Staff, 1964–97

Noel Hepburn Voigt enrolled at Carey in 1943, Matriculated in 1953 with honours in Modern History, and was admitted to the University of Melbourne, where he in 1956 he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

During his student years, Noel was a Prefect in 1953, Sutton House Captain in 1953, a member of the First XI from 1951-'53 with School Colours in '52 and '53, and was Captain in '53. He was a notable bowler and batsman. He was a member of the First XVIII from 1951-'53, gained School Colours in each of those years, and was Captain in 1953. He was a member of the School Combined Athletics team in 1953, representing the School in Shot Put.

During Noel's University study, he also worked part-time in his family's business and played VFL football with Hawthorn. He holds an ATTI Certificate and is a member of the Australian College of Education.

Noel joined the staff of Carey in 1964, and retired after 34 years of loyal and committed service. During these years he has held the following positions of responsibility: Deputy Principal; Assistant Principal; Deputy Head of Senior School; Senior Master; Head of Commerce Faculty; Coach of First XVIII (and under-age and specialist coach); Assistant Coach of First XI; Assistant Sports Master; President of the Common Room Association; Member of the Board of Trustees of the Carey Superannuation Fund; attendee at School Board meetings, and member of the School Board Executive, Finance, Property and Planning Sub-Committees. He has been a willing participant in a wide range of School activities, including many years of involvement with Outdoor Education. Noel was awarded a Certificate of Service by the APS.

Noel has maintained an interest in the activities of the OCGA. He had direct involvement in the formation of the OCGA Cricket Club, and during the 1950s, with John Sykes and David Lord, he gave significant assistance to emerging captains, vice-captains and coaches in leadership and skills development. He coached the OCGA Football team in 1961.

It is impossible to describe in words the full complement of Noel's contribution to the life and work of Carey, or of the impact which Noel will have had on the lives of students and staff over his 34 years as a member of the staff of this great School. Noel has always had a great concern for people; there is a very real warmth and sincerity behind what may appear to some to be a gruff exterior. I am reminded of the words of John Sykes, who said of Noel : You should never assume that because he growls at you that he doesn't care for you. It's because he cares for you that he growls.' In many respects, Noel's concern for the welfare of others is what has typified Carey for generations as a caring community. During my years at the University of Melbourne, Carey stood out from all other Schools as having an ethos of sensitivity, caring, and humanity. Noel Voigt was one of a number of staff who lived those qualities and established that reputation. He is a very sensitive person, who never pushes himself forward for recognition or praise, but rather has quietly undertaken his commitments and responsibilities without fuss or fluster—a sign of a great man.

Since my appointment as Principal in 1990, Noel has been a senior member of the executive staff of the school, firstly as Assistant Principal and subsequently as Deputy Principal. Far too infrequently we have sneaked off to play golf, and though he is a formidable partner, he was always generous in his compliments and chose the right words to comment on both my good and fairly ordinary shots. I have found him consistently to be loyal, concerned always for justice and fairness, concerned always for staff morale and for staff welfare, and concerned always for the welfare of students. Noel has been willing to tackle many of the very difficult issues, and has done so with great equanimity. In recent years he has done much to improve security on all of our campuses. He is a great judge of character; has never suffered fools; has always been ready to assist the young and the inexperienced; he has harboured no favourites nor I believe borne grudges, but has also been very ready to confront those who have sought to play on a weakness or an opportunity for their own advantage. To quote John Sykes again in respect of Noel's love for his School:

If anyone hurts the image of the School, then Noel grieves, although he would never admit it.' He has sought to have others share his love for this School.

He has been a very faithful Deputy, one whose judgement I could always trust, whose research into issues has been thorough and comprehensive, and whose support for the direction of change for the benefit of the School has been consistent and unquestioned.

I would also like, on behalf of the whole School and in my own right, to pay tribute to the support which Pam, his wife, has given to Noel. Teaching and administrative roles in Independent Schools have always been very demanding, but for those in senior positions, the expectations and demands demands on both the individual and family members are very significant indeed. We thank Pam for her support and understanding of the demands on Noel over the 34 years of their joint contribution to Carey. Noel is a very modest and self-effacing man to whom I owe a great personal debt, one I am pleased to publicly acknowledge.

Thank you, my friend. I wish you well. I find myself repeating the words of the gospel writer: 'well done, good and faithful servant...'

Source: Dr Ross Millikan, Principal - Carey Chronicle, 1997 pp. 32-33.