One of the first high schools established on the Sunshine Coast is calling on former students, staff and history buffs to join in on its 60th anniversary celebrations.
This year, Caloundra State High School is abuzz with marking six decades in the community and will be celebrating in style.
With the first of three key anniversary events kicking off next week, anyone affiliated with Caloundra High who would like to help mark its milestone is welcome to attend.
The special events will see people connect with others who were part of their formative years to reflect, share memories and see where they are today.
In 1963, Caloundra High started with only Years 9 and 10 and just 58 students. In 2023, its enrolment numbers are now sitting at 1308.
Up until 1967 the school shared a headmaster with the primary school. The first official headmaster to take the helm was Mervyn Miles.
The school has continued to grow, with the original block now housing the administration team.
Over the past 60 years the school has had nine principals, with the first female principal, Julie Pozzoli, taking the lead in 2012.
Current principal Natasha Wicks said the anniversary was a great chance to reflect on the past and celebrate those who shaped the school into what it is today while looking forward to its future.
She said it was one of the first high schools established in the region, with many families in the community having strong links to the school as a result of being a past staff member, student or parent of a student.
“The community connection with the school has also been a positive one with many local businesses supporting the school in various ways over many years,” she said.
“The school is a hub for bringing the local community together.”
Ms Wicks said she felt “proud and privileged” to be at the helm of a such a long-standing school that’s had so many achievements.
“It is always a privilege to be given the opportunity and trust of students, parents and the community to guide and support young people to achieve their best,” she said.
Among some of the changes over its 60 years, the school has taken the huge step to remove mobile phones from the school day.
“Mobile phones are an important tool for communicating in today’s society, but equally important is the opportunity to learn at school free from distractions,” Ms Wicks said.
“By introducing the new mobile phone policy, we believe we have struck the right balance of allowing access to modern technologies but also supporting young people with the space to learn the benefits and consequences of phone use and how to manage technology in a safe and sustainable way.”
Marketing and events officer Elisha Dibben said the school was excited to be celebrating 60 years of education excellence.
“Caloundra SHS has grown so much since opening in 1963. Many of our students have gone on to very successful careers in a range of different areas,” she said.
“There has been huge advances in education in general in Australia, and Caloundra SHS offers some incredible programs like Marine Studies and a huge variety of VET courses, offering students a multitude of career pathways once they graduate and move into the real world.
“When the school started we didn’t have computers and technology, unlike today where majority of the work we do is all computer-based.
“The school has an extremely rich history, and whilst many people may have moved away from the area, people often still hold a great affection for their time at ‘Cali High’. It’s always poignant to acknowledge milestones such as this and to celebrate the people that have shaped our school to what it is today.”
She revealed some well-known names who had attended the school.
“Some of our most recognisable students would be Steve Irwin, who attended in the 1970s; Jarrod Bleijie and Jason Hunt, who have both gone into politics and are state members in our local area; Don Morgan, who invented Conehead technology, a shock-absorbing liner for helmets (which) is sold worldwide under different names; (and) Casey McGuire also attended, who was a Queensland State of Origin football star.”
The school’s first anniversary event, the Reflect Morning Tea, is next Wednesday, March 15. It is targeted to its foundation students and staff from the first 20 years of the school opening (1963 to 1983).
Guests are encouraged to bring photos and memorabilia to help to create a 60th anniversary documentary.
“We are more than happy to welcome more to join that have a keen interest in the history of the school as well,” Ms Dibben said.
“Being mid-week, we are able to incorporate our current students. Our Home Economics students will be catering the event, we have some talented musicians performing an instrumental number and our school leaders will be there to chat with our guests.
“We are also going to be recording some footage for our 60th anniversary documentary, which is being led by some of our talented staff.”
The second event is the Shine Gala Dinner on June 3, which is open to all past staff and students for a night of entertainment.
Ms Dibben described the night as “like a school reunion across the decades but on a whole other level”.
A large community event, the Diamond Jubilee, will take place on August 25 and will be open to the entire community.
Guests can expect an open afternoon, with each faculty showcasing their students talents.
She said the school would be looking to bury a new time capsule, with notes and memorabilia collected at each of the events and from current staff and students, taking place during Term 4.
Follow Caloundra State High School’s Facebook page for future anniversary event details.
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.
