Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society: Templestowe Technical School

Please email DTHS if you have any documents of information about the history of Templestowe Technical School

1971 - Began operation from temporary site located at ???? with 82 male students

1972 - permanent school began operation at site in Cypress Ave, Templestowe Lower 3107
1974 - "went co-ed" i.e. accepted female students.

1993 - Merged with Templestowe High School which had declining enrolments to form Templestowe College

Templestowe Technical School - The Beginning

Templestowe Tech was established in 1971.

The school commenced operation in February 1971 in temporary accommodation as the school had not yet been built.

The first Principal appointed was Dave Donaldson . When Ron Douglas received his appointment papers the correspondence was Templestowe Technical School c/- The Vice Principal Altona North Tech. Mr. D. Donaldson.

The enrolment was about 80 boys. The school went co-ed three years later in 1974.

The original staff numbered just 6 of which only 4 were permanent and the other 2 student teachers. They were Dave Donaldson (Principal); Harold Jones (Senior Master /Woodwork); Ron Douglas ( Sheetmetal and Woodwork), Val Cain, Russell Stephens, Dale Marsh ( student teacher), Rosemary ? (student teacher).

Harold Jones was appointed as the Senior Master second in charge to Dave Donaldson. He was also the Woodwork teacher. He became seriously ill and passed away early in the school year so Ron Douglas also became the Woodwork teacher.

Charley Clark, a senior Woodwork Teacher at Blackburn Tech. was given time to help me with some classes. He was promoted to Tempy Tech the next year, I was also given a student instructor to train / assist.

Staff numbers grew over the next 2 to 3 years a few were, Laurie Safstrom, Peter Noseda, Pat Hefner, Kathryn Reiter, Betty Mclaren, Roy Moulton, Judy Arnold, Roger Abbott. Others I have mentioned in the book.

Clerical staff that I recall are Elaine (?) , Maree Jacombs, Alison Bedggood, Jeanette Gray. Some of these people may be identified in staff photos.

The original layout of the school was the Terrapin on left hand inside gate with one portable behind it. Eventually there were 25 portables across where oval is. Later the Terrapin was moved to bend in road towards trade block, and was used by a sub – school when sub-schools were in vogue.

It was dismantled and stacked for removal … I have a photo of me standing alongside.

I was there at the beginning and the end.

In May 1985 Ron reflected on his 14 years at the school for inclusion in the Time Capsule the school was preparing.

This extract is from that document;

“Classes commenced during the first week of February 1971, with 82 students, (Form 1 boys only-girls enrolled two years later), and 12 staff. This figure included the Principal, Registrar and part-time teachers. Full time staff numbered only four………

The initial buildings, Terrapin and one portable, provided five classrooms, and were still under construction whilst classes were in progress. “

Source: Ron Douglas via Kate Elliot, June 2026

Facebook Group: "I used to go to Templestowe College/High School/Tech"

Contains many class photos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Templestowe.Tech.College/

Recollections

“I was sent to Templestowe Technical School in 1971, which was a brand-new school then. It was so new in fact, that the buildings had not been commenced at that time. My appointment notice read – “Appointed to Templestowe Technical School C /- The Vice Principal, Altona North Tech.” Dave Donaldson was the newly appointed first Principal of Templestowe Technical School.

We commenced operation in February 1971 in temporary accommodation with building works taking place around us and with an enrolment of 80 students - boys only. We became Co-Ed some 3 years later. I taught Sheetmetal, Solid Geometry, and Woodwork, due to the unfortunate passing of our Woodwork teacher. Being the only "Tradie" on staff was a challenging but rewarding time.

As mentioned elsewhere, there were originally two Trade Teachers appointed to Templestowe Tech., me and Harold Jones. Harold was a Woodwork Teacher of many years’ experience, he was appointed as Senior Master being second in command to the Principal, Dave Donaldson. Early in the school year Harold was taken seriously ill and unfortunately passed away. This resulted in a re-shuffling of his duties. As well as Sheetmetal, I also taught Woodwork classes and Solid Geometry.

I was the only Tradie, and assumed practical person, on staff now. I also became responsible for setting up a Student Locker system. This was very demanding, students being students. Initially, I was able to get Locker keys, and others, cut at the local Hardware store which was owned by a parent of the school. It soon became obvious that to purchase our own Key Cutting Machine was the more practical option. Therefore, I gained another worthwhile experience / skill that of key cutting and I was able to pass on the job after three years to another Tradie”.

Source: The Life and Times of Ron Douglas: Reminiscences of a Raconteur or The Ravings of a Ratbag