MR. H. G. HEATH
It
was with great regret that the School faced the inevitable retirement of one of
the senior members of the staff. Mr. Heath had not been in the School right
from its inception, but joined the staff at the commencement of its
second term, in September, 1921. So it can be truly said that he has shared in
all its growth and development.
Mr. Heath's University course was interrupted by World War
1, and after considerable active service, he completed his studies and within a
year had joined the staff of this very infant Grammar School, then occupying
the premises known as "The Grange" now our old buildings. For
34 years Mr. Heath has sought to impart to generations of pupils something of
the joy and keenness he retains in undiminished measures in the glories of our
literary heritage and has struggled to instill into often unwilling minds the
pride in grammatical accuracy, the precision of correct expression, and the
value of legible handwriting, which are still so strong a characteristic of his
teaching.
He has ever taken a keen interest in the pupils who have
passed through his hands, and finds a secret pleasure in tracing the inherent
characteristics of a former generation of pupils, now appearing in their
children. Of his labour and affectionate interest in all the activities of the
Old Exmothians, mention should be made, though these are known so well to all
Old Students.
We remember the great help that the late Mrs. Heath was to
her husband and the School, during the years when it was permitted to have a
very successful Preparatory Department.
As he comes to retire we wish Mr. Heath many years of active
life and service for we know he will not rest, but will ever be doing
something. The thoughts of the present pupils and hundreds of past pupils unite
to wish him "Health and Happiness" and voice a very sincere "
Well done and Thank you “.
Mr. Amos joined the Staff of the Exmouth Grammar School in September, 1940, and in the difficult war years, particularly during the absence of Mr. Driver on active service, was largely responsible for the organisation of the Art work and Art teaching in the School.
Mr. Amos's teaching has always been distinguished for his
kindly, sympathetic manner. He is, in his own right, a gifted painter, and many
a local feature is beautifully recorded in the paintings he has made. The
wonder is that he could bear so patiently, and so tolerantly, the feeble
efforts of the average schoolboy and girl. But even the dullest of us could
admire and recognise the beauty of the printing and letter writing, which
seemed to flow so easily from his hand, and adorned so many notices and book
plates.
We know the years ahead will not be retirement, but rather
change of occupation for Mr. Amos, and in bidding him – “Good bye"
we wish him many years of health and happiness.