Bundoora Secondary College - History

History

Originally formed as "Greenwood High School" in an area where the closest exiting schools were boys-only technical colleges, the school first took students in 1971. At this time the school shared the adjacent Greenwood Primary School site (Now Bundoora Primary School).

The home-economics and the library wing (also used by School Administration at that time) were the first, and only, buildings to be built at that time, on the current site. They were then surrounded by portable classrooms. Once these buildings were ready it was time, for the school to move onto its own site. This occurred during 1971 and the school was officially opened.

Greenwood High School was officially opened by the Principal Mr Adrian Callinan in 1971. In 2011 the college celebrated its 40 year anniversary. At the time of its official opening, the school had 4 staff and about 100 students who were all in year 7. Adrian Callinan remained Principal from 1971–1975. During this period the population of the school grew to over 600 students.

In 1976 Ms Jean Crewther became Principal, holding the position until 1982. It was Jean who had the vision for developing and building the ECA Centre (the gym and drama studio) and it was during this time that the band Pseudo Echo was formed at the school and Mandy Walker, award winning Australian Cinematographer, was becoming interested in film media.

It took until 1984 for the ECA Centre building to be completed and to be officially opened. By this time Mr Ray Gillette was the Principal of the school. Ray was Principal of Greenwood High School from 1983 until 1987. During the years from 1971 to 1988 the school uniform was in the Australian colours of green and gold and enrolments at the school grew to over 1200 students.

In 1988 Mr Allan Phipps became Principal and it was during his time of leadership that the uniform changed to pale blue and burgundy. The school also changed its name to Bundoora Secondary College. The name change was to assist the school in identifying with its local community. It was during this time that popular Australian comedian Peter Helliar was a student here. In 1992 Mill Park SC was opened and this had a significant effect on the student numbers at Bundoora Secondary College and enrolment numbers began to decline. Allan continued in the role of Principal until the end of 1996. With 8 years as Principal, Allan Phipps is to date, the longest serving Principal of Bundoora Secondary College.

In 1997 Mr Hans Linssen became Principal and remained at the helm until 2001. It was under Hans’ leadership that the school underwent its million dollar upgrade. Most notably changes were made to the Administration building. Australian cricketer, Clinton McKay, was a student at the school during these years.

Hans was succeeded by Mr Tony Simpson in 2001. Under Tony’s leadership the school continued to undergo notable change. Tony’s vision for change included structural changes to the buildings to create teams within the school. Omega and Phoenix junior (years 7-9) teams were born. As were team offices and computer pods. The college motto became “Make Your Mark on the Future” and our mantra “that every child can learn” began.

In 2005 Mr Stephen Smith became Principal and he continued and embedded Tony’s work. Steve also implemented the senior navy blue and white uniform to give an identity to the senior (years 10-12) students.

The current Principal, Ms Susan Muscat, was appointed in July 2010. In her speech given at the 40th Anniversary celebration Sue stated that she had inherited a dynamic school with a vibrant history. Sue went on to pledge that she intended to continue to lead Bundoora Secondary College in this tradition and to keep the school at the leading edge of education. At the beginning of 2012 the college numbers are on the increase.

In this history of Greenwood High/Bundoora Secondary some students who have been successful in their chosen career pathways have been mentioned. They have been mentioned to colour in the story and because they will be known to a wider audience. However there are many success stories that began for individuals when they were students here at Greenwood High/Bundoora Secondary but the stories are too numerous to mention here.