1965 was a momentous year for Woodville High School, as well as being an important year for the members of the Class of 65. 50 years had elapsed from the founding of the school in 1915, so it was the Jubilee Year. The Jubilee Celebrations were an important part of the year’s activities.

 

The 1965 Graduation Class members found themselves in the last ever group to study for the Leaving Honours Certificate (Year 12), having gained entrance to University based on their Leaving (Year 11) results.

 

In addition, some of the members of the Class of 65 were in a totally new environment, having joined the Woodville Class of 65 from other regional high schools which did not have Leaving Honours classes. There were students from Croydon High School, Le Fevre Boys Technical High School, Port Adelaide Girls Technical High School and Taperoo High School, who were glad to be welcomed by “local” students and staff.

 

Principal Mr D.A.S. Maynard  who had been appointed in 1964 became an Inspector of Schools early in 1965 and was replaced by Mr R.M. Macpherson (see above), who quickly made the transition and helped the school continue to plan its Jubilee Celebrations.

 

In the 1965 era students studied First Year and Second Year general studies courses, then sat for their Intermediate Examination at the end of their third year, then the Leaving Certificate, followed by Leaving Honours for the more academically inclined.

 

The Parents and Friends association and School Council were active and provided an avenue for communication between the wider community, staff and students.

 

Student activities included:

o       Cadet Unit, where students experienced physical activities, firearms training and Armed Forces service experience.

o       Chess Club, where students competed in-school as well as at Interschool and State level.

o       Crusaders provided student activities and non-denominational religious inspiration.

o       Debating was active, both in-school and interschool.

o       Girl’s Choir, who entered the Adelaide Eisteddfod performance competition.

o       Interact Club, where members worked to assist the school and community. This group produced 6 editions of the school newspaper the “Woodville Star”.

o       Junior Red Cross, where girls produced garments and toys and raised funds to assist the less fortunate.

o       Lunch Time Concerts produced by Leaving and Leaving Honours students for entertainment and fundraising.

o       Rifle Club, where students learned about rifle use and mechanisms, plus did target shooting.

o       Science Club for Girls.

o       Young Catholic Student’s Movement provided student activities and religious inspiration.

 

Jubilee Week was celebrated starting Friday 18^th June, with a commemorative plaque being unveiled in the foyer of the then “Senior Building”. There were Students Vs Old Scholars matches in many sports, with the Old Scholars proving to be too good in EVERY match! An Old Scholars reunion was held, with many foundation (1915) Old Scholars present. Old Scholars were amazed at the size and facilities of the school.

 

A traditional Exchange with Brighton High School from Melbourne was held on August 20th to 26th. The boys travelled to Melbourne, and the girls met Brighton at home. Competitions included Softball, Tennis, Debating, Hockey, Netball, Basketball, Baseball and Football. Social activities included Touring, Shopping, and a school Social (Dance).

 

Woodville High School had many sports and athletics teams at many levels. They were popular and performed well with a series of good wins and some outstanding performances from some students who would go on to higher levels of sport and even represent their state.

 

There were 39 School Prefects in 1965, providing supervision and leadership to the student community, ably lead by the boy and girl Head Prefects.

 

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This information will continue to be enhanced as we find more details about the school in the 1965 era. If you have a contribution please get in touch with the reunion organisers via contact@whsclass65.org.

 

(Information so far with thanks mainly to the 1965 School Magazine and “Woodville High School 1915 – 1990. A Commemorative Portrait” by H.A. Torr and J.M. Ryan)