‘Strawb’ to Hildyard, a centenary of memories at Launceston Junior Technical School to be celebrated in 2019

For many of the countless thousands of young boys that passed through the walls of the old buildings on Paterson Street, memories of the colourful teachers remain as clear as ever.

One hundred years after it was opened as the Launceston Technical High School, a group of past students and friends have decided to organise a centenary celebration.

And they want to see as many familiar faces as possible.

John Phelps, who graduated from the school in the late-1950s, is among those to organise the centenary.

He said a booklet of historical information was being put together, old honour rolls would be on display and the past students would be invited to take part in the highlight of the celebration – a rendition of the school song.

“You can imagine the sound of 900 boys singing the song in a hall – hopefully we can try to replicate that,” Mr Phelps said.

“The school produced a lot of people who have contributed remarkably to politics, sport, business and other areas in Tasmania and across Australia.

“For me, my main fond memories were the teachers.”

Stephen “Strawb” Smyth remains firm in the memories of most.

He gained his unusual nickname shortly after arriving at ‘Tech’ to teach discipline to some of the toughest classes at the school.

Mr Smyth remarked that two lads in the back row, loudly chewing gum, reminded him of a Jersey cow called “Strawberry”. With its alliterative qualities, and the raucous laughter that followed, “Strawb Smyth” seemed an inevitable outcome.

When it came to keeping order in a room full of unruly boys, few were better than English teacher Mollie Hildyard.

Her voice was capable of rising above the class – and she managed to pass on her passion for Shakespeare to even the most disinterested students.

Launceston Technical High School became the Launceston Junior Technical School in the late-1940s, and then relocated to Queechy High School around 1960 to become coeducation.

The surnames of the school’s first four principals – Allen, Miller, Grace and McLeod – are now the houses at Queechy.

The centenary of Launceston Tech will be held from 11am on Friday, March 8, at Tailrace Centre in Riverside.

Organisers are hoping to track down as many past students as possible.

To get in touch, call John Phelps on 6362 4488 or email nkerrison@bigpond.net.au