Excerpts from the Laurels

The insufficient number of six formers in the school’s sixth year forced these students to complete their final year of secondary education at a neighboring school. Enrolment stood at around 530 students, with an obvious shortage of qualified teachers and a lack of accommodation looming.

Early in the year, the school thought it would be able to call for tenders for the new woodwork, commercial and senior room. Instead their hopes were dashed when informed they would be in receipt of three portables as of 1971.

By the end of 1970 a spirit of innovation emerged. Presentation nights took on a new format where they became social gatherings, a short presentation followed by a dance.

These were separate functions for Forms 1& 2, Forms 3&4 and Form 5.

The era of new assessment methods had arrived- the traditional percentage marks were discarded and replaced with the A to E system for Achievement and Effort and formal examinations were abandoned except for Form 5.

The first drama festival was produced by our Form 4 students, at Monash Teachers’ College. The Advisory Council agreed with staff submissions that a new-style music drama Theatrette be built instead of the standard Public Works Department (PWD) hall and sought an increased Government grant. Thankfully they won this round with the Government.

The first “Walkaround” ( walkathon) was held within the school grounds raising $1300.

The Guest Teaching program commenced. This was an avant-garde approach whereby lecturers from Monash University and Monash Teachers’ College conducted classes with our students.

L.L.Smith ( Headmaster) end of 1970 wrote:

“These new traditions and new organizational procedures have improved the school tone and spirit, and these new moves will pay off next year”

Monash High School July 24th 1970. Form 1B.

Monash High School July 24th 1970. Form 3C.

"Herald" 24.2.70