Foundation student shares memories of Sandgate High

Sandgate High School is turning 60, giving foundation student Lyn Hatcher an opportunity to share her memories of the curriculum, teachers and sport.

Sandgate District State High School foundation staff in 1959: (front) principal Mr Vise, Mrs Mathers and Mr Faragher with (back) Mr Lutrell and Mr Lyons.

PAST students and teachers will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sandgate District State High School next month.

The school, which accepted its first students in February 1959, then consisted of one building set among bushland.

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Lyn Hatcher (nee Roach) was among that first cohort of 151 students. Here, she shares her memories of the old schoolyard in Deagon.

The first Sandgate District State High School swimming team in 1959: (back from left) J Bacon, P Millwater, G Peters, F Stevenson, R Garrick, S Twible, N Waters with (front from left) R Watson, L Roach, coach Mr A Faragher, J Davidson and P Ashley.

By LYN HATCHER, foundation student

I was a foundation student from 1959 to 1960 in Years 9 and 10 after completing my scholarship year at Sandgate Primary School. Back then Year 9 was the first year of high school for students.

The new school building was not completed in time for the commencement of the school year so for the first month our classroom was the Sandgate Town Hall and our playground the Sandgate Memorial Park across the road. Much to the horror of the park caretaker Mr Ryrie, I’m sure.

A 1964 aerial photo of Sandgate District State High School. Source: Ibis magazine

There was much excitement when our “real” school was ready for us. It consisted of one low building (later to become the Manual Arts area) set among long grass and bushland. No landscaping was in place prior to our occupation in February 1959.

Our curriculum was set, so we had no choice of subjects within our chosen area of either Academic, Commercial or Manual Arts. Every student studied Mathematics A, Mathematics B, French, English and Geography.

I chose the Commercial course, but it was some months before another wing was opened and we were actually provided with typewriters. As there were only five teachers during the first year (Mr Vise was a teaching principal) we had each one of them for different subjects.

Mr Alan Faragher was popular — possibly because he was the youngest and got involved in all our sporting activity. In later years, he went on to become the principal of Fairholme College in Toowoomba.

Sandgate District State High School’s 1960 A Grade AFL team: (front) Brian George, Ian Batten, John Lunney, Frank Stevenson, Max McDonald, Glenn McCarthy, Gary Hatcher with (back) Bill Matthews, Robert Blight, Les Starkey, Brian Haydon, Robert Bishgrove, Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson and Spiro Mostratos.

When I revisited the school some 20 years later it was hard to remember what it had been like in those first years. Today the facilities and grounds are even more impressive.

Because we were such a small cohort we really were like one big family. Thanks to a wonderful P&C we soon had a basketball (now known as netball) court.

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However when the softball season came along we had no field and I remember a large group of us turned up at school with hoes, shovels, picks and axes and built our own diamond.

The spot we chose was far over on the southwestern side past the oval, and quite a distance from the new building that been constructed, housing all the classrooms and the principal’s office. I found out in later years that the principal had a pair of binoculars that he used to keep a watch on happenings.

Sandgate District State High School students on parade in the 1960s.

Prior to change rooms being built our girls’ change room was an old, dilapidated shed situated close to the parking area of the now Red Rooster store. It had only gaps where windows/doors had once been, so positioning to stay out of sight was important.

I went to work in private enterprise after Year 10. I would have loved to remain at school to complete Years 11 and 12, but family finances made this impossible, a common occurrence for many families in those days. My mother, a widow with five children, worked for many years as a cleaner at the high school where my younger sisters Gail, Diane and Christine later attended.

Many tears were shed as we said our goodbyes on that last day of school.

The 1961 athletics squad at Sandgate District State High School.

Forward to the 50th reunion in 2009 and the majority of foundation students came from far and wide to celebrate. We had the most wonderful weekend and made a pact to come together again in 10 years for the 60th.

So here we are, about to get together again for what I’m sure will be a wonderful reunion. I can’t wait for May 18.

DETAILS

Sandgate District State High School 60th anniversary celebrations

When: Saturday, May 18

What: Open Day 10am-1pm; past student reunion (A Block) 1-2pm; gathering at Post Office Hotel, Sandgate 2.30-5.30pm

Contacts: Avon (Trevena) Evans 0437 629 167 or Brian Taylor 0429 344 025