VA L E JOH N M O OD Y A M
Beyond the
addition of new
infrastructure were
the new traditions
and culture that
were created during
John’s tenure, and
the protection of the
School’s history.
The loss of a kidney was a turning point,
effectively ending John’s active military
and sporting careers. In General Jeffrey’s
personal view, John would have been an
exceptional infantry officer and gone on to
command the Australian Army and indeed
the Australian Defence Force, such was the
calibre of this fine man.
Now newly married, John found himself
in the difficult position of having a wealth
of military training, but no qualifications
for the civilian workplace. While he had
no teaching qualifications at that time,
something he achieved later, John accepted
a position at his old school, King’s College,
in 1961 aged 25. John worked hard and
was recognised as a natural leader. In the
early 1970s he emerged as the Headmaster
Elect at a time when King’s College and
Girton, a neighbouring school for girls,
were planning an amalgamation. In 1974
the schools merged to become Pembroke
School and John and Didi Medlin, the
Principal of Girton, became Co-Principals.
John later accepted a position as Headmaster
of Guildford Grammar School, moving to
Perth with Janet and children William, Jane,
Richard (Wb 1979-1981) and Thomas (Wb
1979-83). He initiated a rigorous external
evaluation of the School which enabled
key strategic improvements to be made,
including crucial changes in the curriculum,
significantly improved academic and sporting
results, enrolment growth and increased
financial security. What was known as
‘the decade of development’ began and
infrastructure was added or improved,
including the Brine Building, renovations to
the boarding houses, Hamersley Centre at
the Preparatory School, Boat Shed and Canal,
Wickham Arts and Crafts Centre, three new
Day Boy Houses, Oliverson Physical Education
Centre, Space Centre, John Burt Conference
Room, and restoration of the Old Armoury.
John and Janet Moody on their wedding day.
Beyond the addition of new infrastructure
were the new traditions and culture that
were created during John’s tenure, and the
protection of the School’s history. Traditions
included Valedictory Day, one of the most
powerful moments for leavers of the School,
when the departing Year 12s walk toward
their final Chapel Service along the path lined
with a Year 11 Honour Guard. The Academic
Honours Society, the idea of a member of
the English staff, was implemented and
proved to be an excellent initiative nurturing
academic success. Anothe