Atherton State High School 50th Anniversary

SNIPPETS FROM THE 90'S

2009-08-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

1994 - Rock Eisteddfod -Theme - Romance and Excitement of the Rainforest

Four concerts were performed - Atherton, Herberton, Cairns and Brisbane with the trip to Brisbane to perform at the Entertainment Centre against Brisbane Schools being the highlight. Staff who dedicated their time were Maree Kanowski, Dave Richards and Bob Hamill with volunteer parent Jan Sloan

PRESS RELEASES FROM THE 90's

2009-08-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

MARCH 1997 - THE TABLELANDER- FUNDING FOR HOME ECONOMICS BLOCK
AUGUST 1999 - THE COURIER MAIL - PAST STUDENT - STEPHEN TOOLEN

APRIL 1994 - THE TABLELANDER

YEAR 9 STUDENTS - NEIL LEAVIS AND MARK COLE

YEAR 8 STUDENT - GREGORY TOLEN

THE TABLELANDER - 1993

SPORTSFUN LEADER - JODI MEAD

NOVEMBER 1998 - THE TABLELANDER

CINDY TREVOR, HAYLEY SEENEY, ROBERT CUDA AND DANIEL BROWN WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RICHARD ENGLISH AND QUEENSLAND PREMIER AND EX-STUDENT PETER BEATTIE

REGISTRATION FORM

2009-07-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

The official 50th celebration registration form has been available for some 6 weeks now and must be returned with remittance by August 1st. If you haven't managed to get a hold of a form, they may be obtained a number of ways:

Forward an email to - either Anne Davis at anne.davis@hotmail.com or Kay Toolen at kto10814@bigpond.net.au alternatively contact Angel Kochi by logging into http://www.realestateatherton.com.au/ or contacting the school at http://www.athertonshs.eq.edu.au/ or contacting the Principal at the.principal@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

Please be reminded that all souvenirs must be pre-ordered and paid for as well as the events attendees wish to participate in. Souvenirs will not be sold at the event, only pre-orders will be catered for as with entry to the Meet and Greet and the Dinners through the Decades. Please confirm attendance by way of returning your forms with payment by August 1st. This timeline is necessary for ordering of souvenirs and for catering purposes.

The committee thanks you in advance for adhering to this request.

FROM 1964

2009-05-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

Remember the Barrinean

NEXT MEETING

2009-05-11T06:12:00.001-07:00

Next Meeting of the Management Committee will be held at the school at 6.00 pm Tuesday Night May 12th

1960's ASHS CLASS PHOTO

2009-05-09T00:18:00.000-07:00

Courtesy Barry Whitehead. Some familar faces. Readers please feel free to add comments.

REMEMBER THAT HAT BAND!!!!! .

2009-05-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Ailsa Beckham (nee Lindsay)

This is the original hat band and badge from 1951 and worn through the 50's on both the girls and boys hats.
The hat band was redesigned in the 60's with the school badge embossed onto the band. It was worn through the 60's and 70's on both the boys and girls hats.

Original High Top Class - 1951

2009-05-02T00:33:00.000-07:00

Class of 1951 - Photo courtesy of Ailsa Beckham (nee Lindsay)

Back Row: Neil Delaforce (deceased), Rodney Fitchett, Alf Aldridge, Isobel Harper, Malcolm Steele, Lindsay Phillips (School Captain)

Front Row: Valerie Johnson, Ailsa Lindsay, Jennifer Westcott, Lillian Coleman, Nerida Ball (School Captain), Pat Leavis, Shirley Porter

Absent: Daphne Adams, Joan Lawrence, Frances Marnock, Gordon Afflick, William Maloney.

More Blasts from the Past

2009-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Students from Atherton State High School
Atherton Roosters Minor Junior Team - 1963

Photos courtesy of Barry Whitehead

All players are past students of the Atherton High School. The photo is of the Atherton Roosters Rugby League Minor Juniors Team in 1963.

Back row: Richard Tomasich-David Nix-David Albrecht

2nd row: -Max Beckham -Frank Neal-Neil Hill-Mick Fleming-Joyce Bambling-Jim Clarke

3rd row: -Custard Robinson-Stan Neal-Barry Whitehead-Irvin Cole

Front - Teddy Davis-Graham Neal

Atherton State High School Rugby League Team - 1963
THE TEAM CONSISTED OF LEFT TO RIGHT............FROM BACK ROW
David Albrecht- Barry Whitehead-Stan Neal-Bill Micola-Ron Savage-Alec Kadic-Bob Lane-Tom Brant-Greg Hill-Larry Moses-Jim Walby-Dennis Jones-Greg Turner

"A Big Thank You to McWilliams Directors Port Wine (Barron Valley Special) to help us get our second wind after half time during those torrid first 30 minutes whenever we played and beat Mareeba High. I think I scored a try.It was the only way to find out the meaning of the word "SWIG" as we could not find it in the dictionary............anywhere!!!!!!! The corn liquor brewing in the Chem Lab was not ready, just as well as we had experienced a minor explosion........thanks Clarry."

Summary of Meeting of Management Committee

2009-05-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

Meeting of the Management Committee - held April 7th.

Item 1: A demonstration and preview was given by the IT teacher who is overseeing the production of the DVD which the school students are producing as an historical record of ASHS.

Item 2: A management committee was formally appointed, rather than the present task group which has been operational since last October. Key people fulfilled various roles such as Event Chairperson, Secretary/Registration Officer, Event Coordinator, Finance Officer, Promotions Coordinator, Entertainment Manager, Memorabilia Coordinator, Vendor/Catering Supervisor, Sites/Venue Coordinator and Past & current students, staff and voluntary workers Facilitator.

Item 3: The Anniversary Cake will feature the school badge. The cake will be cut by the school captains of 1951, 1959 and the present 2009 school captains.

Item 4: In keeping with the golden anniversary, it was agreed to decorate the venues with a gold theme.

Item 5: The possibility of a poolside breakfast/brunch was discussed with the venue being the Atherton Swimming Pool.

The next meeting will be May 12th.

FLASHBACK - OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL 26TH MARCH 1960

2009-04-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Phyllis Knight (nee Kattenberg)

Teaching Staff 1960
Back semi-circle L to R:
Mr Allan Wilke, Mr Ron Wiseman, Mr Clarry Mazlin, Mr Ken Baillie, Mr Ted Coxon, Miss Winsome Board, Miss Daphne Burton, Miss J. Holmes, Miss Colleen McElligott, Miss Pat Moore, Miss Thelma Cross, Mr. F.T. Barrell (Principal)
Front: Mrs J. Hawking, Mr Evan Grigg.

Taken on opening day March 1960 in front of B Block

Opening day March 1960

Guest carpark.

Looking out over Atherton on opening day 1960

View of school from guest carpark.

Class of 1987 Blogspot

2009-04-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

Stephen and Jeanette Hawes have set up a blogspot for the Class of 1987, visit this site at:
http://1987athertonhigh.blogspot.com/

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW !!!!!!!

2009-04-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

OUTCOMES OF MARCH 2009 MEETING

2009-04-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

The SOSE students from the school will organize an Anniversary Booklet. Past and current students, staff and voluntary workers are encouraged to write a short passage (100 words) beginning "I remember when....." for inclusion in the commemorative booklet. These are to be submitted (with photos if desired) before June 26th. email to either anne.davis@hotmail.com or kto10814@bigpond.net.au Hand written articles will also be accepted and can be forwarded to Anne at 27 Louise Street, Atherton or Kay at 31 Gray Street, Atherton.
Principal Tony Whybird expressed his intention to form an Alumni and hoped it can be launched at the celebrations.
Principal Tony Whybird also directed the committee to the Education Queensland Website which contained information on the organization of school celebrations.
The Business Education Students are well underway with their plans for a historical DVD which will be available for pre-purchase.
The Hospitality students will be catering for the greet and meet on Friday evening.
We are still looking for past students to take on the responsibility of contacting members from their year levels. Anyone interested are asked to contact either Kay or Anne on the above emails.
Expression of Interest to Attend Forms have been published and are available on the school's website, the community link website and the blogspot. http://www.athertonshs.eq.edu.au/ or http://www.realestateatherton.com.au/
The community link website is continually being updated with information and photos.
5 venues have been booked for Dinner through the Decades on Saturday evening. Dancing and celebrations will continue at the Community Hall after the dinners and the suggestion of courtesy buses will be discussed at the next meeting (April 14th)
Local business" have been contacted and are interested in sites for the garden party on Saturday.
The school bands will be supplying entertainment throughout the celebrations.
The decision was made that the following souvenirs would be available through a pre-purchase offer: fridge magnets, tea-towels, coasters, Scotch glasses and a Celebratory Tawny Port.
A viewing of much memorabilia took place at the conclusion of the meeting.

CLASS OF 1959 - ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

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WE'RE READY TO PARTY

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Click on image to enlarge

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO ATTEND CELEBRATIONS

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This form is available at http://www.athertonshs.eq.edu.au/ or http://www.realestateatherton.com.au/ or click on the image, it should enlarge and then may be printed .

JOIN THE PARTY IN SEPTEMBER 2009

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MEET SOME OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

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Left: Anne Davis (Dyson), Committee Secretary - student 1960 - 62, Teacher 1966 - 67

Centre: Graeme Turner, Committee Chairperson - student 1959 - 60

Right: Kay Toolen (Leavis), Committee Secretary - student 1966 - 68

"Expression of Interest to Attend" forms will be available on the Atherton State High School webpage as from Monday 9th March. Go to http://www.athertonshs.eq.edu.au/ to obtain form. Forms to be returned by June 1st.

MESSAGES RECEIVED

2009-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

Frances Cristaldi (Barletta)
The reunion sounds great.......Please keep me updated with all the going on's.........

Thresea Jankowski (Taylor)
Happy New Year, Kay. Thank you for the note. I knew about the 50th anniversary, I would love more information.

Lloyd-r Nunns
Hello Kay I saw your message about the 50th reunion

Rena Ceola (Peluchetti)
Hi KayYes would love to be kept in touch with the reunion - have thought about organising one and havent had the time so sounds good
Rena

Fiona McPhee (Gray)
Are you the Kay Toolen that sent my sister Sharyn a message in relation to Atherton Sate High School 50 year celebrations in September,2009?If so could you please forward the information to me also, as I have a few past students that I am in contact with, and they also are interested in attending the celebrations.Thank you.

Warren Scott
Hi Kay
am interested in attending can u supply more info etc.1 am from class of 84.

Bronwyn Walker (James)
Hi Kay Thanks so much for letting me know. Yes, I am in contact with Atherton school friends who are not on this site so I will certainly let them know. All the best with the organisation of the reunion!

Helen Johnston(Bruce) - now living abroad
Hi Kay, how nice to hear from you after all these years!

Barry Whitehead
Hello Kay, Should you require a Band to play music from the 60's-70'"s-80's we are available should you wish to hire us for the Saturday Night. Email me and let me know and will see how our diary is looking. Thanks for the Buzz.
Cheers
Barry

Ann May (Cook)
Hi Kay , thanks will look into it and let people know , if they dont already.
cheers ann

Bonnie Elliott (McLennan)
Hi Kay, Yes I do remember you. I'll also advise my brother and two sisters, who all attended ashs. I am hoping to be able to come, but might be overseas at the time. My two sisters live in Cairns, and might be able to make it too. Cheers

Christopher Walls
I could be interested. Will get back to you later in the year. Thanks for thinking of me.

Richard Grant
Hi Kay, Thanks for the email. I remember you from school during my attendance there. I am keen to attend the reunion with my wife, who also went to Atherton High (briefly). I was aware of the reunion and have passed it on to my brothers, Carl & Ian. Thanks for being part of the organising committee - I think it's a great idea. For the record, I now live in Brisbane and work for DPI&F (Qld Govt). Cheers, Richard.

COMING UP

2009-02-14T00:12:00.000-08:00

Photos from the past.
Expression of interest form.

A community page for past reunions can be found on http://www.realestateatherton.com.au/
This link provides photos of previously held reunions for 1960's students. Once you are linked to the above web page scroll down until you reach community links and click into this. Some very interesting photos. Enjoy

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2009 MEETING

2009-02-14T00:10:00.000-08:00

MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING
ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL 50TH CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
HELD ON FEBRUARY 10th AT 6:00 PM
STAFF COMMON ROOM – ASHS
_____________________________________

Present: Graeme Turner (Chair-person), Kay Toolen (Coordinator), Judy Snelling, Chris Pang Way, Angel Kochi, Debbie Neill, Helen Walker and Anne Davis.

Apologies: Margaret Soper, Tony Whybird.

Kay chaired the meeting as Graeme was late and dealt with many topics from earlier meetings.

Anne advised that the submission for Government funding for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations had been unsuccessful and expressed disappointment at the lack of detailed information provided to the government to procure such funding.
The group expressed confidence in our ability to be self-funding but noted that we would need support from the P & C in our preparations, planning and advertising.

Business from Previous Minutes:
1. Guidelines handbook not available. Committee will use previous experience of members and our own skills to plan ahead.
Kay will advertise our event in Ed Views which will circulate through all schools of Queensland.
We will communicate our plans through the regular newsletters from the High School beginning with the next issue later in the month.
The issue of confidentiality in obtaining full lists of students to use to contact people and to publish in the Golden Anniversary Booklet and perhaps for a roll call, was a stumbling block which Kay and Debbie will endeavour to overcome before next meeting.
Greg Toolen will produce the DVD of the events of the celebratory weekend, charging only a commission on sales.
Kay asked for comments to be registered on the blog spot to encourage enthusiasm, and for followers to enter some information about themselves so that contact can be made among followers.

Further General Business:
Advertising

1. Article and a small advertisement to be in the Tablelander before next meeting.
2. Anne to write a small article to include in the next high school newsletter to parents, inviting them to register their interest, attend meetings or directing them to the sites online to find out more.
3. Graeme to meet with John Wadley, President of the P & C, to discuss funding and to ask if a member of the executive could attend our meetings. Anne has volunteered to attend P & C meetings so that communication is close between our groups. Others of our group may also attend.
4. The meeting expressed the desire to keep abreast of the plans and curricula activities being formulated within the school so that we are not duplicating what is already being done, especially in regard to the gathering and presenting of historical information. Hopefully this will be achieved through Principal Tony at our regular monthly meetings, but we are willing to assist or support within the school when required.
5. Angel, Chris, Graeme, Judy and Anne have agreed to be interviewed by students in their history research.
6. Kay spoke about a DVD produced by students in 2000, called Red Gold in which many prominent older citizens were interviewed. A very interesting DVD recalling the history of Atherton was produced under the guidance of Alison Finch. Alison is involved again with plans for the 50th celebration and we wish to offer any support required.
7. Angel has offered to do some “chasing up” of teachers from previous years and to enlist the help of Dennis Penshorn. The meeting mentioned several past teachers whose whereabouts is known and more will be done to contact them and others.
8. Discussion of venues resulted in the decision to book the Black Stump Hotel, International Club, Tolga Pub and the Golf Club for the evening of Saturday, 19th September and Debbie volunteered to do this. A correction to the minutes of the previous meeting being that Merriland Hall is unavailable for use on Sat. 19th September as there is a long standing previous booking for the annual garden expo.
9. A catalogue with items of memorabilia is to be obtained, studied and brought to the next meeting. Glasses (without gold rims), coffee mugs, coasters, cork placemats and bottle openers seemed popular but other interesting ideas may surface.
10. Judy is our historical expert and collector of memorabilia who will co-ordinate with the school when necessary to ensure our plans mesh.
11. Kay will organize a registration form for people to be able to express their interest or their intention to attend. This will be available on line as well as distributed in news letters and newspapers.
12. Plans for the weekend were discussed and refined a little.
The Friday night Cocktail Party was renamed a Meet and Greet, so as not to be misleading or to prevent full participation, but will be the same function in the Community Hall with finger food and all kinds of drinks. Plans to signpost certain areas for meeting areas to “find your old friends” to be coordinated in decades with wall displays to match.
Saturday’s Garden Party, set on the school oval will begin approx. 10am and go until 4 pm, with entertainment, coffee shop set up, food etc. so that people can then prepare for the dinner at the various venues allocated to each decade.
13. Most of those present are involved in the contacting of students from their own student days:
High top students Seniors of 1959-Judy Snelling
Sub-Seniors of 1959
Juniors of 1959-Chris Pang Way
Sub-Juniors of 1959-Helen Walker

From 1960 onwards students are categorized according to their first High School year be it Grade 8 or Grade 9 or its equivalent Form 3. Judy will coordinate this group.

Coordinator for 1960 to 1964 - Anne Davis with year level assistants as follows:-
1960-Anne Davis, Marg Soper
1961-Barry Whitehead subject to agreement
1962-Betty Rocca/Val Milgate subject to agreement
1963-Helen Rockley/Rhonda Micola subject to agreement
1964-Jim Kochi/Andy Fernley subject to agreement

Coordinator for 1965 to 1969 – Angel Kochi with year level assistants as follows:-
1965-Jan Slone/Margaret Stewart/Barbara Lloyd subject to agreement
1966-Debbie Neill
1967-Angel Kochi
1968-Owen Davies Griffiths subject to agreement
1969-Kathy Spanos subject to agreement

1984-Sophie Dickinson (nee Davis)
1985-Tania Vit subject to agreement.
1986-Mandy Hubbard/Christine Mehmet subject to agreement

Kay will obtain other year communication people.

The meeting closed at 8pm with the agenda for the next meeting on March 10th to include reports by all those responsible for tasks in the meantime.

Hon. Sec. Anne Davis

An interesting FREE website for contacting people is www.friendsunited.com.au
Don’t forget the blogspot http://athertonstatehighschool50th.blogspot.com

2008-12-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

MINUTES OF MEETING
ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL 50TH CELEBRATIONS
HELD ON NOVEMBER 11TH – 6.00 PM
STAFF COMMON ROOM – ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

Present: Angel Kochi, Chris Pang Way, Graham Turner (Chair), Debbie Neal, Helen Walker, Judy Snelling, Kay Toolen, Tony Whybird (Principal)

Apologies: Anne Rocca, Ann Davis, Clive Skarrott, Adrian Holden, Owen Davies-Griffiths.
Minutes of previous meeting were pre-circulated and accepted as correct.

Agenda items from the floor:

1. Handbook/guidelines for conducting celebrations:
Debbie Neal informed the group that she was aware of a handbook or guidelines proforma which she thought was available through Ed Queensland. Debbie will look into how this may be obtained and contact with Kay with further information. Debbie also will check how to obtain information for a roll call.

2. Discussion of Blogspot
Kay has commenced a blogspot and gave the address to the group as well as a hardcopy of what it looks like. Kay also explained that readers are able to register as followers of the site and this will enable readers to contact each other as the next 11 months unfold. Kay has also been tracking people down through facebook and the names data base.

3. DVD to capture the event
Kay’s son has his own production business in Melbourne and has offered to capture the event in Sept 2009 and produce a professional DVD for sale. His only fee will be commission on sales.

4. Advertisement for Ed Views
Kay to organize an advertisement for inclusion in the Ed Views Publication and submit to Margaret Selby, who is the Business Services Manager at Atherton State High School.

5. Confidentiality Policy
Discussion took place on how we could best get the list of names of past students. Kay informed the group that all of the record cards from the commencemenet of the school were stored in the archive room and it would be a matter of listing the names and tracking the people down but there would be a confidential issue with people other than staff accessing these records and due to the time involved in undertaking this task it would impossible for staff to perform this duty. Tony offered to check the confidentiality policy.

6. High Top Students
A decision was made by the group to include the high top students.

7. Venue for Saturday Night Dinner
After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to organize different venues for the decades. Venues suggested included Atherton Community Hall, Merriland Hall, International Club and if needed the Golf Club.

8. Format for the Celebrations
 Discussion took place as to the format of the event. Suggestion on 5 year blocks with a facilitator appointed to bring the five years together with the assistance of an appointed coordinator for each year within the 5 year block i.e. 10 sub- committees consisting of a facilitator and 5 coordinators. The blocks could be classified as follows:-
1959 to 1965; 1966 to 1970; 1971 to 1975; 1976 to 1980; 1981 to 1985; 1986 to 1990; 1991 to 1995; 1996 to 2000; 2001 to 2005; 2006 to 2009.
 Tony would like see the current students involved on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th with a focus on showcasing the history of the school through the decades.
 Cocktail Party – This is be held on Friday 19th in the Community Hall with the hospitality students providing finger food and one of the service clubs providing the bar. The school’s swing band would also perform and provide background music.
 Garden Party – This to be held on the oval on Saturday 20th with displays of students work and memorabilia boards from the past. Eateries and drinks under several marquees would form the basis of the garden party. The marquees could be obtained from Tolga Hire. The SES will need to be contacted to control the traffic and parking. Paul Russell is the contact for the SES.
 Dinner with various bands and venues for Saturday evening. More discussion to take place with regard to the organization of the format of the evening.

9. Photos to be displayed on web site
Angel Kochi currently has a community web page and has offered to scan photos and place on this page as will Kay for the blogspot. Kay will incorporate a hyperlink to the community web page from the blogspot.

10. Closure and next meeting
Next meeting will be held on December 9th in the Staff Common room. Meeting closed at 7.45 pm.

Kay Toolen
Assistant coordinator.

Comments/emails received from ex students to date

2008-11-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

What a great idea! I went to ASHS for yrs 9 & 10 in '78-'79, my doesn't it seem like a long time ago. Have recently tracked down some ASHS friends on FB so will try to forward on your message to them also.
This gives me plenty of time to get myself back up to Qld for the reunion.
Lorraine Merrett nee Robinson

Living in Cape Town at the moment, might not make it, but please post photos.
Regards,
Rick Pember

Got your message about the reunion - it sounds great. Can you add me to your mailing list for information on it? Also if you need help organising things let me know. I'm in Canberra, but could maybe help with emails or something?
Thanks,
Alison Doull

I’m interested in more information about the school reunion. I graduated in 1980. Any info would be appreciated.
Regards
Sue Dawson

I went to primary school 70 71 72 but my sister went to High school I will pass this message on to her"
Mark Hayes

Hello my brother and I went to Atherton High School back in the 70,s and would like some more imformation on the reunion please."
Joanne Parfitt

I was one of the original students that went to the new Atherton High School in 1959. I was in Atherton on Saturday evening for the 50 year Fireflies reunion and I caught up with Graham Turner who told me about the re-union. I am interested in assisting in anyway as I retire at the end of this year and it would interest me to help with this and catch up with my old classmates. Regards
Clive Skarott

I was at Atherton High from 1978-1981. Could you please send me more info.
Thanks
Cherie Onus Welham

Sounds good so far. First in first served and I haven't got anything else planned for that date yet. Nicholas Johns

At this stage I can say yes, email me details so I can pass on to contacts, or alternatively send me a list of people you can't find!
Henry,Cath & Devo

Pls add me to your mailing list for this event. I was at ASHS from 1964 to 1968 and was the first group of Yr 8's to attend ASHS in 1964. The paint was still wet on the "port" racks when we arrived!
Regards
Anne Novelly (Schwenke)

Yes, I'm interested in going to the reunion. I suppose it depends on the number of my crowd going. Do you have a list of those showing interest at this early stage?
Cheers
Weston Wright

My name is Laurie Preston and I did my Years 11 and 12 at Atherton in 1975/76 and I would love to come to the reunion that you are organising. My mate Weston Wright down in Brisbane sent me the info below and I would naturally like to find out a bit more. I live in Pinjarra in the south-west of WA and plan to drive over (through the Red Centre) for the get-together and hope to be there for the whole week (plus another one afterwards). Can you send me some more info on the reunion events that you are working on plus any info on accommodation in town or close by... I will be bringing my wife and we will probably pull up at friends places but an alternative is always good (for a break and to give the liver a rest!).

Well done for organising this because I have kept my eyes open for years in case a reunion came up ... I had a ball at ASHS and made friends that have lasted all this time. I've been living in WestOz since 1978 but have been back twice since then for a holiday. I will pass the info to anyone I am still in contact with that may be
interested.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Best Wishes
Laurie Preston

I am interested pse send more details when available.
Ray Beere

Atherton State High School 50th Anniversary Celebrations

2008-10-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR THE FORMATION OF AN ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
FOR THE 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF
THE ATHERTON STATE HIGH SCHOOL

The meeting was held in the school common room on Tuesday, 21st October, 2008, at 6:00 pm.

Attendance: John Wadley (president of the current school P&C Association), Tony Wybird (our current School Principal), Chris Pang Way, Graeme Turner, Margaret Soper, Judy Snelling, Anne Davis, Kay Toolen & Helen Walker.

Business: John acted at chairperson and outlined the main aims of the meeting:-
(1) To choose office bearers and a working committee
(2) To decide when future meetings would be held
(3) To arrange publicity to attract more members and to disseminate information about dates and activities.

Minutes from the previous meeting of the past students’ interest group, which formed to prepare a submission to the Queensland Government for a share in some the funding available as part of the 150th celebration of State Government, were unavailable.

The meeting was conducted in an informal manner with discussion about the dates of our reunion and those of Mareeba High School. Principal Tony is keen to involve the present students in the celebration from the beginning, in areas which can enhance the curriculum such as in the study of local history, in entertainment with music and the arts and perhaps IT studies and some catering . This is planned for the last week of school before the school holidays in 2009, beginning Monday 14th September. Further discussion followed about other activities for the weekend of the 18th, 19th and 20th. A Meet and Greet Cocktail Evening on Friday, 18th September was a popular suggestion; an afternoon function such as a garden party on the school oval; displays and children’s work and an arts and crafts exhibition in some classrooms; a (dinner?) dance in the school hall on Saturday night. Class year (or year) groups then have the option of meeting on Saturday morning or Sunday for their own activities. The adding of an extra module to the time capsule is another plan.

By the time the meeting had proceeded to this point, all members present seemed willing to be part of the working committee under the chairmanship of Graeme Turner whose father was the first president of the original P&C as well as being Shire Chairman during the Centenary Celebrations of the Queensland Government in 1959. Anne Davis volunteered to be secretary, with assistance from Kay Toolen. Kay has much background knowledge of important historical information collected from previous years and of research projects carried out, data collected and produced in various forms by skilled and talented people associated with the school over the years and she has agreed to be coordinator for our reunion committee. Judy Snelling showed special interest in producing a commemorative magazine and so our first working party had formed.

All agreed that the future meetings be held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the Common Room in the administration block, so the next two meetings will be on November 11th and December 9th. There will be no meeting in January.

Kay and Anne have been asked to begin work on publicity and will contact the Tablelander's Naomi Cescotto, (or other member of the staff of the Tablelander newspaper) and arrange for an article to be written about the upcoming celebration of 50 years of High School Education in its own campus. This will include an invitation for interested past students, teachers or other community members who have been involved in some way with the school since its beginning in 1959 and still maintain an interest in its future, to attend meetings to help the committee gather momentum and enthusiasm among the many people for whom our Atherton State High School has played a significant part in their formative years.

This must be in the Tablelander by Nov 4th, in order for it to be effective in bringing more members to our next meeting on Nov 11th and in contacting others from far and wide.

Our meeting closed at about 7:15 pm.