Year in Focus
This week we’re going back to the 1980s and we’re focussing on some of the local, national and global happenings of 1982.
The school magazine, ‘Binalong’, contains twenty pages that summarise the key events of the 1982 school year. The magazine is entirely black and white with some pages being typed and others handwritten. On the front cover there is a drawing of a rural farm scene and this was created by student Robyn Port, receiving a $10 record voucher for her efforts.
One of the key highlights for Healesville High School, and the wider community, came on March 26 when the Education and Community Activity Centre (ECA Centre) was officially opened. Consisting of a stadium, music complex, drama studio and a static gymnasium this building has serviced the school exceptionally well and has enabled many local sporting and recreational groups to flourish within our town. Costing $670,000, $120,000 of which was raised by the HHS community, the building took ten months to complete and was a welcome addition to the growing school.
In his Principal’s Report, Ion Whykes wrote, ‘The use of the Community Centre by the public has been much greater than I had ever expected and it is obvious that the local people appreciate the facilities.’
Another welcome addition was the opening of what became known as the core building. This building housed specialist art classrooms and multi-purpose classrooms and it accommodated for rising school enrolments.
Although it now has a different purpose, this building still has a strong connection to the Arts, housing the Art Factory and our fabulous yearly exhibition. The multi-purpose classrooms have been turned into our Examination Centre.
Arriving at HHS in 1982 was Sue Parry and eventual Principal, Denis Brown. Between them they devoted 37 years to the school and were both influential in shaping HHS and many of the opportunities we now take for granted. Their arrival coincided with the establishment of the Bushwalking Club and Cross Country ski trips to Lake Mountain and eventually an exceptional Outdoor Education program.
Sue led weekend bushwalks to the Cathedral Ranges, Wilsons Promontory and Fraser National Park, while Denis organised the Saturday ski trips. It’s difficult to sum up the impact of these two staff members in one paragraph. In addition to being fantastic classroom teachers and respected leaders, they encouraged students to appreciate and love the outdoors and to challenge themselves beyond the four walls of the classroom. What a legacy they have left!
In national news, the much-anticipated trial of Lindy Chamberlain took place and she was eventually found guilty of the murder of her baby girl, Azaria Chamberlain. Later, in 1988, she was acquitted of this crime. ‘The Man from Snowy River’ was released and it remains one of Australia’s most iconic films.
Carlton defeated Richmond in the VFL grand final (14.19.103 v 12.13.85) and Brisbane hosted the Commonwealth Games.
Globally, Michael Jackson released ‘Thriller’ and the captivating film clip accompanying this song. ‘ET. The Extra-Terrestrial’ hit the screens and was the stimulus for Drew Barrymore’s career. Although record players were the most common way to listen to music and cassette players weren’t yet the norm, the first CD player was sold in Japan.
There we have it- 1982. A successful year for HHS and the wider community and one that eventuated in many lasting legacies. Looking back through the years, it is clear that some things change, but many things remain the same. In what is still a pertinent message for us all, Ion Whykes concluded his Principal’s Report by urging everyone to ‘be pleasant and considerate to each other.’ A sound and wise suggestion for any year, but particularly for 2020!