We recently reflected on the lives of Churchie’s four Oldest Living Staff Members. We now look to our fifth oldest living staff member, Headmaster Bill Hayward, who is also enjoying life in his nineties.

Bill Hayward OAM – age 92
Staff 1974 – 1986

Bill Hayward was born in the Adelaide beachside suburb of Glenelg. He grew-up with a strong sense of family, church and community and attended St Peter's College in Adelaide, becoming a boarder for the last three years of school and captaining the cricket team in 1948. In 1949 he went to study at Cambridge and gained his cricket Blue in 1950, 1951 and 1953 as an opening bowler. After graduating, he returned to Australia to become a school teacher. In 1955 Bill became a resident master at Knox School, Sydney, taught at Fort Street High School, then moved to King’s School, Parramatta. In 1966 he was appointed Master of Corio and Deputy-Headmaster of Geelong Grammar School where he stayed until the end of 1972.

Bill came to Churchie after the departure of Headmaster Charles Fisher (1970-1973), who moved to become Headmaster of Geelong Grammar School. Although the school had been led by only two Headmasters in its first 58 years, Bill became the fourth Headmaster in its 63rd year and remained so until his retirement in 1986, a period of thirteen years. He was regarded as a calm and personable Headmaster who formed excellent professional relationships with colleagues. He was well-regarded by the boys and parents. His time at Churchie saw the consolidation of the expanded House system, restoration and expansion of service, student activities and sports opportunities. School spirit is said to have advanced considerably during his leadership of the school. In 1993 Bill was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for service to education particularly through the Queensland Association of Independent Schools.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the enormous contribution to the Churchie community of Bill’s wife Alison. From the chapel kneelers to the Mothers’ Committee. the school remains much richer for her devotion, service and support.

Bill and Alison are living in Sydney, with Bill attending most Sydney Reunions of the Old Boys’ Association.