BSSC Centenary Celebrations

OLD GOLD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

BENDIGO HIGH SCHOOL
BENDIGO SENIOR SECONDARY COLLEGE

General Information Membership Meeting & Reunion dates Reunion photos

1974-1979 Annual Reunion 2008 1958-1963 50th Reunion 2008 1968-1973 40th Reunion 2008

Memorabilia for sale Honorary Life Members History of the college

History Centenary Presentation Centenary photostory (15MB)

Centenary celebrations 2007

Promoting the Centenary Opening of 1913 Time Capsule Visual Arts Exhibition Civic Reception The Arts Spectacular Opening Ecumenical Church Service Rededication of WW1 Honour Boards
& Dedication of electronic WW2 Roll of Honour Student Assemblies Placing of 2057 Time Capsule

Two Centennial Legacies Naming of Buildings World War Rolls of Honour

World War 1 BHS ex students World War 1 Old Bendigo Colleges World War 2 flash World war 2 adobe

School songs A conversation with Edith Where are they now? Archive

90th Reunion 95th Reunion

Monday 8th October 2007
Student Assemblies

Two student assemblies were held on Monday, the first day of Term 4, to allow the current students to celebrate the Centenary.

The assemblies began in great style with "Headmaster James King" appearing out of the smoke of time (using a smoke machine) to the music of "Dr Who". He was wonderfully impersonated by staff member and city councillor, Rod Fyffe, dressed in academic gown and mortar board.

The historic "Oath of Allegiance" was read out by Headmaster King and repeated, with hands on hearts, by all students and staff. Advance Australia Fair and God save the King (the previous national anthem) were sung by all, led by the very talented college ensemble, under the direction of music teacher, Sue Lyons.

Chris Hyett and Elsha Jewell, leaders of the BSSC Student Council, welcomed the students to the assemblies and spoke of the historic nature of the occasion.

College centenarian, Edith Lunn, spoke to the student audience via a video which provided some fascinating insights into life in Bendigo early last century. She recalled wandering on her way to school through the many noisy mining batteries which operated in Bendigo gold mines at that time. She also remembered her neighbour shouting 'over the fence" that World War 1 had begun.

Tony Conolan, a student from the fifties and now a highly regarded professional musician, performed the rock'n'roll version of the school song, Bendigo High School Rock. This song was first performed at a school dance in the early '60s and still sounds wonderfully fresh today. This was followed by the joint winners of the 2007 school song competition performing their updated versions. All performances received rapturous applause from the student audience.

A lasting legacy from the current students was unveiled by the BSSC VCAL students and staff. It is a stunning quilt and includes a wonderful embroidered school logo and sewn-on photographic images. The Centenary quilt was designed and produced by the VCAL Intermediate Personal Development &Work Related Skills during 2007. All current staff signed the reverse side of it.

Principal, Dale Pearce, then addressed the student body, including announcing the items which will be placed in the 2057 time capsule. He also outlined his letter to the school community of 50 years time. Jaan Butler, a Year 11 student and history enthusiast, then spoke about the letter from the current student council to the 2057 student leaders.

At the conclusion of each assembly, professional photographs were taken of each of the Year 11 and Year 12 audiences and these will provide a permanent record of all those who attended these historical assemblies.

Over lunchtime a band played and there was a sausage sizzle and birthday cake for students!