By Max Davies
BROADFORD Secondary College celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday, bringing the community together to remember and reflect on the school’s history.
The celebration was attended by past principals, students and staff from across the school’s history, with Broadford and District Historical Society assisting in collecting memorabilia to put on display across the school grounds.
Master of ceremonies for the day was ABC Radio presenter and former student Warwick Long, who attended Broadford Secondary College from 1997 to 2002.
He said the school played a significant role in shaping him and helping him grow into who he was today.
“I absolutely loved my time at the college, I think [high school is] that time where we all come of age and I certainly did so here,” he said.
“The time here and the students and the teachers probably did more to mould me than anyone would realise, and you don’t even realise yourself until you come back and start reflecting on the journey. It was a huge part of my life.”
Mr Long said ‘just about everything’ at Broadford Secondary College had changed since his time as a student.
“I’m told the library is still the same building, but everything around it is completely different,” he said.
“Everything is in a completely different space and it’s almost a little disorienting, but it’s really cool to see because it means the school hasn’t stopped and it’s continually trying to offer the best for a lot of kids, and that’s really exciting.”
Broadford Secondary College opened at its current site on October 5, 1962 after two years of operation as Broadford Higher Elementary School in the town’s Masonic Hall.
During the course of its 60-year history, the school has seen significant changes and improvements – from the construction of new buildings and facilities to advancements made in school technology and online connections in the late 20th century.
The school has had nine principals during its time, with five of them present at the anniversary to share their experiences and reflect on the changes the school had seen.
Current principal Tania Pearson said she was proud to be part of the college and to celebrate its history and people.
“I’m so proud to be the principal here at Broadford Secondary College, and to have past principals as well as past students and parents here. They’re all exceptionally excited to be able to come along and share their stories about their journey,” she said.
Ms Pearson said she was confident in the school’s future direction, with new initiatives being introduced to focus on current issues such as student wellbeing.
“We’re just going from strength to strength and we’re getting back from being in lockdown, so we’re focusing a lot on wellbeing and looking at students from a holistic perspective,” she said.
“It’s not just their academics, it’s their whole person and catering for their individual needs so they can pursue their own career pathways.”
Broadford Secondary College also unveiled a new logo as part of the anniversary celebrations, featuring changes to better reflect the school in the current day.
The new logo features a ‘B’ for Broadford, with the school’s four house colours depicted under a gum leaf, representing the natural environment of the Broadford area.
“It was just time for a change – the old logo was probably a little outdated and represented pine trees that no longer exist here at the school ground, so we felt it was time for a new era,” Ms Pearson said.
