Vale: Mr John W Higgins

Old scholars who were at St Peter’s College 1967-71 or 1991-95, or in the “Prep” (now Junior School) 1956-60 or 1975-90 would have known and respected Mr John Higgins, who taught in the Senior part of the School, as well as being Master-in-charge of the “Prep”, for a total of approximately 31 years.

They will be sad to know that he passed away peacefully on Tuesday 21st November 2023.

As former teacher, Mr Andrew McKenzie, said in the last few days: “We will miss John very much. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, kind and thoughtful, a man of rare good humour and great integrity, and a fine schoolmaster who gave great service to Saints”. 

He had an interesting and varied career because he taught at The Dragon School in Oxford, UK, 1961-66, and was Head of the Junior School at Guildford Grammar, WA, 1972-74. After retirement from his position as Master-in-Charge of the St Peter’s College Preparatory School, he was Registrar from 1991-95. During this time some old scholars will remember, when in Year 8 and 9, being taught History, English and Latin by him.

Image: 1980 Mr JW Higgins, Simon Higgins, Michael Shinkfield and Dr AJ Shinkfield

When John Higgins retired from the “Prep” at the end of 1990 after 16 years as Master-in-charge, his valete (written by former “Prep” School colleague, Mr Chris Ketley) said:

“JWH’s administration and teaching, his pastoral care, have been characterised by selflessness, energy, joviality, attention to detail, sensitivity, educational awareness and above all a passionate wish to discover, understand and nurture the needs of boys both individually and collectively.

Image: 1980 Mr JW Higgins and Dr AJ Shinkfield

Though JWH is a man utterly devoted to the school, there have been no bounds to the wealth of experience he has sought beyond it, and his charges have been the richer for it. He is tireless: no trouble is too much for him. He cares – one might almost say he bleeds. He is one who suffers the sadness, inequalities, callousness, despair and injustice that ravage our world, particularly if the cries of misery come from children.

His first priority has always been the needs of boys – academic, sporting, physical, environmental, moral, spiritual. He has sought to provide both equality and a climate that allowed for difference; but if he has stamped one hallmark on his ‘product’ over his career here, it has been CARE FOR OTHERS.

We acknowledge gratefully that we owe a great debt to a man who has tirelessly, compassionately, and so often successfully, sought to develop the talents, enrich the experience and enlighten the understanding of the boys who have come under his charge. ”

As a boy, John Higgins had migrated from Liverpool in England, and he went to Pulteney Grammar School before joining Adelaide University in 1953 and Adelaide Teachers’ College in 1954. He completed a BA with Honours in History in 1956.

After a period as a resident tutor at Scotch College, he joined Saints as a Master in the Preparatory School, where he taught for five years before moving to The Dragon School in Oxford, UK, where he taught Latin, Maths, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Swimming. He returned to St Peter’s College in 1967 to teach in the Senior part of the School for five years.

Image: St Peter's College Staff, 1987

When he left St Peter’s College for the second time to become Master-in-charge of the Preparatory School at Guildford Grammar School, Perth, WA, the December 1971 magazine recorded:

“John retained the immense zest and vitality which had made him so successful with younger boys, and his major activity has been that of a first year Form master and coach of Under 13 teams. He has assisted with scouts and school trips, done duty in Athelney House, and Wyatt and Allen House, and acted as Housemaster of Wyatt and Allen House while Mr Potter was away this year.

John is a born and dedicated schoolmaster who can get the best out of boys. A strong disciplinarian with high moral standards, he has a great sense of fun. He considered that he should be awarded quarter colours for representing the staff in four sports.

Only a man of exceptional energy could cope with all that he has done.”

On returning to Adelaide in 1975, he was Master-in-charge of the “Prep” for 16 years, before the final phase of his career as Registrar for five years, retiring at the end of 1995.

Image: John and Liz Higgins 1995 School Magazine

He was always concerned for those, particularly children, in the Third World who are not as fortunate as we are. Under his leadership, the “Prep” community raised money for many years for the Thandigudi Goodwill Children’s Village in Southern India. Goodwill support the care and education of destitute and orphaned children. Most Goodwill children come from tribal communities living in the mountain ranges of the Palani Hills. Goodwill look after children who have either been orphaned or come from families that are too poor to provide essential shelter, food, and education. Goodwill are able to provide them with a loving home, meaningful education and the life chances that their families cannot. During his Long Service Leave in the second term of 1986, John visited the Village and shared their basic living conditions.

Our condolences go to his wife Liz and his extended family.

Researched and written by David Docwra

David Docwra retired from St Peter’s College in December 2015 after 37 years’ service and is fondly remembered by many as a dedicated teacher, a committed coach of squash, cricket and soccer, and most especially as a passionate Head of Hawkes House for 21 years. David remains connected to St Peter’s College and regularly provides historical articles for the St Peter’s Old Collegians’ newsletters. In 2023 David was made an Honorary Member of the St Peter’s Old Collegians’ Association.