INTERNATIONAL singer-songwriter, painter and TV personality Rolf Harris has revealed the secret to his success started in a Subiaco classroom, where he became the "teacher's pet''.
In a video message played at Perth Modern School's 100th anniversary celebrations on Friday, Mr Harris credited the school with giving him the self confidence he needed to make it on the world stage.
The WA-born celebrity, who attended the school from 1943-1947, also made a personal tribute to his first art teacher, Frank Mills, whose skills he still uses today.
"I was asked to tell you a little bit about how Modern School affected me,'' he told the crowd gathered at the school on Friday.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW"And I've got to tell you that it made a huge difference to my life it gave me so much in self confidence.
"First and foremost when I got there, I found there was an art master, who was just marvellous and a painting master. A fellow called Frank Mills. His initials were F.E. Mills and he was just known affectionately by everybody as `Effy'.
"I think he was thrilled to bits to find somebody in me who knew what he was talking about, was on the same wavelength and was unfrightened about trying anything out in the way of painting.
"He gave me so much he taught me all about linocuts, and how to make multi-print linocuts in different colours and I'm still using the stuff that he taught me to this day. He was also very good in the singing area as well and I was a keen singer.
"I was like the teacher's pet on a couple of accounts but his input into my life was just amazing.
"I finished up in my last year at Modern School going out painting with Effy ... we went to Rottnest and did all sorts of paintings on Rottnest and anywhere we could go and paint together, he enthused and encouraged me.''
In true Rolf Harris style, he also performed his own rendition of the school anthem along with his trademark wobble board.
Perth Modern School, whose former students also include former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and current and former governors Malcolm McCusker and Ken Michael, is celebrating 100 years this year.
To mark its centenary, the school's parents and citizens association has also released a coffee table book that documents its history.