Albury High School, as most other similar institutions in the State, developed from the District School. In 1912, under the headmastership of Mr H.C.Langley, so many pupils enrolled in the super-primary classes that the school was gazetted as a District School, with full provision for courses up to the Intermediate Examination. Scholars completing this course were compelled to go farther afield for higher education, and amongst those who went was the late Professor John Irvine Hunter. Later on the course was extended to include Leaving Certificate Examination subjects, and many students passed onto the Sydney University.
To meet the needs of country students the Girls' Hostel was purchased, and local residents donated the adjoining block of land as a sports area. Towards the end of 1919 the secondary department was removed to temporary quarters in the old hospital buildings in Thurgoona Street, and there with Mr J.G.Monaghan, M.A., as its first principal, the Albury High School began its corporate life.
The High School made good progress and by 1922 over 200 pupils were in attendance. Then in 1923 the government imposed fees on High school pupils, while the District School was raised in status to Albury Rural and Domestic Science School. Enrolments at the High School suffered and even in 1926 there were only 114 pupils. There was an important gain, however, in 1923, the P and C Association was established as a separate body, Mr F.J. Bellbridge being the first president.
The year 1928 saw the school accommodated in the new school in Kiewa Street. Erected at a cost of 26,137 pounds, the building was one of the most modern in the state (see pic on first page). The official opening on 28th March was performed by the then Minister of Education, the Hon. D.H.Drummond. A school fete and the public presentation of "Princess Chrysanthemum", a "Japanese Operetta", were features of the presentation.
By 1930 enrolments had increased to 397, with nearly one-third boarding in the town. So pressed for accommodation was the school that the classes were held in the assembly hall (now rooms 11, 12 and 13) and in the Headmaster's residence.
A decline in numbers in 1935 saw the school reduced in status to a Third Class High School. This regression was only temporary, for five years later it became a First Class High School with 494 on the roll, 30 being in the fifth year. In 1946 total enrolments reached 616 and the Boys' Hostel was opened. Today the maximum enrolment is 968, with the effective attendance 940.
This short summary has been concerned with physical growth rather than with the academic, social and cultural achievements of the High School. These, too, have been just as spectacular, but space does not permit of their treatment here. Perhaps mention should be made of the six headmasters who have guided the school's activities during its past thirty eight years. They are:-
J.G Monaghan, M.A 1920-1926J.W. Mann, B.A., Dip. Ed. 1927-1930
W. Roberts, B.A., Dip.Ed. 1931-1935
J.W. Willmont, B.Sc. 1936-1943
L.J. Eddy, M.A., Dip. Ed. 1944-1955
C.E. Biggers, B.A., Dip. Ed. 1956-1958
History since 1953
1953: Closure of Assembly Hall area into classrooms (now staff common room etc.) 1950-1953: War Memorial Oval appeal (Gymnasium appeal launched) 1955: Gymnasium built. Farm transferred from the northern area to new site over the creek. Performance of "H.M.S. Pinafore" (first of the G&S productions) 1964: School's production of "Mikado" was the first full scale muscial in Albury's new War Memorials Civic Theatre. 1969: Beginning of Exchange Student Scheme?? (first reference to it) 1971: B Block (Lib-Lab) completed. 1973: C Block completed. Choir gains 1st Place in Sydney Eisteddfod. 1975: Inaugural separate Prefect's Investiture ceremony. 1976: School and Community project: Association with SS & A Club to establish a school cricket complex and improve the oval. 1978: Beginning of new buildings. School band established. 1979: Occupation of new buildings. 60th anniversary of school - P and C organized reunion. Cadet Unit established. 1980: Cricket team in final of the State Davidson Cup Shield. In the 80's an archive was established with all magazines and old photographs available. Enquiries should be addressed to the archives officer at the school
A book has recently been produced. "A History of Albury High School", written and researched by a past principal Mr Keith Crossley. This may be purchased for a cost of $15 plus $2 postage [$17 total].
Send your postage details with your payment and the book will be forwarded to you.