Excerpts from the Laurels

The 1976 aim for Monash High School was “Quality in the Essentials”. At the commencement assembly and staff meeting, students and teachers were asked to try and achieve high standards in the things that really matter.

Achievements

● Best ever results for HSC 1975.Over 70% of our HSC students qualified for entrance to university or other tertiary institutions. This was well above the Victorian state average and included 26 A-grade honours.

● The Development Centre was established. Qualified teachers and the School Counsellor provided assistance to students who fall behind in Mathematics or English, due to illness or who just miss the point in important lessons.

● “Student-opinion” assemblies were introduced. Under the guidance of Mr.G.Price special assemblies were conducted as another way for the students to assist the school with their ideas and their service. In addition to this, monthly Form Level Co-ordinators assemblies gathered students’s suggestions.

● Two teachers of instrumental music were appointed for the first time with over 100 students were learning wind, string and percussion instruments. Successful programs were presented at the school’s Musical Soiree and at the Camberwell Town Hall.

● Outstanding Sporting achievements included. Four championships in cross-country running, three championships in netball, two championships in softball and one championship in soccer, tennis and cricket. Monash High also won the grand aggregate championship for swimming.

'Around the grounds' (images)

● The Unit System was introduced at Form 3 to help students solve educational problems which impacted on their happiness and prospects of staying at school.

● Excursions and camps included hiking camp-outs at Wilson’s Promontory; Canoeing at Lake Eildon; Skiing at Falls Creek ; film visits to“Macbeth”& “Great Expectations’ live theatre visits to the Puppet Theatre and the Little Theatre of the Deaf.

● Career Education provided by in-school appointment of Mr.Van Vliet. A “work-experience “program commenced in order for students to obtain a realistic view of the world of work.

● The successful annual Art &Craft exhibition showcased a bevy of arts & crafts whilst students participated in a variety of old and new craft demonstrations.

● Plays “Under Milkwood” & “The Night Thoreau spent in Jail” were presented at the two day Drama festival.

Newspaper clippings