Establishment of Kelvin Grove Road School
The first move towards the establishment of a State School at Kelvin Grove was made on 4th May 1874, when a public meeting to discuss the necessity of a school was held at the home of Mr J. L. Bales. The meeting decided:
“That a public school is an absolute necessity in this district; (this) is fully proved by the facts, that 41 persons nearly all heads of families, attended the meeting and the sum of 53.10.0 pounds was subscribed on the spot."
These 41 persons represented an aggregate of 56 children.
“But this number cannot be considered as more than one third of the children varying in ages from 5 to 12 years, who reside within a radius of one mile of the proposed site, many of whom attend no school at all".
The Board of Education approved the establishment of the school, and in October 1874, tenders were called for the erection of a school sufficiently large to accommodate 150 children. That of Stephen Foreman and William Salmon, for 631.10.0 pounds, was accepted.
The school was opened in May 1875 with Mr Thomas Christie as its first Head Teacher. On the 20th of August 1875, Mr Christie advised the Department that the average attendance per day was 160. He was at this stage assisted by three female pupil teachers.
The next four years saw vast improvements to the school. The grounds were partially cleared and fenced; play sheds were erected; an underground tank was built. In August 1879, the Committee requested that a gymnasium be erected. Through enquiry, they had discovered that the cost would approximately amount to 31 pounds. They were prepared to pay the usual local contribution (1/3 of the total cost). In February 1885, Francis Walker, the Head Teacher, wrote in connection with the gymnasium:
“The boys of this school have gathered among themselves the sum of 1.14.4 pounds, for the purpose of levelling the play shed, placing battens round the posts, and putting a layer of tan on the surface".
He considered that these improvements were necessary for the safety of the boys. The gymnasium was one of the school's proudest possessions.
Unearthing 150 Years of History
For nearly a century and a half, the schools of Kelvin Grove have stood as a pillar of education, community, and progress. As we approach the school’s 150th anniversary, we embark on an extraordinary journey into our past—one filled with stories, artefacts, and invaluable moments that have shaped generations of students and the broader community.A Legacy of Learning and Growth
Since its establishment, Kelvin Grove State College has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a foundation for thousands of young minds eager to make their mark on the world. Throughout its history, the school has witnessed and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of education, incorporating new teaching methods, expanding its curriculum, and fostering a spirit of innovation among students and staff alike.
A Legacy of Learning and Growth
Since their establishment, the schools of Kelvin Grove State College have been more than just a place of learning; they have been a foundation for thousands of young minds eager to make their mark on the world. Throughout our history, the schools have witnessed and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of education, incorporating new teaching methods, expanding its curriculum, and fostering a spirit of innovation among students and staff alike.
Treasures from the Archives
Leading up to this milestone celebration, our dedicated team has been exploring the school's archives, uncovering photographs, letters, yearbooks, and even classroom materials from decades past. These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into school life over the years—how students dressed, how they learned, and how their experiences compared to those of today’s students.
Among the many discoveries are handwritten diaries from former students, reflecting on their time at the college during pivotal moments in history, including World War II, the technological revolution, and the rapid urban expansion of Kelvin Grove. These accounts serve as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of our students, qualities that remain at the core of the college’s identity.
The College’s Role in the Community
The schools of Kelvin Grove, including Girls and infants’, boys, infants, primary high school and finally the College, has long been an integral part of the local community, with generations of families sending their children through its doors. The school’s presence has contributed not only to education but also to the social and cultural fabric of Kelvin Grove and beyond. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders in various fields, attributing their success to the strong foundation laid during their schooling years.
Community engagement has always been at the heart of the College’s mission. From hosting public events to collaborating with local businesses and universities, the school has continuously fostered connections that benefit both students and the wider community. This spirit of collaboration and outreach is something we proudly carry forward into our 150th year and beyond.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our past, we also look to the future. The evolution of Kelvin Grove State College from the schools that came before, is a testament to its commitment to excellence in education. With new facilities, modern teaching approaches, and a diverse and dynamic student body, the College continues to uphold its tradition of nurturing talent and preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
We invite all alumni, students, staff, and community members to join us in commemorating this incredible milestone. Whether you have a story to share, a piece of memorabilia to contribute, or simply wish to celebrate with us, your involvement is what makes this journey so meaningful.
Together, let’s honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the current and future community of Kelvin Grove State College.