1936It’s 1936. 12 year old Les McLean is scared. The older boys are threatening to take him to Hoffman’s quarry, tie him to a skip, and push him down the rails into the water. Les wasn’t expecting this when he won a scholarship to Brunswick Tech. Threats aside, Les loved his new school. He enjoyed sport, and was fascinated by chemistry, with its potential for fireworks and practical jokes.

Soon he was lab assistant for his teacher Mr Barberas, earning 5 shillings a week cleaning up and preparing experiments. Later, he became a prefect, with a special badge sewn onto his school cap.

The 1930s had begun with Brunswick in the grip of a nationwide depression. For most families money was scarce. The mothers’ club provided hot cocoa each morning and the caretaker, “Pop” Hoary, mended the shoes of boys who couldn’t afford new ones.

As enrolments declined, teachers roneo’d notes to save students the cost of textbooks. Senior school fees were waived. Events like the Pets’ Parade and annual Hobbies Day became vital fundraisers. Students exhibited everything from footy cards and stamps to needlework and model aeroplanes, hoping to win a prize. In 1937, Les came 2nd in pastel drawing, 1st in modelling, 1st in Australian stamps and 1st and 3rd for his drawing of a ship. The next year, he won the Champion Hobby-Worker Cup.

Prefects, Prizes& Pet Parades

“I got a scholarship for Brunswick Tech and a second one for West Melbourne. I went to Brunswick Tech because the fare was tuppence to Brunswick Tech and five pence to West Melbourne.”

Les McLean, 1936-38

“I am certain that if a lad attends a technical school and qualifies for an intermediate certificate he need have no fears about getting a job.”

J.L. Ross, school principal, 1935

“Marvellous! No girls!”

Les McLean, 1936-38

By 1938 the school was booming again. 550 students sat the entrance exams for 1936, but 250 were turned away for lack of space. Total enrolments were over 900.

Throughout the 1930s, the school campaigned for more departmental funding with little success. As always, they had to fight for the resources their children needed.

Les McLean’s scholarship letter, 1935

Footy cards and model boat displays

Junior chemistry class, 1939. [PROV image]

Junior School assembly in the quadrangle, 1939

Pet parade exhibits, 1935