It was the year of pointless belts, pointless scarves, low waist jeans (like really low) and popping some sort of grandpa chic hat on with any outfit. I am of course talking about the year 2006.

Reading Cinemas was still a hot spot for date night and it was Tokyo Drift, Devil Wears Prada and controversial film, Borat, that were dominating the box office.

Hannah Montanna debuted on the Disney channel and the world met Miley Cyrus for the very first time, fully clothed and not twerking.

In global news Facebook went public, Saddam Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity, Bird Flu was discovered in Scotland and the world mourned the death of crocodile hunter and khaki legend, Steve Irwin.

The Queen’s Baton Relay visited Healesville on its way to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The crowds gathered and many local celebs and community members shared in the carrying of the torch. A Belly Dancing class was held to celebrate International Women’s Day, Beechworth Bakery opened their doors in town and Healesville flogged Berwick in the opening round of the soccer season.

Principal Tom Bege ruled the roost at Healesville High School, there was no Outdoor Education program for the first time in over a decade and following the 2006 graduation alcohol, was banned from school events. The school also farewelled some of its most loved and iconic teachers with, Mr Duke, Ms Solo and Mr Whitmore all retiring at the end of the school year.

While Outdoor Education might have been off the table some other interesting experiences were included in the extra curriculars. Karate class, equestrian, AFL Umpire Training, school dance team and a school production of William Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer Night’s Dream were just a few.

The Year 12 cohort were in uproar following the reintroduction of uniform for Year 12 students. Year level managers Mr Cleavely and Miss Todd had their work cut out for them bringing the chaos back under control.

Our school captains were; all-rounder Ebony Schmidt who now works as a PR powerhouse for a much loved local gin company and Ben Varamo who was most famously known for undercutting the cafeteria and running a ‘mini caf’ from his locker at recess and lunchtime.

We are not too sure what Ben is up to these days, but have no doubt that his entrepreneurial skills would have taken him places

Amy Dennett was the top performing Year 12 student and actor Travis Jeffrey also graduated from Healesville High School. Travis has starred in Pirates of the Carribean, Unbroken, Gallipoli, Underbelly, Spin Out, Lovechild and the list goes on. High school darling Chloe Darmody has gone on to become a nurse and Bridget Murphy is a successful Para-Equestrian athlete who is a real possibility for making the Australian Team for the Tokyo Paralympics, whenever they may be. Not even COVID19 can derail her commitment and focus on her dream.

That’s a wrap for 2006!

Lisa Mathieson