Celebrating 40 Years On Walkers Street

Cutting the anniversary cake.

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Four decades of learning, friendships and school unity were celebrated last Saturday as Collinsville State High School welcomed past and present students, staff and families back for its 40th Anniversary Open Day.

The school first opened on its Walker Street site in 1986, giving Collinsville’s older students the chance to continue their education in their own community rather than travelling long distances or leaving town.

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Over the four decades since, the school has grown alongside Collinsville and shared in the changing fortunes of the surrounding mining industry.  

“Since opening its doors at the Walker Street site, Collinsville State High School has been a place where young people have learnt, grown, made lifelong friendships and been encouraged to believe in themselves and their future,” said Principal Anna Reeves in a school newsletter.  

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“Our 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of the school as it is today, it is a celebration of everyone who has been part of our journey.

“Our school’s story is one of strong community spirit, resilience, opportunity and a commitment to supporting every student to reach their potential.

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“Forty years is a wonderful milestone, and I am very proud to be the current principal of such a wonderful school, with dedicated staff, amazing students and a supportive community.”

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The open day offered Collinsville students past, present and future the chance to explore memorabilia collected throughout the school’s history.

The parade room will feature four decades of photographs, magazines and newsletters, alongside earlier material from when secondary education was delivered to Collinsville State School site.

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For those unable to attend the open day, the display will remain in place across Monday and Tuesday, with visitors encouraged to contact the school to arrange a viewing.

The day’s main event began at 11.30am, as guests gathered for welcome speeches before watching one piece of Collinsville history emerge from the school’s 30th anniversary time capsule and another be sealed away for future generations.

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Inside the 30th anniversary capsule were formal and polo school shirts, photographs and a letter from a member of the original Year 12 cohort who attended the school in 1986. The capsule also contained postcards written by students and staff predicting where they expected to be 10 years later, offering a personal glimpse into the hopes held at the time.

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The new 40th anniversary capsule was filled with items capturing school life today, including staff and student shirts, a school-branded travel mug and cutlery set, photographs of students, staff and events, student artwork and the current newsletter.

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Messages from staff and students were also included, alongside stories from four Year 7 students about life in Collinsville. A Bacon Busters program, School President Kodi Mackie’s welcome speech, Anna Reeves’ thank-you speech and a letter from former principal Boyd Jorgensen completed the collection.

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With the latest chapter of school history safely sealed away, the milestone celebrations were topped off with the cutting of the anniversary cake.

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“The Open Day will provide an opportunity to explore our school and relive many wonderful memories created at Collinsville State High School over the years,” Principal Reeves said.  

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