By Abbey Cannan
It was a week of reminiscing and celebrations as Noosa District State High School marked its 60 year anniversary.
They began with a formal parade on Tuesday 23 May, with students from the Pomona and Cooroy Campus packing the large multipurpose hall at the Cooroy site.
“This was the first time we had met together for a ceremonial occasion,“ staff member Cathy Smith said.
“We were honoured to have Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart, Bill Sperring (deputy principal – 1979-’85), Ian Garvey (subject master 1979 and deputy principal 1995-2002), Liz Garbacz (student from 1967-’71, teacher 1982-2016 and parent), Keith Beveridge (student 1969 -1971 and 60th anniversary community member organiser) and Mark Tyler (school council chairperson and parent), join our celebrations.“
Ms Garbacz, Mr Garvey and Mr Sperring spoke to the students about their experiences at Noosa District and how it shaped their lives.
Matilda Malone and Jemzel Costales entertained students, staff and VIPs with their beautiful singing voices and Year 12 students were presented with antique senior badges to mark the 60 years.
The morning was also about outstanding and dedication to teaching service for those who have, and continue to make such a huge contribution to the school.
On Thursday 25 May, a foundation tree planting ceremony and 60th birthday cake cutting was performed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the school being opened as Noosa District State High School, after being renamed from Cooroy State High School.
Dignitaries, Clare Stewart, Keith Beveridge, Alan Mulcahy (past student 1968 -1973), Cooroy Rotary member Andrew Aves and Irene Aves (school council community member and 60th anniversary community member organiser) joined a number of the school leaders from the Pomona and Cooroy Campus to celebrate the event.
Head of diverse learning Tony Leigh-Sheriden, who was first employed at the school in 1989, 34 years ago, officiated the ceremony with Mayor Stewart.
Mr Leigh-Sheridan said, ”Trees symbolise strength, stability and protection. They have been on earth for hundreds of millions of years and always seem to find a way to adopt and thrive in their environment. They often become symbols of resilience, perseverance and hope.”
While Cr Stewart reiterated the school values of being respectful, responsible and active learners, and how these values shape and mould the citizens students will become.
Following the tree planting, dignitaries and student leaders moved to the large hospitality facility to cut the cake, where Cr Stewart helped serve the students the food and beverages the hospitality students made for the event.
“Thank you to the people who joined our principal Stacy Wilmore for the Noosa District SHS 60th anniversary principal’s tour on Tuesday 23 May,“ Ms Smith said.
“Past students, teachers and community members were amazed to see how much the school has changed over the years.“
