Fighting Fifties Scholarship

Haileybury in the 1950’s was a suburban boys-only school based entirely on the Castlefield site in Brighton. Under the guidance of Headmaster Sholto Black, it had recovered from near extinction during the years of World War II.

Enrolment numbers rapidly grew, and by 1959 were approaching 1000. The arrival of David Bradshaw as Head in 1954 saw an increased emphasis on formality, discipline, religious observance and academic performance. The Cadets and Pipe Band grew in prominence. Co-curricular involvement in Scouts, public speaking, and music and drama increased. Premierships were won in swimming and athletics, and there was an improvement in cricket and football performances. These things led to an invitation to join the prestigious Associated Public Schools in 1957. Haileybury struggled to make an impact in its first couple of years in the APS.

But it was clear by the late 1950’s that the seeds for the School’s future expansion had been sown.

Robin Fildes AM and Don McQueen (both OH 1958) had wonderful times at Haileybury in the 1950’s. Don loved sport, especially football and cricket, eventually playing in the First XI in 1958, while Robin, also a sportsman, enjoyed that the School kept growing, “always looking to put another wing on”. Both enjoyed Cadet life and can recall Cadet camps and taking their 303 rifles home on either their bikes or public transport!

Robin and Don came up with an idea for a scholarship to be gifted by men who had graduated from Haileybury in the late 1950’s. Don noted that “It was from reading a previous Foundation edition noticing several class participants that the thought came to me that our year group could consider doing something worthwhile on a similar basis”.

Robin came up with the name of the scholarship – the Fighting Fifties – noting that all donors were from that era and that they were still fighting fit. This group had enjoyed terrific times while at the School and in their alumni years their friendships had grown. Over many years there have been many 1957–1959 alumni group luncheons arranged by another wonderful and generous Old Haileyburian, Kevin Nixon (OH 1957).

A criteria for the Fighting Fifties Scholarship was established by Robin and Don. As the group had all gone to school at the Brighton campus they were very keen for the recipient to be educated there. Additionally, the group were keen to be able to provide this opportunity for a girl, noting the huge success that the School had achieved in girls’ education.

The successful recipient of the scholarship, following a series of interviews, was Tiahna Lau. Tiahna commenced at Haileybury in Term 1A in 2022. Tiahna joins us from Bentleigh Secondary College with an ambition to be a lawyer or psychologist. She is an avid soccer player and admires the work of not-for-profit organisation Oz Child, with whom she has had dealings. Tiahna’s family do not have the financial capability to send her to Haileybury. It was her tenacity and ambition that convinced the interview panel that Tiahna would be positively impacted by an education at our School.

Don wishes to advise that the fund is still open for members of the 1950’s era who may wish to participate or increase their commitment. He concludes that “The Fighting Fifties group would be delighted if our vision could be followed by other class groups to again provide an opportunity for someone to have the advantage of a Haileybury education that we all shared”.

Thank you for your vision and commitment.