OLD GUILDFORDIANS
Kathleen Wood (Staff 1966-1971)
died 9 June 2019
Born in Collie, Kathleen Wood showed
early musical promise by passing her first
music exam with honours at the age of four,
although she was unable to read music at
the time. He musical talents soon became
known in the community and Kathleen was
invited to play the organ at the local Anglican
Church. From 11 years of age, Kathleen
was asked to play for social functions and
occasionally funerals or memorial services.
Kathleen’s skills were further bolstered
when she was one of two students selected
to study with an Estonia concert pianist
who arrived in Collie after fleeing from the
Russians.
On marrying, Kathleen moved to Perth
and later studied for the Archbishop of
Canterbury’s Diploma in Church Music,
becoming the first Western Australian to
successfully complete the course. It was
Brian Wood (Staff 1965-1971), Kathleen’s
husband, that first took up the post of Senior
Master at Guildford Grammar School and
Kathleen began her strong relationship with
the community. When the Director of Music
unexpectedly resigned, Kathleen was asked
to fill the position until a replacement could
Along with completing her Bachelor of Arts
degree, Kathleen continued developing her
musical prowess, including a Bachelor of
Music degree and Licentiate of Trinity College
London, with honours, which saw Kathleen
receive the Cooper Prize for Musicianship.
Further work with schools and choirs
followed and Kathleen’s body of work saw
her awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia
(OAM) for “service to the development of
school and community choirs”.
Kathleen Wood.
be found. When no suitable replacement was
sourced, a special position was created just
for Kathleen and she became the Organist
and Master of Choristers, all at a time when
female masters were a rarity at the School.
After seven years as a part of the community,
six of which were as a member of staff,
Kathleen left the School with Brian.
On reflecting on her time at Guildford
in a letter to the Headmaster, Kathleen
described the seven years she spent at GGS
as the “jewel in the crown” of her life. Just
as she loved the School, boys under her
care loved Kathleen. Kathleen had enjoyed
reconnecting with the School and former
students in recent years, and she was
honoured to become a Life Member of The
Old Guildfordians Association, and this saw
Kathleen become a regular guest at the Old
Guildfordians’ Annual Dinner and 50 Plus
Reunion Day.
A beautiful funeral was held for Kathleen
in the School’s Chapel, a place dear to
her heart.
Help add to our list of
accomplished Old Guildfordians
Our list of accomplished Old Guildfordians continues to grow, but we
need your help to identify any omissions. We would like to celebrate your
achievements or the achievements of others, whether they are occupational,
sporting, cultural or personal achievements, and we therefore encourage
our community to submit nominations. To see those nominated so far go to
www.oldguildfordians.com.au/accomplished and, if you think someone is
missing, send your nomination to David Williams at [email protected]
or 11 Terrace Road, Guildford WA 6935, or call (+61 8) 9377 8522.
Tipping
competitions
If you are a member, you are encouraged
to join in these tipping competitions for a bit
of fun and friendly rivalry. Prizes are on offer
to keep things interesting, whether they be
prizes for members of The Old Guildfordians
Association only, or prizes for competitions
against members from other communities.
To receive an emailed invitation for future
competitions, members need to login and
register their email address on the website.
www.oldguildfordians.com.au
Tipping Competition Results – AFL Football League 2019
Place
Name
Points
OG Prize
1st Matthew Wray (St 1986-1991) 136 $450 Gift Card
2nd Thomas Camp (Be 2005-2009) 135 $225 Gift Card
3rd Jordan Ingleton (Be 2001-2007) 133 (decided by countback) $150 Gift Card
4th Murray Smith (Fr 1985-1989) 133 (decided by countback) $100 Gift Card
5th Nicholas Laidler (Ha 1994-2006) 131 (decided by countback) $75 Gift Card
K.O. Roger Smith (SG 1963-1967) 124 $150 Gift Card
To register for future competitions – go to www.oldguildfordians.com.au
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