Brighton technical school, Victoria, Australia.
  • Home
    • Sea Sprays >
      • Seaspray 1991
      • Seaspray 1990
      • Sea Spray 1989
      • Sea Spray 1988
      • Sea Spray 1987
      • Sea Spray 1986
      • SeaSpray 1985
      • Seaspray 1984
      • Sea Spray 1983
      • Seaspray 1982
      • Seaspray 1981
      • Sea Spray 1980
      • Sea Spray 1979
      • Sea Spray 1978
      • Sea Spray 1977
      • Sea Spray 1976
      • Sea Spray 1975
      • Sea Spray 1974
      • Sea Spray 1973
      • Sea Spray 1972
      • Seaspray 1971
      • Seaspray 1970
      • Seaspray 1969
      • Sea Spray 1968
      • Seaspray 1967
      • Seaspray 1966
      • Sea Spray 1965
      • Sea Spray 1964
      • Sea Spray 1963
      • Sea Spray 1962
      • Seaspray 1961
      • Sea Spray 1960
      • Sea Spray 1959
      • Seaspray 1958
      • Sea Spray 1957
      • Sea Spray 1956
      • Sea Spray 1955
      • Sea Spray 1954
      • Sea Spray 1953
      • Sea Spray 1952
      • Sea Spray 1951
      • Sea Spray 1950
      • Sea Spray 1949
      • Sea Spray 1948
      • Sea Spray 1947
      • Sea Spray 1946
      • Sea Spray 1945
      • Sea Spray 1943
      • Seaspray 1930
      • Sea Spray 1929
      • Sea Spray 1939
      • Sea Spray 1938
      • Sea Spray 1937
      • Sea Spray 1936
      • Sea Spray 1934
      • Sea Spray 1932
      • Sea Spray 1931
      • Seaspray 1930
      • Sea Spray 1928
      • Sea Spray 1928 .pdf
      • Sea Spray 1926
      • Sea Spray 1925
      • Sea Spray 1924
      • Sea Spray 1923
    • History >
      • Contents
      • Introduction
      • 1912 - 1919
      • 1920 - 1929
      • 1930 - 1939
      • 1940 - 1949
      • 1950 - 1959
      • 1960 - 1969
      • 1970 - 1979
      • 1980 - 1989
      • 1990 - 1997
      • Badges and Memorabilia
      • Cora Lynn - Mirror & Reserve
      • Owners - Girls' Technical School
    • Terms of Use
    • Documents >
      • George Scott
      • MMBW Plan C. 1905
      • Annual Awards 1977
      • Letters to the Editor 1991
      • Cookery 1942
      • Memories ... 1943–1945. Valda Tibbits
      • Marketing in 1984
      • Year 12 Courses 1986, Open Day 1986 and Folder
      • Prospectus Boys 1940
      • Prospectus Girls 1944
      • Homework - Cartoon
    • Photographs >
      • Photos 1978
      • Photos 1960-1963
      • Class Photographs >
        • Class Photos 1982
        • Class Photos 1980
        • Class Portraits '70s and '80s
        • Class Photos 1978
        • Class Photos 1977
        • Class Photos 1975
        • Class Photos 1974
        • Class Photos 1970
        • Class Photos 1969
        • Class Photos 1968
        • Class Photos 1966
        • Class Photos 1965
        • Class Photos 1964
        • Class Photos 1962
        • Class Photos 1961
        • Class Photos 1960
        • Class Photos 1958
        • Class Photos 1957
        • Class Photos 1956
        • Class Photos 1955
        • Class Photos 1954
        • Class Photos 1947
        • Class Photos 1946
        • Class Photos 1945
        • Class Photos 1944
        • Class Photos 1929
        • Class Photos 1928
      • Investiture
      • Buildings and Grounds
      • Cadets
      • The Gates
      • Items made by Students
      • In the Class Room - Boys' School
      • Uniforms
      • In the Class Room - Girls' School >
        • Dressmaking Drafts
        • Artwork Design - a Career
        • Girls' Metal Work
        • Horticulture in 1945
        • Horticulture in 1946
      • In the Class Room - Boys and Girls >
        • We need your help!
      • In the Class Room - Community Education
      • Sporting Achievements and Trophies >
        • Human Dominoes
    • Acknowledgements
    • Latest News
    • Demolition and Auction
    • Alumni and Tributes >
      • Donald Anderson
      • Allan Thomas Bernaldo
      • Michael Burge OAM
      • Lindsay Chapman
      • (Margaret) Joan Couzoff, nee Staindl
      • Anzlie Vivian Chick
      • Percy Edgar Everett
      • Joy Hester
      • Stoker J. H. Hill
      • Francis H. Johnston
      • Albert Charles King
      • P.T.E. Alan R. Knights
      • Gwendolin Leech
      • Ronald James Leech
      • Michael Mace 0AM
      • William Russell McIndoe
      • Sir Sidney Nolan OM AC
      • Stan Rule
      • Shirley Steinwedel
      • Leo Conroy Steminger Part 1
      • Leo Conroy Steminger Part 2
      • Florence Annie Swan (Miss)
      • Pte Eric Swansson
      • Irwin Bismark Topperwien
      • Paul Warren
      • Driver Keith E. Watson
      • Ernest Weate ED OBE
      • Flora Margaret Whelan BEM
    • Other Historical Research >
      • Miss Charlton
      • Submarine J7
      • Commander Richard Veale
      • James Wassall
      • Sandringham Sea Baths
      • Sandringham Library Services
      • Sandringham Railways
      • San Marina School
  • About
  • Contact
  • MAGNIFY
​Irwin Bismark Topperwien 
1-11-1887    -    23-11-1960

Principal of Brighton Technical School
1935 – 1952.
​
Irwin Bismark Topperwien, known to his colleagues and the students at Brighton Technical School, Victoria, as Ian Topperwien, was born in Port Wakefield, South Australia on the 1st. November, 1887.   He spent the first 38 years of his life in South Australia before taking up residence in the State of Victoria, where he died in 1960, aged 73 years.
 
His preliminary schooling and University study were undertaken in South Australia, where he took the degree of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in the University of Adelaide.   He distinguished himself both as a student of classics and chemistry.
 
Awareness of the need for technical education in an increasingly industrial and technological society led him to take up a teaching position in a Victorian technical school in 1924.   After only a few years, during which he gained valuable experience at South Melbourne, Wonthaggi and, as acting Principal, at Beechworth, Mr. Topperwien was appointed Principal of Wangaratta Technical School and very ably filled the position for six years.
 
In 1935, when the Principal of Brighton Technical School, Mr. Percy Everett, became Chief Architect for Victoria, Mr. Topperwien was offered and accepted the position of Principal of the school.   For seventeen years he took the school from strength to strength as he guided the school through periods of expansion and the rigours of World War II.  
 
Towards the end of 1939 the then Governor of Victoria, Sir Winston Dugan, visited the school to inaugurate the first Brighton Technical School Cadet Corps.   Photographs of Irwin Topperwien taken at that time, show the strain on his face and the effect of the stress on his physical being as he carried the responsibility of providing a first class education for students under wartime conditions.   At the same time knowing that some of his teachers, and many of his former students, were headed for the battlefields of Europe and Asia.
 
The intellect and determination of this great statesman enabled Brighton Technical School to not only survive the five years of Australia’s involvement in World War II, but also to do the preparation for the role the school must play in the re-education of thousands of returning service personnel at the end of the war in 1945.
 
The Brighton Technical School’s annual enrolment figures increased dramatically.   In the year 1946  -  2,007 students attended the school and, in the following year, 1947, the enrolment figure increased to 2,077.
 
Not only was Irwin Topperwien a great administrator, he was prepared to intervene when he believed the welfare of one of his students was put in jeopardy.   He believed his students were individuals whose welfare was always uppermost in his mind.
 
The achievements of Irwin Topperwien may be regarded as a legacy to his students and the wider community.
 
When speaking to his students at the time of his retirement in 1952 he said  -  “I hope that you will all go out into the world with a determination to aspire to do great deeds for the betterment of mankind.”
​
Picture
Mr. Topperwien's farewell. 'Our Principal's farewell message.
May this ‘Tribute’ to Irwin Bismark Topperwien remind all who knew him at Brighton Technical School, that we were privileged to have received our education under his care and guidance.
Picture
Topperwien home. 10 Foam Street, Hampton, Victoria.
 He died at his home at 10 Foam Street, Hampton on the 23rd. November, 1960, from Carcinoma of the lung and Atheroma.   He was survived by his wife, Florence, (10-1-1902  -  2-6-1984), and his daughter Elaine Bernice, (8-2-1929  -  23-5-2002).
 
Irwin Topperwien was buried in the New Cheltenham Cemetery, known as Cheltenham Memorial Park, Wangara Road, Cheltenham.   Grave Reference :  Methodist, Row 206, Grave No. 5.
Picture
In Loving Memory of Irwin Topperwien. 1-11-1887 - 23-11-1960. Florence Topperwien. 10.1.1902 - 2.6.1984.
Picture
In Loving Memory of Elaine Bernice Topperwien. 8.2.1929 - 23.5.2002. Beloved Daughter of Florence and Irwin. Dearest Friend of Joan Marshall. Adored Auntie T of the Marshall Family.
References :
Death Certificate of Irwin Bismark Topperwien, 23rd. November, 1960.
Brighton Technical School Magazine, “Sea Spray” 1952.   Page 4.
Brighton Technical School 1951.   “Commonwealth Jubilee Year”.  Exhibition of School Work.   Page 6.
Records of Cheltenham Memorial Park, Wangara Road, Cheltenham.

Location

Contact Us

  • Home
    • Sea Sprays >
      • Seaspray 1991
      • Seaspray 1990
      • Sea Spray 1989
      • Sea Spray 1988
      • Sea Spray 1987
      • Sea Spray 1986
      • SeaSpray 1985
      • Seaspray 1984
      • Sea Spray 1983
      • Seaspray 1982
      • Seaspray 1981
      • Sea Spray 1980
      • Sea Spray 1979
      • Sea Spray 1978
      • Sea Spray 1977
      • Sea Spray 1976
      • Sea Spray 1975
      • Sea Spray 1974
      • Sea Spray 1973
      • Sea Spray 1972
      • Seaspray 1971
      • Seaspray 1970
      • Seaspray 1969
      • Sea Spray 1968
      • Seaspray 1967
      • Seaspray 1966
      • Sea Spray 1965
      • Sea Spray 1964
      • Sea Spray 1963
      • Sea Spray 1962
      • Seaspray 1961
      • Sea Spray 1960
      • Sea Spray 1959
      • Seaspray 1958
      • Sea Spray 1957
      • Sea Spray 1956
      • Sea Spray 1955
      • Sea Spray 1954
      • Sea Spray 1953
      • Sea Spray 1952
      • Sea Spray 1951
      • Sea Spray 1950
      • Sea Spray 1949
      • Sea Spray 1948
      • Sea Spray 1947
      • Sea Spray 1946
      • Sea Spray 1945
      • Sea Spray 1943
      • Seaspray 1930
      • Sea Spray 1929
      • Sea Spray 1939
      • Sea Spray 1938
      • Sea Spray 1937
      • Sea Spray 1936
      • Sea Spray 1934
      • Sea Spray 1932
      • Sea Spray 1931
      • Seaspray 1930
      • Sea Spray 1928
      • Sea Spray 1928 .pdf
      • Sea Spray 1926
      • Sea Spray 1925
      • Sea Spray 1924
      • Sea Spray 1923
    • History >
      • Contents
      • Introduction
      • 1912 - 1919
      • 1920 - 1929
      • 1930 - 1939
      • 1940 - 1949
      • 1950 - 1959
      • 1960 - 1969
      • 1970 - 1979
      • 1980 - 1989
      • 1990 - 1997
      • Badges and Memorabilia
      • Cora Lynn - Mirror & Reserve
      • Owners - Girls' Technical School
    • Terms of Use
    • Documents >
      • George Scott
      • MMBW Plan C. 1905
      • Annual Awards 1977
      • Letters to the Editor 1991
      • Cookery 1942
      • Memories ... 1943–1945. Valda Tibbits
      • Marketing in 1984
      • Year 12 Courses 1986, Open Day 1986 and Folder
      • Prospectus Boys 1940
      • Prospectus Girls 1944
      • Homework - Cartoon
    • Photographs >
      • Photos 1978
      • Photos 1960-1963
      • Class Photographs >
        • Class Photos 1982
        • Class Photos 1980
        • Class Portraits '70s and '80s
        • Class Photos 1978
        • Class Photos 1977
        • Class Photos 1975
        • Class Photos 1974
        • Class Photos 1970
        • Class Photos 1969
        • Class Photos 1968
        • Class Photos 1966
        • Class Photos 1965
        • Class Photos 1964
        • Class Photos 1962
        • Class Photos 1961
        • Class Photos 1960
        • Class Photos 1958
        • Class Photos 1957
        • Class Photos 1956
        • Class Photos 1955
        • Class Photos 1954
        • Class Photos 1947
        • Class Photos 1946
        • Class Photos 1945
        • Class Photos 1944
        • Class Photos 1929
        • Class Photos 1928
      • Investiture
      • Buildings and Grounds
      • Cadets
      • The Gates
      • Items made by Students
      • In the Class Room - Boys' School
      • Uniforms
      • In the Class Room - Girls' School >
        • Dressmaking Drafts
        • Artwork Design - a Career
        • Girls' Metal Work
        • Horticulture in 1945
        • Horticulture in 1946
      • In the Class Room - Boys and Girls >
        • We need your help!
      • In the Class Room - Community Education
      • Sporting Achievements and Trophies >
        • Human Dominoes
    • Acknowledgements
    • Latest News
    • Demolition and Auction
    • Alumni and Tributes >
      • Donald Anderson
      • Allan Thomas Bernaldo
      • Michael Burge OAM
      • Lindsay Chapman
      • (Margaret) Joan Couzoff, nee Staindl
      • Anzlie Vivian Chick
      • Percy Edgar Everett
      • Joy Hester
      • Stoker J. H. Hill
      • Francis H. Johnston
      • Albert Charles King
      • P.T.E. Alan R. Knights
      • Gwendolin Leech
      • Ronald James Leech
      • Michael Mace 0AM
      • William Russell McIndoe
      • Sir Sidney Nolan OM AC
      • Stan Rule
      • Shirley Steinwedel
      • Leo Conroy Steminger Part 1
      • Leo Conroy Steminger Part 2
      • Florence Annie Swan (Miss)
      • Pte Eric Swansson
      • Irwin Bismark Topperwien
      • Paul Warren
      • Driver Keith E. Watson
      • Ernest Weate ED OBE
      • Flora Margaret Whelan BEM
    • Other Historical Research >
      • Miss Charlton
      • Submarine J7
      • Commander Richard Veale
      • James Wassall
      • Sandringham Sea Baths
      • Sandringham Library Services
      • Sandringham Railways
      • San Marina School
  • About
  • Contact
  • MAGNIFY