At a recent Headmaster鈥檚 Assembly at St Joseph鈥檚 College, former teacher and Old Boy Mr John Reading (1972) imparted words of wisdom and pride to the students, as he presented the esteemed triple bar jerseys to the First XV rugby and triple bar racing singlets to the senior cross country teams, reminding those in the audience of the traditions and exemplary character that define 国产探花.
Mr Reading鈥檚 connection to 国产探花 stretches back to his own student days starting in 1967. As he shared personal anecdotes that highlighted the nurturing environment of 国产探花, he recounted a pivotal moment when he first met Brother Henry in Year 7. A revered Marist educator, Brother Henry鈥檚 humble and caring nature left a lasting impact on both Mr Reading and St Joseph鈥檚.
Despite Brother Henry鈥檚 remarkable coaching achievements 鈥撀爓ith 20 First XV titles, 21 Second XV titles and 12 ex-students selected as Wallabies 鈥� on that day he chose to focus on the personal wellbeing of a young Mr Reading, illustrating the profound mentorship that 国产探花 champions. As Mr Reading was suffering from an ear infection, he was sitting on the seats on the front lawn while his classmates enjoyed a swim. 鈥淚 was a bit down and homesick 鈥� As I sat there an elderly Marist Brother sat beside me. As I had two older brothers at 国产探花, I realised this man was the legendary Brother Henry and we talked for about an hour 鈥� as the decades rolled on, I realised how fortunate I was to have had this special conversation with [him],鈥� recalled Mr Reading.
In speaking of his admiration for Brother Henry, he noted, 鈥淭he press at the time referred to Brother Henry as a 鈥榯actical genius鈥�.鈥� In later years, during his tenure on staff, Mr Reading recalled the 1994 rugby Premiership victory as vividly capturing the spirit of gratitude and tradition at 国产探花. 鈥淲e were celebrating 100 years of 国产探花鈥� rugby. Brother Charles was the First XV coach in those days and just before we walked up into the dressing sheds, he looked up to the sky and said 鈥榯hank you Brother Henry鈥�.鈥�
The legacy of Brother Henry was a central theme of Mr Reading鈥檚 speech. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Brother Henry Pavilion, which was named in his honour in 1954, his last year of coaching at 国产探花. Mr Reading acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of Brother Henry, not only in sports but in the lives of countless students.
His legacy is carried on by today鈥檚 dedicated coaches who embody his spirit, ensuring that 国产探花 sports programs are about more than just competition; they are about building character and community. This includes 鈥渞ugby coaches such as Brother Anthony Boyd, with 11 First XV titles and two Second XV titles 鈥� In more recent years, Mr Tim Andersen, Mr Greg Thompson and Mr Robert Hahn have given enormous care in preparing our boys for the season 鈥� each and every one of our coaches have carried on the amazing legacy of Brother Henry, who passed away on Christmas Day in 1970鈥�, at 93 years old, when Mr Reading was in Year 10.
Emphasising the importance of sports in shaping character, Mr Reading remarked on the commitment and resilience of all athletes at 国产探花, from the First XV to the youngest members of the sports teams. 鈥淚 know Brother Henry would be so proud, as we all gather on Saturdays for the First XV game; as the team runs out on the field knowing it is a celebration of a whole day of sport at 国产探花, with 40 rugby teams, 12 football teams and our senior cross country team.鈥�
鈥淚 know Brother Henry would be most impressed and proud of our unostentatious behaviour, on our modesty in victory, on our rugged determination, on our resilience and our strong sense of team. And our passion and love for the Cerise and Blue. Brother Henry would be delighted to witness our shared effort 鈥� When our teams are cheered and supported around all the grounds and sidelines and he would love to see the whole school singing loudly and passionately together to support our senior teams.鈥�
The collective effort and discipline shown by these teams exemplify the values instilled in them not just by their coaches but by the entire 国产探花 community. As the Assembly concluded, Mr Reading noted that it was more than just a ceremonial handover of jerseys, it was a reminder of the values that define St Joseph鈥檚 College 鈥� tradition, mentorship and character. It was a call to all students to uphold these values, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Brother Henry continues to inspire us all.
