Are you a Richmond River High School ‘Original’?
The original pupils of Richmond River High School – many of whom lived in the Ballina Shire area – are ready to celebrate. It is 50 years since their school opened in 1958.
Richmond River High School was the second public high school in Lismore and was established to cater for the post World War II baby boom. It opened with 209 first year pupils and 11 teachers in January 1958. The school building was the original Lismore High School and later the North Lismore Public School.
Many of the original RRHS pupils were from the small country schools in the northern half of the Richmond Valley including Wollongbar, Pearces Creek, McLeans Ridges, Tintenbar and Alstonville.
They are now spread worldwide.
“We have found classmates in Brazil, Israel, Germany, France, Indonesia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as every State of Australia. They are all keen to return for the 2008 celebrations,” said Barry Perry, the Secretary of the Originals Reunion Committee.
“They are an extremely diverse bunch covering many professions and trades. However, they still value the friendships developed during a rather unique secondary school experience. We were the senior year all the way through.”
“It had its disadvantages,” added Trevor Prior, the Reunion Committee Treasurer. “On the sports field we were always the underdogs. It was not until we became a fully fledged high school in 1962 that we could compete on equal terms with the other secondary schools in the district.”
The ex-pupil network has been busy over the last three months and the Committee has contact details for over 160 of the originals. “The task is not over yet,” said Stuart Bailey, president of the Reunion Committee.
“Our aim is to find all the Originals. We want to ensure all our classmates are aware of the planned activities, even if they cannot attend. Our functions do not just involve the pupils. Work is well under way in locating our teachers.”
Mr Athol Spence was the first headmaster and his son Peter Spence, also an ex-pupil of RRHS, will be a special guest at the Reunion Dinner which will be held next Easter Saturday.
This is not all that is planned for Richmond River High School in 2008. Stephen Dawson, the co-ordinator of the school’s 50th Anniversary activities, anticipates that a number of the other classes will hold reunions next year. Special arrangements will be in place for groups of ex-pupils to visit their old class rooms and view the more modern educational facilities.
Original pupils and teachers, who have not already done so, should register their details with the Reunion Committee by phoning Barry Perry (02 6629 8287) or Dorothy O’Driscoll (02 6686 8536) or visit the RRHS ‘Originals’ website at rrhs1958.bigpondhosting.com
