In this month’s reflections piece, we take a look at what was happening at St Bede’s College 100 years ago in 1924. As you take a look back through this snapshot in time you might be surprised to see that school life hasn’t changed all that much.

School started for the year on Wednesday 6 February, although today this date is celebrated throughout the country as Waitangi Day the first observance wasn’t until 1934, which meant students instead made their way back to the classroom.

Students arriving on that first day in 1924 were arriving to a school under a change in leadership. Following the departure of Fr Charles Graham who had served as Rector since the school opened in 1911, Fr Victor Geaney was appointed. He would go on to serve as Rector for four years.

New development was happening on the grounds too with the addition of the North Wing which was under construction and would be completed the following year.

The prefects for the year were Leo Spring (Head Boy), John Ahern, Raymond Boland, Frederick Crowle, Alfred Harrington, Joseph Haughey and William Steere.

The second edition of the Bedean was published in 1924 following the success of the inaugural publication in 1923. The new edition was similar in style and content to the original featuring articles on the events of the year, and photographs of the Prefects, First Fifteen, First Eleven and the school drama production.

Unfortunately, 1924 was not a good year for rugby at St Bede’s with the 1st XV starting the year off with two losses to St Andrew's and Christ's College. The annual present students vs old boys match resulted in a 5-5 draw, but the 1st XV did manage to beat St Patrick's 35-10 for the all-important yearly fixture. The 2nd XV had more success starting the year off on a winning streak but ultimately losing out the overall competition.

In September the sporting focus shifted to the Fives tournament and the start of cricket trainings. The final for the Fives tournament was held in early October with James Doogan beating Thaddeus McCarthy to take out the Senior title and Frank Tymons won the Junior title after beating Gerald McQuilken in the final.

The 1st XI beat the old boys in their annual match but unfortunately didn’t have much success in competition having lost many of their senior players at the end of the previous year. The Junior teams meanwhile had great success with the Fifth and Sixth grade teams finishing runners up in their respective grades.  

On the cultural side two different dramatic recitals were held. The first being a staging of four short scenes from “As You Like It” with the leading part Rosalind performed by E McCullough who is said to have been clear in his enunciation and versatile in his expression. The students then tried their hand at tragedy performing three scenes from Othello.

The fifth annual Athletics sports event was held in October and although the weather wasn’t ideal with a blustering nor-wester in the afternoon the day was a success with new records set by Herbert Lee in the 100 and 220. St Bede’s also did well in the Inter-Secondary School Athletics finishing second to Christ's College.

A new feature to the calendar for old boys was the addition of the annual dance. We also saw the first mentions of a formal Old Boys’ Association with general meeting of old boys held in November to discuss the creation of an Old Boys' Association. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, and a provisional committee was appointed, including a secretary and treasurer, to draft a constitution. This constitution was to be presented at a general meeting of the new Association the following year.

Overall, it was a good year at St Bede’s, with exciting developments on the horizon for the following year.