Lt Commander Philip Playford (1952), whose distinguished naval career included active service aboard the HMAS Hobart in the Vietnam War and two years on the staff of the Naval Attache at the Washington Embassy, was special guest at the 2019 Anzac Day Assembly, laying wreaths alongside his grandson, Year 8 student Ben Playford, and Headmaster Dr Chris Hayes.
“I am very proud to have come back for the Anzac Day Assembly, and I acknowledge the recognition because I believe I made a contribution to the country, and to have it recognised by your school is an achievement. I’m still supportive of the ethos of the school and where it’s going; it has changed, but for the better – in my time we had a far more rigid, disciplinary regime, but they’ve flattened out the curves and widened the boundaries while maintaining their standards.
We’ve had two boys here: Michael (1989) and Andrew (1983), grandson Ben, who started last year, and Charlie, who’ll commence next year. The school is more than education – it’s also about the contribution to the boys living a good life and being good citizens.
Lt Commander Philip Playford (1952) at the 2019 ANZAC assembly.
When our boys were here – for 12 straight years – I was on the sidelines of the football as often as I could get there, and the rowing and the arts show and social events.
Then we had a bit of a gap but even before Ben came last year, his father was taking a greater interest in the school, and we became more involved and will continue to do so – I am standing on the sidelines of the football once again.”
“The school is more than education – it’s also about the contribution to the boys living a good life and being good citizens”.
Lt Commander Philip Playford (1952)
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