Lou Barberis Remembered
On 6 February GM&B Member Professor Andrew Scott arranged for the following paper to be published on the Deakin University website, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Lou’s birth, 6/2/1922.
Andrew says “for the first time the full text of the revised and expanded version of the speech which I gave to the GM&B in 2018. That text, including website links back to the original speech as delivered to GM&B, is thus now fully published here: https://dro.deakin.edu.au/view/DU:30162118
I mention in this published speech how, with kind understanding shown by the other contributors I recently dedicated the new book, The Nordic Edge: Policy Possibilities for Australia, of which I am co-editor on what we think Australia can learn from Nordic nations’ policies, as follows:
In memory of Lou Barberis, Principal of Melbourne High School from 1975 to 1986. The support he gave to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds improved many lives. His actions are echoed in the education policies of Finland today.
Although, for the reasons we know and understand, it was not possible for me to complete a full-length book itself on the Lou Barberis era at MHS, these steps achieve many of the objectives we had sought out to do in that project as best as possible in the circumstances.
Many thanks Andrew. Your paper is indeed a heart-felt tribute to the quality of Lou Barberis, a great MHS Principal and humanitarian. (Colin Green)