Principal's Message
As another year draws to a close, we reflect on the journey that 2024 has taken us on—a year filled with milestones, memories, and moments of change. Each passing year brings its own transitions, and this edition of the Towers Alumni newsletter highlights the new journeys and chapters unfolding within our school community. From celebrating the appointments of passionate educators to bidding fond farewells to valued colleagues embarking on new adventures, we continue to evolve while remaining rooted in the traditions and values that make our school so special. We hope you enjoy reading about these updates and join us in celebrating the remarkable individuals who have shaped and continue to shape our shared legacy.
In mid-November, our school bid farewell to Deputy Principal Ms. Doris Lee, who was successful in obtaining a transfer to Burwood Girls High School. Doris has been an integral part of our school community, bringing dedication, vision, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Notably, she led the Digital Learning Strategy Team during a period of unprecedented change and rapid advancement, navigating the challenges posed by the onset of a global pandemic. Through her leadership, she ensured that teaching and learning not only adapted but thrived, empowering both staff and students to embrace innovative practices. We extend our deepest gratitude to Doris for her service and wish her continued success in her new role.
At the end of the 2024 academic year, we also farewell Mr Jack Rolls who has been the Relieving Head Teacher of the Creative and Performing Arts Faculty since the beginning of 2023. Over his impactful tenure, Jack has been a passionate advocate for his staff and students, fostering excellence and creativity across the arts. A talented music teacher and former House Coordinator, he went above and beyond, volunteering to step into both Year Adviser and Academic Adviser roles before his well-deserved promotions. This year, he skillfully produced the 2024 school musical, a testament to his dedication and artistic vision. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.
We would also like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Mr. Anthony Vassallo on his permanent appointment to the Deputy Principal position —a milestone we regretfully omitted from our Term 3 newsletter. The official announcement was made on the very last day of Term 2, marking the well-deserved recognition of Mr. Vassallo’s exemplary contributions. Anthony served as the Relieving Deputy Principal from the beginning of 2023, building on his prior role as Head Teacher of Creative and Performing Arts. During this time, he has shown exceptional leadership and commitment, particularly through his management of the RIOT Program and his guidance of the 17-member Wellbeing Team. These efforts have played a pivotal role in fostering the social and emotional health of our students. We are thrilled to have Anthony continue to lead and inspire in his new capacity, and we wish him every success in this exciting chapter.
We would like to share some bittersweet news with our alumni community: two of our longest-serving and most cherished Penrithians, Mrs. Robyn Myers and Mrs. Janelle Michels, will be taking extended leave throughout 2025. Both have dedicated decades of exceptional service to our school, leaving a profound and lasting impact on generations of students. Their contributions have shaped the fabric of our school, and we hope they enjoy this well-deserved time to relax, recharge, and pursue personal passions. Their presence will be deeply missed, but their impact will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate to learn from and work alongside them.
In further staffing updates, we are excited to announce that in 2025 we will welcome Mr. Grant Odei as our newly appointed Deputy Principal. Grant is a highly experienced school leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to education. Previously the Head Teacher of TAS, he has also served as Deputy Principal at Erskine Park High School for over two years, where he has been instrumental in driving innovation and supporting student success. In addition to his school-based leadership roles, Grant has worked as the Head of Secondary School for the UTS Wanago Program within the Faculty of Engineering and IT. This role showcased his ability to bridge education with industry, fostering opportunities for students to explore pathways in STEM fields. Grant’s diverse background and forward-thinking approach promise to bring fresh insights and valuable expertise to our school.
Additionally we welcome a new Head Teacher Creative and Performing Arts to the community in 2025. Ms. Gillian O'Connor joins us having been an Art Teacher and school leaders at Killara High School and Newtown Creative and Performing Arts High School. Gillian’s deep commitment to both the creative and performing arts, along with her ability to inspire and support students, makes her a perfect fit for this new role. We are excited to see her lead and grow the CAPA Faculty in 2025 and beyond.
As we celebrate these changes and embrace the opportunities they bring, we are reminded of the enduring connection between our school and its alumni. Each of you has played a part in building the vibrant, dynamic community we cherish today. Whether you’ve walked these halls recently or decades ago, your achievements and contributions continue to inspire and shape our future.
A big thank you also goes to our dedicated editor, Ms. Cathie Fayle, for her invaluable contribution to each edition of the Towers-Alumni Newsletter. Cathie’s hard work, attention to detail, and passion for sharing the stories of our school community ensure that each edition is both engaging and meaningful.
Here's to a well-deserved break and a bright start to 2025!
Yours sincerely,
Jaclyn Cush
Principal
On December 3, our amazing Athena Auw (2022)(on the left in the photo below) and Hazel Malhotra (2024) (on the right in the photo below)were invited to Parliament House to share morning tea with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales. This was to commemorate the achievements of these two remarkable young women and celebrate the completion of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Even more momentous for Hazel as she was chosen as the only Gold Achiever from the entire state to respond to the governor's patrons address in this celebration.
The Governors address spoke about resilience and persistence and about Service to the community. She gave the young one's food for thought about the age of most of the volunteers in community-based options, RFS, SES etc, asking them to continue with what they are doing, as once these 'oldies' can't do this anymore, what happens next? She addressed them all as future leaders and encouraged them to 'go rural for a few years' if they could.
Years of effort and persistence behind the scenes go into these Awards, and to finally celebrate yesterday was bittersweet for both of them. It was a beautiful way to end their journey for both of them.
Who will be next?? 🙂
Lisa Andreatta
Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator
Thank you Lisa for your guidance and support on their amazing journey!
Tim Bates demonstrates remarkable dedication and innovation in his roles as Debating Enrichment Coordinator, Classroom Teacher and Year Adviser. Tim is the founding coordinator of the school's Debating Enrichment Program which has grown from approximately 20 students to over 80 whilst nurturing the development of alumnae who maintain connections with the school through their role of Tutors within the program. Notably, Tim achieves commendable results in HSC English Advanced and Extension 1, emphasising collaboration and student-centered pedagogy.. Tim’s multifaceted contributions to teaching and leading reflect his commitment to enriching student experiences, engagement in school and academic success.
Stephanie Micallef embodies an exceptional commitment to fostering a culture of positivity, collaboration, and connection within the school in both her roles as classroom teacher and Stage 6 Academic Adviser. Stephanie's dedication is evident through her integral involvement in whole-school initiatives like Student Profile building, Academic Review processes, and Year in Review activities. Students commend her warm presence and understanding in navigating complex academic tasks. Stephanie collaborates seamlessly with other members of the wellbeing team, fostering a cohesive approach to student support and resource sharing. Stephanie's unwavering dedication to student success and holistic development sets a commendable standard within the educational community.
At Penrith Selective High School, we take pride in celebrating the achievements and contributions of our alumni, and few have left as enduring a legacy as Mr. Sami Azmol (Class of 2001). Sami's sudden passing in December 2020 was a profound loss to all who knew him, but his legacy continues to inspire through awards and scholarships that reflect his remarkable contributions to both his profession and the community.
In Sami’s memory, our school presents the Sami Azmol Award annually to the top student in HSC Economics or Business Studies. Sponsored by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, this award celebrates Sami's commitment to excellence and his influence as a leader in the field. The recipient is honoured with a certificate, a $300 prize, and their name added to a plaque in our library, ensuring Sami’s contributions remain an enduring inspiration for current and future students.
Beyond our school community, Sami’s legacy also lives on through Sydney Local Health District’s Sami Azmol Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship provides up to $10,000 for Sydney Local Health District staff to pursue qualifications in accounting or finance-related disciplines, fostering the next generation of professionals in the field Sami cared so deeply about.
To learn more about this impactful scholarship and its recent recipient, visit the following website:
https://slhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sydneyconnect/2024-news/sami-azmol-scholarship-2024-winner-announced
Through these initiatives, we honour Sami’s remarkable achievements and his enduring legacy of dedication, generosity, and excellence.
Warm regards
Jaclyn Cush
Principal
For World Teachers Day on Friday, October 25, 2024 the staff were able to honour the current longest serving Penrith Selective High School teachers at our weekly morning tea catch up-the Old Penrithians!
The 14 current longest serving staff were called out in reverse chronological order, naming their entry on duty date and current year of service to the school- see attached list. Each staff member received an Old Penrithian badge with their number on it as well as an image of The Towers. The number indicates their rank in terms of current longevity at the school. A photo was taken to capture the event. We will extend this recognition soon to those who have served at least ten years for those who started at the school from 2015.
We would also be interested to hear of past teachers who served the school for a long period of time. We would like to know their first and last year of service as permanent teachers or SASS staff and for teachers, the faculty they were based in, and position if in a leadership role. Please note that for all past and present longest serving permanent staff members we do not consider any leave as this is understandably too hard to track for everyone over a period of 75 years and then re-calculate years of service. We just want the first and last year of permanent employment at Penrith High School alone. This does not include any years working as a casual teacher, eg after retirement. If you had two stints at the school, please do the same and provide both first and last years. If you know of someone, please let us know and we will try to verify the dates.
You can email the school on:
penrith-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
* Attention Clark Stone HT History
Clark Stone
Old Penrithian Number 7
Head Teacher History
Pictured below left to right:
Teresa Battistella - 40 years
Antonietta Pipio - 37 years
Grant Newell - 31 years
Robyn Myers - 25 years
Maria Ryan (in front) - 22 years
Clark Stone - 21 years
Steve Lidster - 14 years
Michael Devine - 13 years
Janelle Michels - 13 years
Kerry Eves - 13 years
Judy Shearer - 28 years
* Thank you Clark Stone for collating the information and doing the badges
Mr David Roach
What has changed about Penrith High School over the years and how do you feel about it?
Everyone in the Science Department and nearly everyone in the school has changed since I joined in 2007. The school had a bigger focus on extra-curricular achievement and less on ATAR scores. There were no sandstone blocks back then and the Science Department was housed in demountables (D.1.1 is the only survivor of 6). All the teachers seemed very old (I was 39 but would have been one of the youngest staff).
Is there any particular reason why you have stayed at Penrith for so long? What makes Penrith High School special for you?
The students at Penrith have always been lovely, behaviour management is a very small part of the job here. You can really get into your subject at a deeper level which makes the teaching more interesting.
What is one experience you have had while teaching at Penrith that will stick with you forever?
My final speech as Year Adviser in 2016 was a particular memory.
What is your favourite part about working here at Penrith High School?
So many kind, generous and thoughtful young people.
How would you describe the evolution of the school culture over the years?
Up and down. I've had 6 Principals (real and acting) each with their own unique input. It's a kinder place now than it has been in the past.
Is there a particular moment that you felt especially proud to be part of the Penrith High community?
Not really, I'm fairly proud most of the time. I also discovered my new GP was an ex Chemistry student of mine.
Are there any key values or principles that you feel Penrith High has always upheld?
I think we have always tried to put the students first.
What has kept you motivated and passionate about teaching at Penrith over the years?
The support of the school community and the usually lovely students. Teenagers are quite inspiring.
How have the campus or facilities changed over time, and how has this affected the school environment?
It looks better, 17 years ago it was a bit tired. Lots of sandstone blocks now.
What legacy do you hope to leave at Penrith High School?
The trouble with staying for years in a job is that by the time you leave most of your friends have left and the younger people don't really know you. I'll leave a secret item somewhere for someone to find 😉
Ms Antonietta Pipio
What has changed about Penrith High School over the years and how do you feel about it?
Physical changes: A gate around perimeter of school, Alumni Garden, cafeteria, no more demountable classrooms on basketball courts, CAPA buildings, new kitchens, uniform, etc
Other changes: new Principals, it became selective in 1989 - population dropped significantly and many teachers were forced transferred out of the school, selective students immediately changed the culture of the school for the better, change in cultures of selective students around 2005.
What is one experience you have had while teaching at Penrith that will stick with you forever?
Going to China and then Italy with some staff and students. The former was an exchange, and the latter was an excursion I organised. My time as Year Adviser 2009 to 2014 - the best time whilst at PHS.
What is your favourite part about working here at Penrith High School?
The friends I have made with particular staff.
How would you describe the evolution of the school culture over the years?
While having the selective students come in and change the culture of the school from being considered as the roughest and worst school in the area to the best schools in the area. The evolution of the school has been massive - both academically, socially and physically. I like how it is fairly multicultural.
Is there a particular moment that you felt especially proud to be part of the Penrith High community?
When I write submissions for major awards and our students are selected for these awards.
Are there any key values or principles that you feel Penrith High has always upheld?
Altiora Peto - striving for the highest
What has kept you motivated and passionate about teaching at Penrith over the years?
Working under some great Principals like Mr John Elton and Mr Mark Long - they were so passionate about improving the educational outcomes of students, about what each teacher did in the classroom, etc - you were just swept along and inspired by what they wanted to achieve.
How have the campus or facilities changed over time, and how has this affected the school environment?
See physical changes - above.
The school is a much more beautiful space that students and staff can enjoy.
What legacy do you hope to leave at Penrith High School?
The Co-curricular Program - enrichment, clubs, awards and leadership (Prefects, SRC, House, JRC). I hope it continues to grow long after my retirement.
Mrs Robyn Myers
What has changed about Penrith High School over the years and how do you feel about it?
What hasn’t changed at Penrith High School! I am sure there are many more than I am going to list. Obviously, the students. However, a number have returned as teachers. The teaching staff has changed as well. I have even been lucky enough to even have worked with my brother in the 1990s. He was a Mathematics Teacher here. The grounds have had a wonderful makeover, the Alumni Garden and path to the gazebo. The sporting facilities always available at recess and lunch times are wonderful additions for the students. The uniform was yellow and brown, now a few shades of blue. The lesson times have changed numerous times. The school starting and finishing times are still the same, however there have been eight lessons a day, four lessons and now six per day. Lunch and recess are both thirty minutes. They used to be twenty minutes and forty minutes respectively. All students used to wear their school uniform on a Wednesday and then get changed into their sports uniform for Wednesday afternoon sport. The installation of the perimeter fence. Multicultural Day was initially just for Year 8. Today it is a major event on the Penrith High School calendar. Now all students enjoy the day. The reintroduction of the prefect body. They now form an important part in the leadership of the school. The numerous extra curricular activities available for all students. The myriad of sporting opportunities. Penrith High School was a late addition to the “Quad Schools” era. Initially it was “Tri Schools”. I cannot pick out a special change. I am quite fond of all of them.
Is there any particular reason why you have stayed at Penrith for so long? What makes Penrith High School special for you?
As I live quite close to school, I do enjoy not having to battle the traffic everyday. I was close to my children’s primary school when they began school. However, If I did not like the school, I would not have stayed so long. I enjoy the variety of subjects in Technology. Every lesson is different. Over the years I have been lucky to have taught in all the faculties. It has brought me out of my comfort zone.
What is one experience you have had while teaching at Penrith that will stick with you forever?
When teaching I love encouraging students to “think outside the square”. I do have a lot of information that stays “dormant and needs to be brought back to life”. I do enjoy it when I can stimulate discussion and inspire reflection. Students at PHS are very knowledgeable and timetabled subjects do not always offer a means for that knowledge to be discussed. I love the discussion that sparks thought.
What is your favourite part about working here at Penrith High School?
My favourite part about working at PHS is probably the things outside the classroom. Carnivals, walkathons and variety nights and multicultural days. You see a different side of the students and the staff. I have fond memories of present staff and staff who have moved on. Working with Mrs Pipio as Year Adviser from 2009 until 2014. We learnt a lot together.
How would you describe the evolution of the school culture over the years?
Over time the school has evolved. A bit like from analogue to digital. Bit by bit. Not a big change all at once. Like any change there may be opposition. However, once we all become familiar with the change we tend to embrace it.
Is there a particular moment that you felt especially proud to be part of the Penrith High community?
I feel very proud when I hear of the unselfish actions of the students and the teachers. I cannot single any one out. I do know that at times I say to myself, “that is where I teach,” when I hear of the wonderful things that have occurred. Also raising money to build classrooms in Papua New Guinea and Central Africa. At the time that was a big commitment from all at Penrith High School.
Are there any key values or principles that you feel Penrith High has always upheld?
Penrith High School has always looked out for the new students who come to the school. These students may start in years 8 to 11. There is always someone looking out for them, either a teacher or their peers. Penrith High has always challenged the learning of the students. Motivated them to approach learning differently.
What has kept you motivated and passionate about teaching at Penrith over the years?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. Having my own children, and now grandchildren, growth as a parent and growth as a teacher have kept me motivated.
How have the campus or facilities changed over time, and how has this affected the school environment?
The campus has changed a lot. The building names and classrooms have all been renamed. The first floor has a 2 in its name!! There have been many changes. The large sandstone blocks near the table tennis tables. The wonderful ANZAC tribute. The beautiful roses that are on each side of the alumni walking path. The seating areas dotted throughout the playground. The students have a lovely area to sit at recess and lunch. The beautiful outside environment also promotes positivity as you walk inside a classroom.
What legacy do you hope to leave at Penrith High School?
I do not wish to leave a legacy. I would like to be remembered as a person who took pride in their work and for being a dependable team member. I tried to do my best each day and hope my contributions to the learning of students were meaningful. I hope I made everyone feel comfortable and valued. I hope I was able to adapt to the needs of those I taught and worked with.
Mrs Janelle Michels
What has changed about Penrith High School over the years and how do you feel about it?
The physical environment has changed- the canteen area is much better for students, air conditioning in my classroom is great (especially in winter as my old gas heater used to give off fumes!), the gardens look much better (although they are far too much work for our poor GA!), the paint colours are MUCH nicer (the old purple in the admin area was terrible!), we are seeing a much better gender balance in the school student body- it used to be very boy heavy! Blazers are the outer government (lol…)
Is there any particular reason why you have stayed at Penrith for so long? What makes Penrith High School special for you?
I love my “history family”. My faculty is wonderful to work with - we all get along very well & are complementary eccentrics 😊. I have also taught many fabulous students here - actually 3 of my former students came to visit me today with a present as they heard I am retiring, such a lovely surprise!
What is one experience you have had while teaching at Penrith that will stick with you forever?
One of my favourites was with my Year 12 Modern History class from a few years ago when everyone got up to dance along to Christmas Just Dance videos - the boys were amazing, however I have lots of wonderful memories that I will take with me into retirement.
What is your favourite part about working here at Penrith High School?
The wonderful interactions I have with my students.
How would you describe the evolution of the school culture over the years?
My daughter finished Year 12 here in 2010 & I arrived here shortly afterwards so I have seen many years of changes - most of these for the better.
Is there a particular moment that you felt especially proud to be part of the Penrith High community?
Every time I have seen students be kind to one another & rush to help someone.
Are there any key values or principles that you feel Penrith High has always upheld?
As well as what I answered for the previous question, what I particularly value is how while there is definite competition between students academically so many students generously share their notes, knowledge and practice responses with others to help them succeed too.
What has kept you motivated and passionate about teaching at Penrith over the years?
I love interacting with my students daily. When I see how hard working many (not all!) students are it keeps me wanting to help them along - after all I started teaching as a 20 year old as I wanted to genuinely make a difference
How have the campus or facilities changed over time, and how has this affected the school environment?
See question 1.
What legacy do you hope to leave at Penrith High School?
I am hoping that my passion for History has caught on with my students and that they continue to expand their learning - after all we are all lifelong learners 😊
Thank you so much to the Penrith High's School Functions Prefects for 2024/2025 for devising these questionnaires for the Old Penrithians
HAROLD LEGASPI
Harold Legaspi is the son of Julieta & Gilberto Legaspi. He was a student at Penrith High School from 1995 to 1998. His English teachers were Mrs Holmes and Mrs Vines. Harold is an Australian writer and artist born in Manila, Philippines, and living in unceded Darug Nura (Western Sydney). Some of Harold’s books include Letters in Language (Flying Islands), Song Sonnets: Little Songs and Bahay Kubo: Children’s Literature (Papel Publishing). He holds a Doctor of Arts from University of Sydney.
Harold's Letters in Language was the runner-up in the Inaugural Puncher & Wattmann Prize for a First Book of Poetry and was published in 2021 in the Flying Islands Pocket Books of Poetry series with Cerberus Press and Association of Stories in Macau. This book is intended to evoke cultural memory.
Harold's other books include - Litany; Requiem; The Edge of Seas vs Lost Generation.
Bahay Kubo brings children together through personal narratives which envelopes (Filipino) values and concerns, recognised as intimately and inextricably linked to broader, glocal political issues. Bahay Kubo begins with a story about a Crab whose family were taken away by fishermen, and consequently moves to the bundok (mountains) to build a house together with Nature’s trees and creatures. Bahay Kubo continues with the story of Mabel, who had been invited by his neighbour, Ewan, for breakfast, as he learns about hospitality and hiya (self-regard). A story of Corey follows, as she grapples with real-life choices between fancy love and makabayan (love of Country). Then a story of a penguin named Mali, who traverses an old dilapidated house, which bears his fate upon dreaming. The story of Soledad and Tao gives readers insight by contrasting solitary and sociable ways of being and living. Then a vignette about an Illustrado who falls in love with an Igorot. Finally, a story premised on awa (compassion for others) is explored, about a petrol boy trying to support himself, his family and comrades.
In Song Sonnets: Little Songs, Harold imagines and re-images the contours of love, filial and blood relations, myths and legends and the human dependency to Mother Earth. Song Sonnets is a close encounter with a Pinoy heart and spirit, mind and soul against erasure. The sonnets weave Filipino and English languages to espouse the heart (and mortality) of a solitary writer in a world of flux, beneath God(s), heavenly bodies, family, the stars and skies, between air, the fire of seasons, earth and sea. The sonnets are a way to hold the world still and understand the depth of inter-dependent energies which lead to transformation. The writer pays credence to memory and intent capable of transcending non-history, whilst revering William Shakespeare’s sonnets to redefine poetics of the canon, and make concrete Filipino-Australian reality with a self-defined past and future.
Bahay Kubo and Song Sonnets will be available in the school library to borrow.
BUFF(pictured right) AND HAL DUMBSTRUCK AFTER 72 YEARS - Article by Tim Barlass April 7 2013
On March 3, 1941, two former high school mates travelled together to the Sydney Showground to enlist in the Second World War.
Harry ''Hal'' Wolters and Cecil ''Buff'' Creswick were told they needed written parental consent because they were under 21. They went to the nearby Captain Cook Hotel, spent two shillings and sixpence on a beer and forged each other's parents' signatures.
On April 1 they travelled again to Sydney and became separated, with neither knowing whether the other had been killed, injured or even survived the war.
On the 72nd anniversary of their separation, Mr Wolters, now 90, thought it might be nice to know how Mr Creswick, also 90, was doing.
On the Easter weekend he placed a small advertisement in The Sydney Morning Herald's RSVP column. ''I just wanted to know if he [Mr Creswick] was still going,'' Mr Wolters said.
Mr Wolters has thought about his mate from Penrith High often over the intervening years.
''We parted in 1941 and we haven't been in contact since,'' he said.
Last week Mr Wolters was working, as he often does, in his shed when the phone rang.
''The voice said: 'It's Buff Creswick here.' I said, 'Holy, bloody hell.' I was just about dumbstruck.''
On Friday, Mr Creswick flew from Sydney to his old school mate's property at Kempsey, north of Port Macquarie.
The two nonagenarians , embraced, complimented each other on being alive and then, briefly, Mr Wolters was overwhelmed.
Then began the formidable task of catching up. Mrs Wolters had baked scones and sausage rolls and there were a few cold beers in the fridge.
As they chatted on the verandah, they discovered they almost got involved in the same unusual branch of the war effort. Mr Creswick, in the 2nd Infantry Battalion, was sent to Syria and Beirut but was among troops brought back to defend Australia.
He was then sent to the Kokoda Track fighting the Japanese in conditions he described as horrific. ''We started out with a strength of 697 fighting men and finished up left with 87. I was one of the lucky ones,'' he said.
But what finally took him away from the fighting was that he became severely ill after contracting malaria.
He was regarded as a useful experiment subject to help in the fight against malaria at the Medical Research Unit in Cairns.
Mr Wolters ended up at the same place, albeit at a different time. He also was enlisted as a guinea pig, but one they wanted to deliberately infect with the disease. He described his involvement in the war as ''five years of being buggerised around''.
''We were ready to go to the Middle East but when the Japanese came into the war they panicked and sent us to Western Australia. I got sick of the inactivity and one day they called for volunteers to partake in experiments to see what they could do about finding a cure for malaria.''
Mr Creswick said: ''I put my arm into a box of mosquitoes and they had to bite the buggery out of you.''
Mr Wolters said: ''I got mine through a blood transfusion. They put a tube into another man and then they put a tube into me and a nurse turned a little handle and the blood came out of the other bloke into me.
''It wasn't him [Creswick] because I would have been able to recognise him in those days.''
As they sat looking out at the property, they sipped the beer just as they did at the Captain Cook Hotel.
''We've got spare rooms and beds here,'' said Mr Wolters.
They are planning the next reunion. There's more to discuss.
NOTE
Thank you Clark Stone (HT History) for finding this treasure!
Although Penrith High students from the 1930s, a time when the High School was next door with the Public School, their names will go up on our Service to the Defence Force Honour Board.
As this article was published 11 years ago and Buff and Hal were 90 at the time it would be safe to say they are no longer with us.
Nevertheless, we thank them for their service and we are so happy and proud that Penrith High brought these mates together so long ago.
Penrith Selective High School
Email: penrith-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: http://penrith-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
Location: Penrith Selective High School, 158-240 High St, Penrith NSW, Australia
Phone: (02) 4721 0529
Facebook: facebook.com/penrithselectivehighschool