On Friday 22nd of March 2024, Girrawheen Senior High School opened it’s grounds up to the community, to join us in celebrating our 50th anniversary.
The school has fond memories of “Unity in the Community,” which was the free community event we hosted back in March to celebrate 50 years within the community. The event, which was supported by the City of Wanneroo and Act Belong Commit, was officially opened by former student and Board Chair, Stephen Brown, before speeches were given by the School Principal, Barbara Newton, the son of Girrawheen Senior High School’s first ever Principal, and our 2024 Co-Presidents.
Former student, Derek Nannup, gave an Acknowledgement of Country, and played didgeridoo while the boys from our Clontarf Academy performed a cultural dance. The audience were also welcomed by the girls from our STARS Academy, who performed their own Aboriginal cultural dance. In celebration of Harmony Week, the audience were treated to a traditional Vietnamese solo dancer, then an energetic Vietnamese Lion Dance. As the sun shone on the school oval, our school’s Performing Arts Academy, Unity Elite and Unity Junior dance teams took to the stage to provide some quality entertainment.
In attendance were many familiar faces of former staff and students, including 12 former students from the original class of 1984. Those who attended were able to enjoy a walk down memory lane with our 50 year photograph exhibition, or enjoy any of the free activities from the baby animal petting zoo, to face painting, to bungee trampolines, or the photobooth. “Requested DJ Productions” kept up the vibe near the Spider Mountain, and Battle Hoopz Challenge, and if you were feeling game, you could try your luck and skill on the Xtreme Surfboard ride.
As the sun began to set, the impressive entertainment on the main stage was provided by dance troupes from Youth Ballet WA, Time for Dance Dance Studio, Empire Creative Studios, Ambiance Dance, and more. Many watched on as they enjoyed a bite from one of the four food trucks who joined us to celebrate. Others took home purchases they made from the stalls.
It was a wonderful event, with an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from friends, both old and new. We would like to thank everyone who came down to celebrate with us. We enjoyed the sea of smiling faces. A huge amount of appreciation goes to the staff and students of Girrawheen Senior High School who volunteered their time during the event and in the planning and organising stages. Thank you also to the support provided by Heirisson Rotary and of course, the City of Wanneroo.
We hope to see you all again at our next milestone celebration!
