Alumni 

Welcome to the final installment of our alumni profile series, a special collection compiled in honor of Hurstville Public School’s landmark 150th anniversary. Across generations, Hurstville Public School have served as the launching pad for leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and community builders. In this ultimate edition, we reflect on the enduring legacy of the school through the personal memories, diverse career paths, and life lessons of those who once walked its grounds.

From a former student who now represents our local community in the Federal Parliament, to a remarkable three-generation dynasty of Hurstville educators, and graduates, these stories capture the true spirit of our school. 

Thank you to all the alumni who have shared their journeys with us throughout this milestone year. We hope you enjoy this final look back at the people who have shaped, and continue to shape, the legacy of Hurstville Public School.

Ash Ambihaipahar (HPS 1992-1998)

From Hurstville Public School to Federal Parliament -Celebrating 150 Years of Strive for Success 

Congratulations to Hurstville Public School on an incredible milestone, 150 years of education, community and opportunity. 

As the Federal Member for Barton, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse communities in Australia. 

Long before I entered Parliament, became a solicitor, a scientist, served as a local Councillor or represented our community in Canberra, I was purely a student at Hurstville Public School. 

I attended Hurstville Public School from 1992 to 1998 and the memories I made there remain some of my fondest. 

When people ask me what Hurstville Public School means to me, I often think about my own upbringing. I was born in Sydney with Sri Lankan and Papua New Guinean heritage and was raised by my uncle in Hurstville. Along the way, I was embraced by a Maltese and Italian family who helped shape the person I am today. 

That story says everything about Hurstville Public School. 

It is diverse. It is welcoming. It is supportive. 

It is a place where people from different backgrounds come together and learn from one another. 

In many ways, Hurstville Public School perfectly reflects the electorate of Barton that I now have the privilege of representing. Every day I meet people whose stories begin in different parts of the world, but who have built their lives together here in our community. Hurstville Public School has been bringing those stories together for generations. 

Like many former students, I have countless memories from my years at HPS. I remember learning the flute in the training band and yes, I still play the flute today. I remember endless games of handball in the playground and starting the day with a run around the school by order of Mr Simpson. 

I proudly played in the girls’ soccer team for PSSA coached by Ms Ayres and spent many lunch breaks playing kangaroo cricket and bull rush on the Hurstville Boys grounds, now Georges River College. 

I remember how exciting it was when Healthy Harold visited. For many of us, that giraffe was one of the highlights of the school year. 

Then there were the lunch orders. Ice blocks, fruit logs, pizza pockets and sausage rolls seemed to make every day better. Looking back, I think they tasted even better because they were shared with friends. 

The library was another magical place. Whether it was transformed for Halloween or bustling during the Book Fair, it always felt like an adventure waiting to happen. 

I loved singing in the choir and like many students, took playground games very seriously. In fact, I distinctly remember getting “married” at lunchtime more than once! 

I have so many memories that have stood the test of time. Ms Kirby always seemed to have toffees hidden somewhere in her handbag. Mr Ward patiently insisted that I learnt how to spell my full surname correctly. Looking back, I appreciate his persistence. My surname is certainly not the easiest to fit on a worksheet! 

And then there was the great mystery of Year 1, the missing pot of stickers. We found the pot but the stickers remain missing to this day! 

One of my favourite events each year was the White Elephant Fair. Armed with a handful of coins, I loved searching through pre-loved treasures and finding something special to take home. It taught me that sometimes the most valuable things are not brand new. 

As I reflect on my journey, I realise how much Hurstville Public School helped shape the person I became. 

The curiosity encouraged in science lessons eventually led me to study science at university. That passion for learning later saw me teach human anatomy to medical and science students. 

The values of fairness, respect and helping others inspired me to study law and practise as a solicitor. 

My commitment to community, taught to me when I was a peer mediator and on the SRC, led me to serve as a councillor on Georges River Council. 

And perhaps one of the most special parts of my story is that I married the love of my life, Shamil, who is also a proud Hurstville Public School alum. It seems HPS has a habit of bringing people together in more ways than one (and no, I did not marry him in the playground). 

Today, I have the extraordinary privilege of serving our community as the Federal Member for Barton. Every time I walk into Parliament House, I carry with me the lessons, friendships and experiences that began right here at Hurstville Public School. 

The school motto, “Strive for Success”, has always resonated with me. 

Success is not always about achieving the highest marks or following a linear path. Sometimes success means having the courage to try something new. Sometimes it means helping someone and serving. Sometimes it means overcoming challenges, backing yourself and continuing to learn. 

When I look back at the young girl running around the playground, playing handball, learning the flute, singing in the choir and dreaming about what the future might hold, I realise that Hurstville Public School taught me exactly that. 

To strive. To learn. To grow. To serve. 

And to never stop believing that with hard work, kindness and determination, anything is possible. Thank you, Hurstville Public School, for 150 years of shaping generations of students and helping them discover their own path to success. 

Yours sincerely, 

Ash Ambihaipahar MP 

Member for Barton

Remembering Edward Samuel Nethery, Mary Bridges (née Nethery) and a Three-Generation Nethery Teachers – A Hurstville Legacy     

By Sylvia van der Straaten (HPS Infants Teacher 1970-1986) 

As Hurstville Public School celebrates its landmark 150th anniversary, it is the perfect moment to honour the educators who truly built its spirit. Among them, few families share a deeper bond with our school than the Nethery's. Across three generations, this family dedicated their lives to Hurstville's children—beginning with Edward Samuel Nethery in the early 1920s, continuing through his daughter Mary Margaret, and extending to his granddaughter, who also stepped into our classrooms.

Edward Netherly was appointed to Hurstville Public School in 1918, the same year the new building was completed on Forest Road. The postcard noting it as Hurstville Superior Boys’ School. Of course, in those days Hurstville operated as separate departments, Boys, Girls, and Infants.  Edward and his wife Mary raised a family of eight children, seven sons, one daughter, Mary, at their Westbourne St (Anglo Square) Carlton home. The Nethery family made an enormous contribution to the St George district and the Australian community, all seven sons served their country in war. All the children thrived with three of them, Ted, Frank and Mary becoming teachers like their father. 

Turn back the clock to 1918. Hurstville was already an educational powerhouse. In those days, public schools were strictly ranked by student numbers. For an ambitious educator or principal, climbing the ladder meant starting at small, remote country schools and working your way up. Hurstville was the absolute peak of a career—the top of the chain. 

A snippet from The Propeller newspaper in September 1918 notes that with the completion of the new boys' building on Forest Road, Hurstville ranked in the highest grade of "First Class." It was the third-largest school in the state, boasting an enrolment of 2,000 pupils and a permanent staff of 48 teachers. The boys’ department alone had 866 students, making it the largest boys' school in New South Wales. 

Over the years, I fondly remember his daughter, Mary, talking about her dad teaching at Hurstville and later Kogarah. Little did Edward know in 1918 that he was founding a three-generation school dynasty. 

It was during this golden era that Edward Samuel Nethery taught in that very boys' department. Reading between the lines of his career, Edward followed a path familiar to many of us who taught in the public system. To get teachers into the bush, the Department sent young educators out west—otherwise, everyone would have chosen to stay in the city.

Edward’s own journey began in the remote Riverina district at Mundawaddera. After marrying his wife, Mary they moved back to Helensburgh before finally settling the family at Carlton. It was during his time at Hurstville and Kogarah that the family truly anchored themselves, settling into the Carlton home that would remain the Nethery family base until recent times.  

Mary Bridges nee Nethery  

Because Hurstville was such a vast, landmark school, it housed an array of vital specialised support units. There was the 'OA' class for children with learning difficulties, and the 'OC' (Opportunity Class) to extend highly gifted students. It also housed the 'OL' (Opportunity Language) unit. It was to lead this specialised unit that Mary transferred from Hurstville South Public School. I had the immense privilege of teaching alongside Mary for 16 years, from 1970 to 1986, watching her run this select, very small class for Infants children. The aim of the OL unit was to withdraw young children from the feeder schools who were highly intelligent but profoundly frustrated by an inability to communicate or express their thoughts. 

The unit featured weekly visits from a speech therapist who worked individually with the children, addressing their speech impairments and equipping them with coping strategies. It was a vital, small window of intense intervention before the children returned to their feeder schools for their primary years. 

To help these children adjust, Mary introduced a progressive step to familiarise them with a larger, mainstream environment: she integrated them into my Year Two classroom. This approach was a resounding success, allowing the children to transition within a known, safe environment with a familiar teacher. Mary was the absolute perfect educator for such a delicate role. Remarkably patient and deeply caring, she treated every single child with the utmost respect and achieved amazing results. 

While the Infants children grew up with Miss Nethery, the older students in the Primary department were much more familiar with Mr Paul Bridges. Back then, the Infants and Primary staff had very little to do with each other—partly due to the strict separation of the departments, and partly due to the physical geography of the sprawling school grounds. 

Yet, that divide didn’t stop a beautiful romance from developing between Miss Nethery and Mr Bridges. Though they were famously "no spring chickens" when love found them, they were a perfect match. Both shared that wonderful, steadfast, old-school set of values. It was a match truly meant to be, and the entire staff was absolutely overjoyed when they finally married, and Miss Nethery became Mrs Bridges. I often wonder if they hold the unique title of being the only two Hurstville staff members to ever marry a Hurstville colleague. 

It was deeply heartbreaking when Paul passed away after his brave battle with melanoma. Through it all, Mary continued to live in the home where she had grown up, having cared for her mother and shared a very special, beautiful life with Paul. 

Sadly, Mary passed away in April 2026 at the remarkable age of 97. She was an amazing colleague, a very special friend, and a true fixture of Hurstville history. Like her father, she dedicated her life to Hurstville’s classrooms, a tradition that even extended into a third generation when Mary's niece later stepped onto the staff to teach.  

It is such a profound shame that Mary won’t be physically standing with us to celebrate Hurstville Public School's 150th anniversary. However, as we look at the grand old buildings on Forest Road, there is no doubt that the Netherys will be right there with us in spirit. 

Kevin Piper (HPS 1962-1967)

Hurstville Public School alumnus Kevin spent his foundational early years under the school’s Moreton Bay fig tree before embarking on a distinguished life of public service and community protection. Following his time at Hurstville, Kevin completed his secondary education and initially trained as a welder before joining the Police Force. He served for many years until an injury led to his medical retirement in 1999, after which he transitioned into investigative roles for both the Federal and Local Governments, eventually concluding his career within the rail network.

While Kevin notes that his professional life contained too many profound experiences to single out a career highlight, his greatest personal milestone came in 1982 when he married his wife. Together, they have raised a family and are now proud grandparents.

In his retirement, Kevin remains deeply committed to his family, dedicating his daily schedule to assisting his children with regular childcare for his grandchildren. To recharge, he enjoys bushwalking and taking occasional weekend trips to the South Coast.

Reflections on Hurstville Public School

• Initial Memories: A defining early memory involves an act of leadership and defense during his early days, standing at the top of the kindergarten stairs to protect a smaller student from a group of six bullies.
• Recreational Spaces: During his early years in infants, Kevin frequented the area beneath the large Moreton Bay fig tree with his classmates. In primary school, his recreation time was spent playing "forcings" in the main quadrangle.
• School-Era Dietary Staples: He recalls the daily routine of morning milk—which students were required to consume even after birds had pecked through the foil tops—and his standard lunch of peanut butter sandwiches prepared without butter.
• Influential Educators: Mr. Parmeter and Mr. Bridges left a lasting impression through their strict intolerance of bullying behavior. Additionally, Mr. Marder, whose unorthodox personal appearance left a lifelong impression on Kevin regarding the importance of personal health.
• Preservation of Heritage: Reflecting on the physical evolution of the school, Kevin hopes that the historic school buildings themselves will be preserved unchanged for future generations.
• Significant Local Events: The most memorable event of his school years was a Hurstville community street parade. It featured a road safety demonstration consisting of a truck-mounted display with a crushed car, red paint, and store mannequins designed to illustrate the critical importance of wearing seatbelts.

Graeme Fleming (Class of 1971)

For many who went to Hurstville Public School in the 1960s, the campus felt like an entire world of its own. That was certainly the case for Graeme Fleming, who started his journey here in 1965.

"When I started Kindergarten, the school seemed so big!" Graeme recalls.

Graeme’s era was one of a three-term school year, defined by simple, lasting memories like playing with friends in the playground and enjoying a school canteen lunch. "The meat pies were pretty good!" he notes. Of his time in the classroom, Year 5 teacher Mr. Hardy stands out fondly as "a nice man and a good teacher." Reflecting on his school days, Graeme remembers it above all as a place where he always felt he "belonged."

From Apprentice to Executive

Graeme’s professional journey is a testament to hard work and versatility. He began his career as an apprentice, navigated a diverse corporate path that included serving as the NSW State Manager for a couple of multinational companies, and ultimately capped off his career as a Business Insurance Underwriter.

Keeping "Young at Heart"

Retirement hasn't slowed Graeme down. Today, he keeps incredibly active in the community, giving his time as a match official for both a winter and a summer sport, alongside volunteering at his local church.

When he isn’t on the sports field, you can find him babysitting his grandchild—a role he cherishes deeply. "Babysitting a grandchild and being around younger people helps to keep me 'young at heart,'" he says.

Words of Wisdom

As our school community celebrates this major milestone, Graeme shares a timeless piece of advice that has guided him through his life and career:

"Treat others as you would like to be treated."

Jane Briffa (Class of 1977)

For Jane, HPS was more than just a primary school—it was the place where lifelong friendships began and a future career was quietly taking shape.

After leaving HPS in 1977, Jane attended St George Girls High School before continuing her studies at the University of Western Sydney (formerly associated with Charles Sturt University) and later the University of Melbourne. Although her teaching career didn't begin straight after school, the inspiration had been planted years earlier. She was 31 when she finally stepped into the classroom as a teacher, proving it's never too late to follow the path you were always meant to take.

Today, she is a primary school principal in Melbourne. Before becoming a principal, she spent many happy years teaching Kindergarten in Sydney and also taught at a boys' secondary college. Looking back, it's easy to see that her love of education began in her very first year at HPS.

Her earliest memory is walking into Mrs Hanger's Kindergarten classroom. She can still picture the giant Humpty Dumpty she drew on the chalkboard and remember being fascinated by her sentence strips and little word cards. She made learning to read and write exciting, and her warmth, smile—and perhaps even her dimples!—left a lasting impression. She was the teacher who inspired Jane to become a teacher herself.

Every teacher at HPS contributed something special. Mr Simpson, Jane's Year 6 teacher, believed in her abilities and encouraged her to take on responsibilities, even trusting our group to stain and polish the teachers' desks. Miss Cooke's enthusiasm for the MACOS unit made learning come alive. Mr Bridges taught Jane timestables, cast her as Mary in the Christmas play and, like many teachers of the era, wasn't afraid to use the cane. Mrs Vanesh was gentle and softly spoken, while Mrs Van was the most beautiful teacher and inspired creativity through wonderful art and craft lessons. Jane was thrilled to win a Gould League prize for her bushfire artwork in her class. Miss Shaw, Jane's Year 1 teacher, was caring and nurturing, and Mrs Hanger gave her the gift that shaped her life's work.

Some of Jane happiest memories are wonderfully simple—playing under the big tree at recess and lunch, enjoying a sausage roll with a chocolate milk from the canteen, and never saying no to one of those delicious finger buns.

One of the greatest gifts from HPS was friendship. "I loved my time there, stayed close to many of my HPS friends throughout high school, and, more than 50 years later, I'm still connected with several of them on Facebook". Life has certainly been full since then. She is now the proud mum of four children and nanna to four beautiful grandchildren.

The most important lesson she carried from HPS wasn't found in a textbook. It was learning to be kind to children who were alone or had no one to play with. Even as a child, she saw how lonely the playground could be for some students. That lesson has stayed with her throughout her teaching career and continues to guide the way she lead schools today.

Outside work, she enjoys cooking, gardening and learning French—interests that give her time to slow down, keep learning and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

When she thinks of HPS, she hopes the belltower and the old tree will always remain. They are lasting symbols of a school that shaped so many childhood memories. And she feels privileged to have been part of its centenary celebrations—a milestone that made her time at HPS even more memorable.

Looking back after all these years, it's clear that HPS gave her far more than an education. It gave her lifelong friendships, lasting values and the inspiration for a career dedicated to helping children discover the joy of learning—just as one remarkable Kindergarten teacher did for me.

Sachin Salunke (Class of 1983)

For Sachin, the early 1980s at Hurstville Public School were defined by the quintessential school experience: sharing Vegemite sandwiches and fruit with close friends and the excitement of school sports. It was on the HPS fields that Sachin first discovered a love for soccer, a passion that followed him well beyond the school gates into local club teams.

Reflecting on his time at HPS, Sachin highlights a playground lesson that has become a professional cornerstone: the importance of respecting individuality. "Understanding that all individuals are different, having different experiences, personalities, and goals... learning to respect all for who they are is something I still carry today."

Academic & Professional Journey

After his time at HPS, Sachin remained a part of the local school community by attending Hurstville Boys High School. He then moved on to the University of New South Wales to pursue his passion for eye care, graduating with a degree in Optometry in 1995. His dedication to his craft saw him return to UNSW a decade later to complete a Masters in Optometry in 2005, eventually specializing further in the field of Behavioural Optometry.

Today, Sachin continues to serve the community as a dedicated Optometrist. When he isn't in the clinic, he recharges by gardening and exercising—hobbies that allow him to stay active and connected with nature.

Looking Back at the Biggest Event

The most pivotal moment of Sachin's primary years was the last day of Year 6. He recalls the sense of recognition from his teachers as the Year 6 cohort prepared to leave. "This event led me to think about what the next chapter in my life would be," he shares. "It left me with many more questions to ponder."

A Message for the Future

Sachin’s hope for Hurstville Public School as it moves into its next 150 years is simple: that it remains a place with a strong sense of caring and respect. He advocates for a community where great teachers continue to uplift every student, regardless of the challenges they may face

Anthea Michailou (Class of 1989)

Anthea’s journey at Hurstville Public School spanned her entire primary education, from 1983 to 1989. Her memories are a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s, filled with playground games, lifelong lessons from impactful teachers, and the historic celebrations of Australia’s Bicentenary.

Academic & Professional Journey

After finishing Year 6 at HPS, Anthea continued her education locally at Beverly Hills Girls High School before heading to UNSW, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Town Planning. Since then, she has built a successful career in urban development across both the public and private sectors. Today, she is the principal of her own business, AKM Town Planning Sydney, where she collaborates with architects to navigate the complexities of development consents and property advice.

School Day Highlights & Memories

For Anthea, the HPS were a place of friendship and simple joys:

• The Canteen Favorites: If she could travel back in time, Anthea would head straight to the canteen for a "Cheesy" (melted cheese on a bun) or a classic jam donut.
• Playground Life: Recess and lunch were spent dominated by the handball courts, playing with a close-knit group of friends.
• Influential Figures: Mr. Simpson left a lasting impression, teaching Anthea how to think logically to achieve her goals—while also showing her the ropes of playing "King Ball."

• Biggest Event: A major highlight was the Australian Bicentennial"Celebrate '88", which included a memorable excursion to Darling Harbour to see the replica of The Endeavour.

   

Life Beyond the 9-to-5

Anthea remains a resident of the St George area, balancing her business with her family life.

To recharge, she leans into the nostalgia of her school years by watching 80's music film clips. While she modestly claims she isn't "that good anymore," her time in the HPS School Choir sparked a lifelong love for singing that continues to this day.

The Power of Learning and Growing

The most enduring lesson Anthea took from the HPS is the importance of "learning, growing, and adapting". She fondly remembers the school as a place of true inclusivity, where every student was welcome to participate in every opportunity—a value she hopes the school carries forward forever.

Zoe Collis (Class of 2010)

Zoe joined Hurstville Public School in Year 5, moving from a much smaller school. While the sheer size of HPS was initially overwhelming, it quickly became a place of discovery—from the excitement of weekly aerobics to the vibrant energy of the Year 6 Fair.

Academic & Professional Journey

After graduating from HPS in 2010, Zoe’s educational path remained rooted in the local community at Penshurst Girls High School and GRC Oatley Senior Campus, where she was recognised as an HSC Distinguished Achiever. She then headed to the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Secondary Education with First Class Honours. Zoe has now come full circle in the world of education, working as a High School English teacher and sharing her passion for literature and learning with the next generation.

School Day Memories

For Zoe, the sights and tastes of HPS are defined by classic school canteen treats and playground traditions:

• The Canteen Staples: Nothing beat an "Orchie Cup" (frozen juice) on a hot Sydney day, or the LOL cans (soft drink) that were a favourite among her peers.
• The Year 6 Fair: A standout memory involving creativity and community, where Zoe spent the day painting nails and braiding hair for other students.

• Extracurriculars: The wide variety of activities at HPS was a major highlight, particularly the weekly aerobics sessions.

   

Life Lessons & Beyond the Classroom

The diversity of the Hurstville community provided Zoe with a "playground lesson" she uses every day in her career. Navigating relationships with people from all walks of life taught her the communication skills essential for a successful teacher.

When she isn't in the classroom, Zoe traded her childhood dislike of "running the big oval" for a love of high-intensity fitness. She is now an avid gym-goer who competes in HYROX competition and various fun runs, balancing her active lifestyle with her lifelong love of reading.

Vera Naumoska (Class of 2023)

From the moment Vera walked through the school gates as a Kindergarten student, she knew Hurstville Public School was a welcoming place. Vera fondly remembers making friends on her very first day—friendships that have lasted to this day.

During her years at HPS, she developed a love of learning thanks to teachers who encouraged curiosity, creativity, and asking questions. Their passion for finding new ways to teach inspired Vera to discover her own ways of learning and solving problems—skills she continues to use every day.

One of Vera's greatest passions was Cross Country, a love that began at HPS. As House Captain of Mallee in Year 6, she experienced the incredible spirit of school sport. Vera still remembers the chants, encouragement, and the way every house came together to cheer for all the participants. Those memories continue to motivate her whenever she races today.

One of her proudest memories was also serving as Sports Captain in Year 6 and winning the Cross Country event. As she ran, fellow Sports Captains rallied the Mallee House team to cheer her on, and soon students from every house were encouraging all the competitors. It remains one of her happiest memories at HPS.

Another highlight was performing as Violet in the Year 5 drama production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The experience sparked her confidence in public speaking and showed her the joy of performing in front of an audience.

Vera also treasures the everyday moments that made primary school so special. Her favourite place to spend recess and lunch was a shaded corner at the top of N Block near the gardens, where she spent time with friends. She remembers enjoying meat pies from the canteen—often joking with friends about the "right" way to eat them—as well as cooling off with icy cups.

Several teachers left a lasting impression on her. She was especially grateful to Miss Roebuck, who taught her in both Kindergarten and Year 6 and worked tirelessly to make those years unforgettable. She also remembers Mrs Katralis for her calm, caring presence during the uncertainty of the lockdown, helping students feel safe and reassured. Although she was never in Miss Giokaris' class, she fondly remembers her warmth and enthusiasm as the camp instructor, creating memories that she will always cherish.

Beyond the classroom, Vera learned valuable life lessons about communication and teamwork. She and her friends would regularly sit together to discuss what games they would play at lunch, even creating a roster so everyone had a chance to choose. Those experiences taught her the importance of listening, working together, and resolving differences respectfully.

Today, Vera is focused on her studies. In her spare time, she enjoys sketching, painting, and spending time drawing with her brothers while listening to music and simple family moments that help her relax and recharge.

When asked what Vera hopes never changes at Hurstville Public School, her answer is heartfelt: the strong sense of community that brings students together to support one another and create lifelong memories. Those experiences continue to shape who she is today and will always remind her of the special place HPS holds in her heart.