The Royal High School Club in London

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GEORGE R. SMITH, M.A.

Headmaster, Preparatory School 1960 to 1968

Among the many crimes for which Leith has never forgiven Edinburgh was the theft in 1960 of a Deputy Headmaster. George R. Smith arrived as Master in Charge of the Preparatory School from Fort School, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained at various schools in Scotland.

To many of the pupils of the past eight years he will be remembered as an initial interviewer, as flurried footsteps and a billowing gown, as an infectious laugh resounding through the corridors. To the staff and parents who gained his sympathetic ear, he was a master at the art of calming troubles, and all reaped the benefit of his talents as an efficient organiser, an entertaining speaker and a patient guide and colleague.

His regency saw vast changes in educational thought and practice and his friendly administration ensured careful selection of modern ideas. Among the innovations during his stay at Northfield were exchange visits, school camps, educational cruises, Primary School French and Mathematics. His determined patience, coupled with the charm of his sister and mother, enhanced many school functions and this gentle persuasion is and will be refiected by many new schoal friendships and by the extensions and improvements to the school building.

We wish him every success and happiness as Headmaster of Wardie School and concede another, we hope, temporary victory to Leith.

Reprinted from Schola Regia 1968.

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