From the Principal Class Team

Dear Parents & Guardians,

The last few weeks of Term 2 are always among the busiest of the school year with students & staff focusing on semester tests & exams, final assessments and report writing. This year was, of course, no exception.

Staff who supervised tests & exams commented on how well the students applied themselves to these tasks, & the Year 12 VCE students, in particular, are to be congratulated on their focussed approach during their practice English exam on report writing day. Well done to all our students who have demonstrated such a great work ethic & positive mindset.

60th Anniversary Celebrations

It hasn’t only been hard work, though. On the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, our school celebrated its 60th Anniversary. We marked the occasion with a dinner attended by over 300 former students and staff, as well as current staff, followed by an Open Day at the school on the Sunday.

Both events brought together hundreds of students and staff from every decade of the school’s history to reconnect with old friends, relive their memories of their time at St Albans High School/Secondary College, and to see how the school has changed and developed over the years. People travelled from Queensland, Northern New South Wales, Western Australia, and even from as far afield as Austria & the US to see their old school. And, if the excited greetings, lively conversations, & even a few tears were any indication, they had a wonderful time.

For some it was the first time in 50 years that they had visited, and the experience was overwhelming; others left reluctantly at the end of the day, promising to have a lunch with classmates each year. One remarked, ‘We’re in our 80’s; we can’t wait ten years for another get together!’ The founders of the Musical Activities Club, fondly known as MAC, were also a hit with songs from MAC’s from the 60’s & 70’s.

Our current students were wonderful hosts and ambassadors for the school. They provided such a warm welcome, showcased the facilities and programs of the school, and provided excellent food and entertainment throughout the day. Many former students and staff commented on what impressive and friendly young people they were. And the students themselves, especially those who hosted school tours, said how much they enjoyed hearing the stories & memories of the visitors. One of our students commented on how humbling it was to share in their memories & how, often, it was the little things that they remembered. Another said how she hoped to be able to come back herself one day & share her memories with future students.

These celebrations were in planning for 12 months and our congratulations and thanks must go to the 60th Anniversary Organising Committee, led by Ms Stella Hunter. We also want to acknowledge and thank our staff for all their amazing work in preparing beautiful classroom displays, music & MAC performances, delicious food, memorabilia collections, and art show, and ensuring that the grounds and buildings looked their best.

Your contributions and support of the school were significant in making the Open Day & dinner such memorable events, and are hugely appreciated.

We look forward to 2026!