It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since our fantastic school opened.  Whilst I have only been here for the last 8 years I do recall coming to a brand new Banksia Park Primary School to vote in an Election in its early days.  Walking around looking at the magnificent facilities I thought how wonderful the new school looked and mused that someday I might be lucky enough to be transferred in as a teacher as it was close to home.  It is funny how things turn out!

Our world has changed significantly in a quarter of a century.  For example, in 1989 there were only a few computers in the school but nothing like the technology we have available today.  However, some things don’t change and it is the ongoing spirit, passion and commitment shown by the Banksia Park community over 25 years that is at its core.  It is fantastic having an established and continuing legacy of great school pride and of course ongoing “Friendship and Knowledge”.

By way of comparison our school opened with 301 enrolments from Pre Primary to Year 7 in 1989.  In 2013 we have 364 students from Kindergarten to Year 7.  Those original students have since grown up left the school but we have some Foundation Staff  (Jan Fitch, Aggie Hanrahan, Carol Towie and David Brown) who have been here right from the beginning and have experienced the school’s journey through this time.  Recently, Mrs Fitch wrote her 25 Year Historical Reflection and it is available by clicking here.

It many respects the school looks much the same as it did in 1989 except that a lot of the “baby blue” colouring (which was very fashionable at that time) has been painted out and there have been some major additions - the Performing Arts Centre (attached to the Covered Assembly Area) and Teaching Block 3 (to replace the transportable classrooms that were on site for many years).

Education is absolutely vital and it is the prime reason why we are all part of the Banksia Park family.  The positive and encouraging interactions between family, community and school are at the heart of a happy and successful educational institution and this is definitely at the core of Banksia Park Primary School.  As we review twenty five years of Banksia Park Primary School it is these close partnerships that were formed so long ago and continue through to the present day and, I am sure, into the future that are the binding feature of our school. 

Thank you to all of the students, parents, community and staff who have contributed to our success over the last 25 years.  A special thank you to those involved with the Parents and Citizens Association, School Council, on staff and the many parents and community members who have committed their time, energy and expertise to make us a school of true excellence.

We have completed 25 fantastic years!  I am sure that there are many more wonderful years to come and many more exciting chapters to be written in the Banksia Park Primary School “Friendship and Knowledge” story.

Martin Humphreys
Principal