VALE KEN ALBISTON

Mr. Albiston passed away: June 2018 - Age 91  
Ken arrived at CHS in 1962 and left at the end of 1967 to take up a teaching position at Balwyn High School.

The following is an extract from the 1967 ECHOES magazine which appeared under the heading 'FAREWELL TO THE STAFF'.

"In saying farewell to Mr. Albiston, it is with a deep awareness of the debt the school owes to him for his contribution during the past six years.

He has proved an inspiring and enthusiastic leader in every aspect of school life. The old Monday morning assembly in the boys yard gave way under his vision to the present form of Assembly in the City Hall. In the classroom, his pupils have benefited from his lively interest in modern methods, such as group work in History; the excellent results of his senior students bear witness to the soundness of his teaching. Sport has always received his keen support, he has been football coach, cricket coach, even golf adviser, and was thrice elected to go to Adelaide for the Brighton visit. One particular sporting event he recalls is the chase in which he took part one Speech Night. The disturber of the peace who had clumped across the roof of the Town Hall ran off down Bell Street, with our hero in hot pursuit. "For every fifty yards we ran," admits Mr. Albiston, "he increased his lead by thirty."

The enriching of school life by the use of films owes much to Mr. Albiston, and his untiring enthusiasm resulted in many History reference books becoming available for students at all levels. The boys owe much to his level-headed guidance and insistence on standards.

Thank you, and farewell. Balwyn is indeed fortunate."

Ken had played for two VFL clubs from the mid 1940s to the mid 1950s - Richmond then Melbourne. He had been a member of the Melbourne team that played against Footscray in the 1954 VFL Grand Final - a match won by Footscray. 

He was one of very few Australian Rules footballers during that period who could kick a football with both feet.

Mr. Ken Albiston - an inspiring and enthusiastic leader.