Time for some Newman Nostalgia!
We were just reading the 1972 Spectrum and thought we’d shine a little light on Headmaster Br Timothy McDonald, who succeeded Br Desmond (Liguori) Crowe (Senior School Headmaster 1970-1971), in 1972.
Br Timothy taught Maths II and III as well as 4th and 5th Year Physics. He also coached Football, and even supervised the Dancing classes attended by the Marist, Brigidine and Siena 3rd, 4th and 5th Year boys and girls.
Harold Rosario (1972), in his a report in the 1972 Spectrum, wrote that these dancing classes were run by Mrs Lee in the School Library over several weeks on Friday and Saturday nights. The students learnt old-style dances like the Pride of Erin and, after a few weeks, were able to gather and show off their skills at a ‘graduation dance’ held at the Subiaco Civic Centre.
Did you attend these dancing classes?
In the same Spectrum is also a fabulous report written by Brian Berrigan (1972). He approached Br Timothy with the idea of doing an interview - rather cautiously at first. After Br Timothy asked him why, Brian wrote, “using my renowned persuasive powers I was able to convince him of the need to explain his philosophies and policies to the school population. In his typically unassuming and unselfish manner, he granted me this exclusive interview."
We are so glad he did, for it gives us a welcome glimpse into the School’s leadership fifty years ago!
Brian asked such questions as:
Q: Does the present system of public examinations meet your approval?
A: No. Brother strongly expressed his disapproval of separate examinations for Leaving and Matriculation and suggested that one exam per subject would be far more suitable.
Q: How do you rate the loyalty of Marist students in comparison with their counterparts in other schools in which you have taught?
A: Loyalty, to a large extent, depends on the traditions inherent in the school in question. For example, New Norcia; it commanded a great deal of loyalty from its students because of its long history of tradition. This school is young and therefore it doesn’t inspire loyalty through tradition, however, I am sure that as it ages this will not be the case.
[Indeed it’s not - the large number of our alumni who’ve brought their own children through Newman stand testament to that.]
Q: Do you think that Marist, for economic or educational reasons, should go completely co-educational? [At the time, Year 11 and 12 girls shared Maths and Science classes between campuses.]
A: If Marist reverted to complete co-education its economic viability would not necessarily be increased. Brother went on to point out that confrontations usually occur between the sexes for the greater part of their school education and this would therefore detract from school spirit and provide an undesirable atmosphere for learning.
Q: Since you have been Headmaster what have you found to be your most difficult problem?
A: "Not trying to do it all yourself.” A Headmaster should be prepared to delegate his authority, to consult staff, students and parents, and to ensure that all school activities are directed by those most suitable."
All very interesting...
Incidentally Brian, who has lived in England for decades now, continued his investigative journalism and has worked for years producing television programmes!
Brother Timothy remained Headmaster through the amalgamation of Marist, Brigidine and Siena Colleges, and their transition to Newman College in 1977, and was succeeded by Brother Vincent Ryan in 1978. Today, Brother Timothy lives in Florida in the US, and is considering whether he’ll be able to fly out to attend the 1972 Marist College Reunion later this year!
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For anyone wanting to read the entire interview, please email us on archives@newman.wa.edu.au and we will provide a link to the digitised Spectrum magazines.
Brother Timothy McDonald, Marist College Senior School Headmaster 1972-1977
