Colin Green was the only child of Lilah Halmshaw (1910-2008) and Harold Philip Green (1908-1971) who married in 1934.  Harold was a primary school teacher who after 6 months at Trentham East in 1928 was transferred to the Deaf and Dumb Institute in 1929, where he remained for the remainder of his teaching career.  He served during WWII in the 2nd A.I.F., with the 2 A.A.S.C. Section A.A Regiment, he was discharged in February 1944 after serving in the Middle East.   The family lived at 12 Yarra Street in Hawthorn and Colin attended Hawthorn West Central School, before attending MHS in 1959.  His uncle, Frederick Green had attended MHS 1934-1936.

A noted athlete and a good scholar, Colin was in the Cadets, rising to C.U.O. in fifth form, subsequently being awarded the Speech Night Prize for Cadets in 1961 and 1962.  He played football in the under 15’s in 1960, the year he also made the School’s 1st XVIII, which he played in for three years.  He was also in the School’s Athletics Team (1960-1961) and played cricket in the School’s 2nd XI in 1961 and 1st XI in 1962.  In Fourth Form he was noted as being ‘remarkably mature’ by Brian Corless, and in Sixth Form as a ‘person of rock-like dependability who uses his talents wisely’.  He was awarded School Colours for Athletics and Football in 1961, Forrest House Colours in Cricket in 1962, and at Speech night in 1962 he won the Geography and Cadet prizes.

Awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, Colin completed his Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education.  During this time, he returned to MHS as Lieutenant Green in the Cadets, Commanding B Company and then as Adjutant/Training Officer, he organised Cadet training camps at Tecoma.  He would formally join the staff as a teacher of Geography in 1967, as well as coaching the 1st XVIII.  He wrote the notable textbook, The Water Cycle in 1970, and with fellow teacher Gordon Lowing, Practical Geography in 1972 as well as several books and atlases.  Colin, Gordon and fellow teacher Norton Hobson completed an aerial photography trip around Australia in 1970, creating a collection of photos that could be used to teach geography.

Colin was called into the Principal’s Office early one year, being told he would be taking on Geology.  When Colin explained that Geology and Geography are different subjects, he was told that they were close enough.  Rather than bluff his way, Colin told the Matriculation Geology class that he knew no more than them, but that together, and with the textbook, they would all learn.

By 1969 he was House Coordinator of Forrest, Deputy QM for the cadets (promoted to Captain in 1969) and coaching the junior MHSOB Football Club Team.  In 1973 he was appointed Sports Coordinator. Colin was one of several influential teachers who set the direction for the School in the 1970’s, with a focus on sport, cadets and co-curricular involvement.

In 1976, Colin took a year’s leave to travel, ending his tenure as Football Coach and Sports Coordinator. On his return in 1977, he ran the Jubilee Appeal, which aimed to raise money for a new building on the Chapel Street site.  A great year was enjoyed by many at various Jubilee events (facilitated by plenty of Jubilee wine). Colin continued as Appeal Director, organising the Spring Fair.  Various stalls, events and happenings were held each year.  By 1981, Activities Week was added to his organising schedule.  Coordinating multiple events within the school, excursions across Victoria and interstate, as well as work experience programmes, Activities Week was a major logistics challenge in an era of limited computers.  Its effective and smooth operation was a tribute to Colin’s skills. Colin and his first wife Grace, share three children: Scott, Claire and Adam. Scott (MHS 1981-1984) and Adam (MHS 1986-1989) would both attend MHS.  Adam was an outstanding cricketer and footballer, playing in the 1st teams whilst still in Fourth Form, was an excellent rower.

In 1983, Colin married fellow teacher Barbara Moore. Barbara’s father, Tom, was a noted educationalist, Inspector of Schools (he officially opened the History Room at Melbourne High School), and later Deputy Director-General of Education. Barbara was a teacher at MHS from 1978 including time as House Coordinator of Waterloo. In 1993 she transferred to Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School, and in 2000 was appointed Principal of St Hilda’s College, Melbourne University. Colin loved his time attending College functions and driving Barbara on various outreach tours.

In 1985 Colin was elected as President of the MHS Old Boys’ Association, taking over from Campbell Bearlin. It was during Colin’s time that the Old Boys’ pavilion was extensively rebuilt, creating the Unicorn Club, allowing the MHSOBA and its affiliated sporting clubs to hold social events in their own building. He was made a Life Member in 1989 and in later years was a recipient of the John Elden medal in recognition of his distinguished service.

In 1990 he was seconded and became Director of the Building Fund, tasked with raising two million dollars to cover the School’s contribution to the twelve million dollar ‘new building’ on Chapel Street.  This would mark a major change, ending his 23-year teaching career, and extending his heavy involvement with the Old Boys’ community. In 1993 Colin retired as Executive Director but did not return to teaching.

Retiring as MHSOBA President in 1991, he became Registrar of the Association, a role he combined with Administrator from 1996. It was during this time that the reunion programme was developed. Initially named Back to School and part of the Building Fund programme, by 1994 this initiative had evolved into regular year group reunions that continue today. Reunions consist of a tour of the School, followed by a reception at the Unicorn Club with a speech by the Principal or an Assistant Principal. For many Old Boys, these events continue to be their main contact with the School.

Colin established the Winemakers Dinners and continued the Luncheon Club started by Campbell Bearlin. He facilitated the Annual Founders Dinners, as well as sporting events such as the Mulgrave Bowls Day and annual dinners in Sydney. He also oversaw a further development of the Old Boys’ pavilion, including upstairs toilets and a lift.

Colin also made a superb contribution to the GM&B over many years in his role as the Executive Officer from 1995 through to 2022. Melbourne High School students benefitted back in the 1990s and still benefit now from Leadership, Mentoring, Heritage and Transition programs that have been staffed and facilitated by members of the GM&B over the last 31 years.

Colin also performed a key role with the MHSOBFC where his tenure as President commenced in 1997 where his quality leadership and strategic approach had an immediate impact. The senior team had struggled to survive in B Grade prior to 1997 but by 2000 they had been promoted to A Grade. His outstanding contribution during those 11 years as President of MHSOBFC was duly recognised with Honorary Life Membership.

Colin remained at the school he loved, passing up opportunities for promotion that would have been available at other schools, though he did act as Deputy Principal for a time. Following Barbara’s retirement in 2018, they both spent their time travelling and at their holiday home in Balnarring.

Colin is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, and leaves a substantial legacy at the School and Old Boys Association.

Luke Savage, Honorary School Archivist.