block: This comprises the Shelter Shed and the Canteen. It is named for Mrs. A. Schofield, the school's first Clerical Officer. She served in this posi­tion for a considerable time in a voluntary capacity, before Ancillary Staff were part of the school establishment. She set a stand­ard to which members of the Ancillary Staff following her, aspired. Her 2 sons, Jamie and David, attended the school to Leaving Certificate standard.

Francis Block: Named for Mr. John Francis, A.S.T.C., the first Industrial Arts Master at the school, in charge of the teaching of Farm Mechanics. Mr. Francis did much to capitalise in the earlier work of Mr. J. T. Simmons, in consolidating the place of Farm Mechanics, as a compulsory part of the school curriculum in the junior school.

Pereau Block: Mr. R. Pereau did notable work in the development of what ultimately became the Department of Com­merce. He is a very keen geographer and he did much to develop the subject as an important part of the school curriculum. Mr. Pereau worked hard to establish the Prefect body of the school, of which he was Master. He left the school to become Com­merce Master at Cootamundra High School.

Powe Block: The Powe Block com­prises the new Science Block and the Lib­rary and is named for Mrs. Jan Powe, B.A. Mrs. Powe firmly established science as a very important part of the school curricu­lum. James Ruse is unique in that all senior students do chemistry, as a subject, and in addition do either Physics, or Biology. Students leaving James Ruse are well equipped to enter science based courses at tertiary institutions. Mrs. Powe has, in addition, been active as a Senior Form Mis­tress and has been responsible for the last 2 years, for the construction of the school timetable.

The Worth Block: This is named for Mr. O. E. Worth, B.A., and consists of the Agriculture Laboratory block, located on the school farm. He was the first Mathe­matics Master of the school.

Anderson Block: The Anderson Block was named for Mr. R. A. Anderson, B.A., M.Ed., who was the first English Master, and indeed the first subject master of any kind, appointed to the school. Mr. Anderson wrote the official school song (both words and music) and introduced new methods of teaching spelling. He also evol­ved a valuable variety of dessert peach - Glen Alton, which is grown in the Hills District. Mr. Anderson's son, Mr. D. R. Anderson, B.A., Dip. Phys. Ed., and Bronze Medallist at the Olympic Games was, for a time, a member of the staff. He is remem­bered for putting forward the idea of regular term Working Bees, at the school, and for organising the first of these. Two of Mr. Anderson's grandsons — Stuart (now in second year in the Faculty of Medicine) and Gregory (in Fifth Form) attended the school.

Cameron Block: Named for Mr. A. G. Cameron, B.Sc., Dip. Ed. This was the first constructed part of the main classroom block. Mr. Cameron came to James Ruse as its Second Deputy Headmaster, having formerly been Science Master at Fort Street Boys' High School. He was a most efficient Administrator who was at the school for six years. He was a man of fine calibre. He left to become Principal of North Albury High School.

The Bishop Block is the original "Barrengarry" stable block, built in 1885. It originally provided storage for the horse fodder, living quarters for the groom, and stabling for the horses and accommodation for the vehicles. The loft is now used as an Art Room and the accommodation areas as storage for various items, as well as a pot­tery. Mr. John Bishop was at the school for 15 years and served the school in many areas with notable success. He was super­visor of the Canteen, with no paid help, for some 7 years. He was Officer in Command of the Cadets, and was also the Sports- master. His service to the school surpasses any other teacher. Mr. Bishop is now Special Master at Blacktown Girls' High School.

Parsons Way is named for Mr. Frank Parsons, Mathematics teacher at the school. Mr. Parsons was an outstanding Australian Soccer player and later became Chief Soc­cer Administrator in N.S.W. He was an excellent teacher of Mathematics but left the school to pursue his career in the Prim­ary Service, as Deputy Principal of Scho­fields Primary School. More recently he was Principal of the West Ryde Primary School. Mr. Parsons was in charge of the School Canteen and laid down the pattern of Can­teen Management and parent participation.
From the 1978 School Magazine
In 1978 the following information has been provided by the Headmaster, Mr. James C. Hoskin, to place on record his reasons for the naming of the Houses, the Prizes, and the offices, buildings, and roadways, etc., within the school.

It has been his aim to recognise the merit of good work by teachers, students and parents associated with James Ruse Agricultural High School in this way.

The Houses

Felton: Named for the Felton family, the original owners of "Barrengarry", built in 1885.

Frater: Named for Mr. Harry Frater, Principal of the Carlingford Central School, which established an annexe on the site of James Ruse from which the present school developed, briefly as Carlingford Agricultural High School, and then as James Ruse Agricultural High School.

Jones: Named for Mr. Wallace Jones, B.Sc. Ag., a Staff Inspector of the Depart­ment of Education who was closely associ­ated with the early development of the school.

Mullavey: Named for Mr. Charles Mullavey, B.V.Sc., who was the first Deputy Principal of the school, and who left to take up a position as School Inspector with a particular interest in Agriculture in schools. His son, Mr. John Mullavey, attended the school, and has taken a big part in the running of the Old Boys’ Union.

Rassack: Named for Mr. R. C. Rassack, M.Sc. Mr. Rassack was accidentally killed after serving the school for only one year.

Toft was named for Mr. W, S. Toft, A.S.T.C., who was Deputy Principal of the school for 5 years. Mr. Toft was a very able Administrator with a great loyalty to the school. A keen sportsman, he worked to maintain the position of Rugby Union in the school, coaching the first Grade Team during his time here. Mr. Toft has main­tained his interest in James Ruse, and his son Warren, is a student at the school.
From the 1978 School Magazine
School Prizes

Colin R. Anderson Award For Drama is given in recognition of the work of Mr. C. R. Anderson, a former English Teacher at the school, in establishing the Drama Production in James Ruse. The team of Anderson and Lino began with the pro­duction of "H.M.A.S. Pinafore" in 1963 and since then a succession of Gilbert and Sullivan and like light operas have been produced each year. Mr. Anderson left the school to take up a position as Lecturer in Drama at the Riverina College of Advanced Education in Wagga. During his time at James Ruse he formed many firm friendships with both staff and students. The award is made for the best male part in the Annual Production.

Barry J. Evans Drama Medal: This is to recognise the good work of Mr. Barry J. Evans, an ex-student of the school, who for many years designed the stage sets for the successive productions. It is interest­ing to note that Mr. Evans, whilst a student, produced the design that is used on the school tie. This award is given for the best supporting male part.

Patricia Lino Award: The Patricia Lino Award is made to recognise the work by Miss Patricia Lino (now Mrs. Patricia Jolliffe) daughter of Mrs. Leslie Lino, in assisting in the drama production, particu­larly in choreography. Patricia is greatly admired and respected by the students. This Award is given for the best supporting female role.

G. And K. Johnston Award: For Rugby Union is named for Graeme and Keith Johnston, former students of the school who played Rugby Union for the school. The Award is the oldest of the sport­ing awards given by the school. The Award was presented to the school by their parents. Keith Johnston was for many years Vice- President of the Old Boys' Union.

A. D. & J. M. Robertson Medals:For Soccer (Best and Fairest Junior and Senior): Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, par­ents of Andrew Robertson, an ex-student of the school, have provided funds for two annual Awards for Soccer for the best and fairest in both Junior and Senior Soccer.

Brian Kirkby Medal For Art: Brian Kirkby was appointed to the school as an Art Teacher in 1978. As the only Art Teacher on the staff he has worked very hard to establish the subject in the school. He is playing a big part in organising the school's first Art Exhibition. The quality of the students' work is a tribute to Mr. Kirkby's enthusiasm and ability.

R. G. Swanborough Medal For Sheep And Wool: This medal was named for Mr. Robert G. Swanborough, Sheep and Wool Instructor at the school for a period of 3 years. He has brought great enthusiasm to the subject and has done much to extend and develop the studies of the subject, an important one in an Agri­cultural High School.

A. R. Best Medal For Music was named for Mr. Alan Best, Music Master at the school for the past three years. Under Mr. Best, Music has come to occupy a very significant place in the school curriculum. This year 8 music students are sitting for the H.S.C. and will be the first to pass through James Ruse at this level. The school orchestra has greatly improved and partici­pation in school activities both within and outside the school is significant. The high­light of this year's programme was a visit to the Adelaide Festival by some 40 students from 1st to 6th Form. Mr. Best, in addi­tion, is Form II Year Master and takes an active part in coaching school hockey.

The Bungaree Romney Stud Prize For Practical Agriculture is named for the "Bungaree" Stud which has been developed by an ex-student of this school, David Shaw. David's parents have been most generous to the school in that each year they provide $300.00 of high quality cases for the Annual Medal presen­tations.

Leslie H. Lino Medal For Drama was named for Mrs. L. H. Lino, a foundation teacher of the school, who over the past 16 years has directed a major light opera production. The award is for the best female part in the Production. The consistently high standard of the perform­ances, and the involvement of a large num­ber of students, teachers, and parents, makes each production a most significant part of the school year,

The Graham S. White Service Award: Mr. Graham S. White was an Assistant in the Commerce Department. In addition to his excellent work in his sub­ject, Geography, Mr. White had outstand­ing success as Senior Form Master, and as an organiser of major tours, including tours to Central Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. He exercised a very good influence on the senior students under his control.

Frances Nichols Service Award was named for Mrs. Frances Nichols, a former Librarian of the school, who did outstanding work in developing the school Library as a resource centre.

Trevor Grogan Service Award is named for Mr. Trevor Grogan, a foundation member of the Agriculture staff. The system of excursions to support agricultural studies at the school, was organ­ised by him Grogan Lane is also named for him.

Jack Luckhurst Award For Citizenship (Boys): This award was established in memory of the late Mr. Jack Luckhurst who, at the time of his death, was a General Assistant at the school. He is remembered for his loyalty to the school, his friendly relationships with the staff and the students, and his willingness to assist in development of the school at all times. Prior to his death, Mr. Luckhurst was made an Honorary Prefect of the School.

Henrietta Sonter Award For Citizenship (Girls): Henrietta Sonter was a school cleaner who served the school faithfully and well right up to the time of her death at the age of 75. Mrs. Sonter was one of two cleaners at the school who worked hard to maintain the school in a good condition in the days when there were no paved areas. She had a great loyalty for the school and was highly thought of by the staff and students.

The R. K. Taylor Prize For Agriculture: Mr. R. K. Taylor was educated at Yanco Agricultural High School. His two sons attended James Ruse, and Mr. Taylor made the first substantial donation to establish a permanent prize for the Dux in Agriculture at the Leaving Certificate, now the Higher School Certificate. Mr. Taylor now lives at Quipolly, near Quirindi.

The Geoffrey Miles Memorial Prize: This memorial prize is given for an essay on a biological subject by a Fifth Form student, by Mr. and Mrs. Miles in memory of their son, Geoffrey, an ex-stu­dent of the school, who was accidentally drowned whilst riding in the Barrington Ranges.

The Kelvin Maher Memorial Prize: Kelvin was an ex-student of the school who was killed in a motor accident while returning home after the Old Boys' Dinner. It was given by Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Maher in memory of their son.

The Raymond J. Glyde Service Award: Mr. R. J. Glyde, B.A., Dip. Ed., was the first Commerce Master of the school, and consolidated the earlier work by Mr. Ray Pereau, to establish the place of Economics, Geography and Commerce very significantly as subjects in the school. Mr. Glyde was a sound Administrator whose continuing loyalty to the school is greatly appreciated.

The Brian W. Munro Service Award: Mr. Brian Munro was a member of Mr. R. J. Glyde's Social Science Staff, who gave dedicated service to a number of school activities. He was an officer in the School Cadets, an Advisor to the I.S.C.F.

The John A. Pearman Service Award: This Award was named for Mr. J. A. Pearman, B.Sc. Ag. (Hon.) Dip. Ed. Mr. Pearman had great success as a teacher of Agriculture. His various activities includ­ed supervision of the school's debating and organisation of the school's social functions. Mr. Pearman left James Ruse to take up a position as Lecturer at Sydney Teachers' College. His ready wit, and his scholarship were greatly appreciated by his students.

J. G. & E. Wilson Medal For Cricket: The J. G. and E. Wilson Medal is named for Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, parents of three ex-students, Gordon, Eric and Ian. All three students played first grade cricket for James Ruse.

Toft Trophy: This Trophy is named for Mr. W. S. Toft, former Deputy Principal of the school who did much for Rugby Union, as coach of the first grade team and a general advisor to all those associated with Rugby Union in the school. The Trophy was donated by Mr. Toft for Annual Award to the most outstanding Rugby Union Player, not in 1st Grade.

M. Bible Award For Life­saving is named for Mr. A. M. Bible, Farm Mechanics Master at the school, who has worked hard to develop lifesaving as an important school activity. James Ruse is one of the leading secondary schools in N.S.W. in this area.

Brian Musgrave Award For Hockey (Best and Fairest) is named for Mr. Brian Musgrave, a Science Assistant at the school. Mr. Musgrave has done a great deal to develop Hockey as a major sport in the school and his players have done well at Zone and C.H.S. Level.

The P. C. Robinson Medal For Science: Named for Mr. P. C. Robinson, Dip. Tech. Sci., Science Master at the school. Mr. Robinson, in addition to his work for Science, was responsible for the organisation of the school timetable. He did work of a high standard in the area of Audio Visual Education. He was noted for his dedicated work for James Ruse in many areas of school endeavour. He transferred from James Ruse to Plumpton High School.

The J. A. Reid Medal For History: Mr. J. A. Reid, B.A., Dip. Ed., an Assistant in the English/History Depart­ment at the school who, as well as achiev­ing excellent results in his own subjects, achieved outstanding results with the De­bating teams. In the one year (1976) the teams were runners-up in both the Hume Barbour and the David Verco Debating competitions at State level. This feat is probably unequalled. They were beaten by North Sydney Boys' High School, and Can­berra Grammar, by a 3-2 majority in both cases. Mr. Reid has spent 1978 on ex­change in Wales.

The M. A. Rawlin Medal For Farm Mechanics: Mr. M. A. Rawlin A.S.T.C., was Deputy Principal at the school for a period of 2 years. He left James Ruse to become Principal at Plumpton High School.

The J. K. Ducker Medal For Sheep And Wool: Mr. J. K. Ducker was seconded from the Department of Tech­nical Education, as a full-time teacher of Sheep and Wool at James Ruse. He did a great deal for his subject to make it the most popular elective in the junior school and a significant elective in the senior school. Mr. Ducker played a very full part in all aspects of school life. He left James Ruse to be Principal of the Narrabri Technical College.

The J. R. Noller Medal For Art: Mr. J. R. Noller is the father of a James Ruse student, Gregory Noller. He is a well-known Parramatta Architect, and is a member of the school's building commit­tee. He undertook the re-designing of the Hay Loft to give us the Art Room, which is unique in the schools of the State.

The Tepper Prizes For Agriculture: These medals were donated by the late Mr. Tepper, and Mrs. Tepper, in recognition of the part the school played in the education of her nephews, Jeffrey and Douglas Bost. Mrs. Tepper was for some time Librarian at Knox College, Wahroonga.
From the 1978 School Magazine

Competition Between Schools During Inter-School Visits is for the following shields.

The L. H. Lino Shield is for school competition between Coonabarabran and James Ruse and is named for Mrs. L. H. Lino to recognise her work in Drama, and as a Form Mistress.

The B. E. Berry Shield is named for Mr. B. E. Berry, an English/History teacher at the school, and is for inter-school competition between James Ruse and Crookwell High School. It recognises the service of Mr. Berry to sport (particularly in tennis) and to his work as Careers Advisor. Mr. Berry is a foundation teacher of the school.

The R. B. Giltinan Shield is named for Mr. R. B. Giltinan, who was Headmaster of Yanco Agricultural High School for 17 years from 1959. It is for competition between James Ruse and Yanco Agricultural High School, at James Ruse, and was donated by James Ruse Agricul­tural High School.

The Goode Shield was donated by Yanco Agricultural High School, and is named for an ex-student of Yanco. It is for competition between James Ruse and Yan­co, at Yanco High School.

The Bert Oldfield Shield was donated by the Late Mr. W. A. Oldfield, for inter-school competition between James Ruse and Farrar Agricultural High School at Farrer. Bert Oldfield was perhaps the most famous of the Australian Test Wicket Keepers, as well as being a valuable bats­man.

The E. G. Smiles Shield was do­nated by James Ruse Agricultural High School for inter-school competition between Farrer and James Ruse at James Ruse. Mr. Smiles was Principal of Farrer Agricultural High School was donated by James Ruse happy co-operator in organising the inter­school visits with James Ruse.

The W. H. Daley Shield for com­petition between James Ruse and Bega High School was donated by James Ruse and was named for Mr. W. H. Daley, who was an outstanding sportsmaster of the school. During his time at James Ruse he very successfully pursued University courses and was appointed as a Lecturer to Sydney Teachers' College. He was associated with the development of the Human Perform­ances Laboratory there.

The Byron Sharpe Shield was named for Mr. Byron Sharpe, the first School Captain, for annual inter-house competition in Swimming.

The Brian Cleal Shield was do­nated by the school to recognise the work of Mr. Brian Cleal in developing House Competition within the school. It is for annual competition between the houses in Athletics.

The Chris Williams Shield is provided by the school for cross-country running, to recognise the great interest of Mr. Chris Williams, an assistant in the Social Science Department who has devel­oped a full programme of participation by the students in cross-country running.

The Malcolm Bray Shield was donated by James Ruse Agricultural High School to recognise the work of Mr. Mal­colm Bray. He was a first grade golfer, play­ing Pennant Golf for Pennant Hills Club. Mr. Bray was active in the formation of the school's Interact Club and under him the Club was a most effective part of school life.

The Earl Walters Shield was donated by James Ruse Agricultural High School for the annual competition between Hurlstone and James Ruse in a number of sports, and is named for Mr. E. A. Walters, the school's first Agriculture Master. Mr. Walters has done a great deal for school Rugby Union and golf. In addi­tion the development of the school playing field to its present standard is largely the work of Mr. Walters.
From the 1978 School Magazine