Centenary Staff Event

Centenary Staff Event celebrates the people behind 100 years of Northcote High School 

Our Centenary Staff Event was a wonderful success, bringing together more than 100 current and former staff members to celebrate the people who have helped shape Northcote High School across its 100-year history. 

The evening was a relaxed and joyful opportunity for colleagues from different eras to reconnect, share stories and reflect on the enduring contribution of staff to the life of the school. The group photo from the evening captures something very special: more than 100 staff and former staff standing together, representing decades of teaching, leadership, support, care and service to the Northcote High School community. 

Many readers will recognise recently retired staff in the photo, while some of our alumni and older readers may even spot former teachers who taught them during their own time at Northcote High School. It is a powerful reminder that schools are remembered not only through buildings, events and milestones, but through the people who guided, challenged, encouraged and supported generations of students. 

We were delighted to have three recent Northcote High School Principals in attendance: Kate Morris, Sue Harrap and current Principal Chris Jones. Kate Morris gave a thoughtful and engaging speech reflecting on the history of the school and the central role staff have played in building and sustaining its culture over time. 

It was also wonderful to welcome back a number of former Assistant Principals, including Nick Murphy, who MC’d the evening, along with Sean Butler, Ciar Foster, Katie Archibald, Sally Clarke and Kevin Hoole. Several of these former Assistant Principals are now Principals of their own schools and enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect, highlighting the ongoing influence of Northcote High School’s leadership and staff community beyond our own gates. 

The evening was full of warmth, humour and shared memory. There were conversations between colleagues who had not seen each other for many years, stories of past students and staff, and plenty of reflections on how the school has changed while still holding onto its distinctive spirit. 

As we celebrate 100 years of Northcote High School, this event was a fitting tribute to the staff who have made, and continue to make, the school such a strong and valued community. Whether staff have been part of NHS for a short time or for many decades, each has contributed to the story of the school. 

We thank everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a memorable Centenary celebration.