‘Part of the fabric of the community’: Harvey Senior High School celebrates 60th anniversary milestone

A Harvey school which has become “part of the fabric” of the South West community is now flying a new flag, commemorating 60 years of education. Memories were recalled and stories shared during a celebratory sundowner on November 23, marking Harvey Senior High School’s 60th anniversary. About 50 people attended Harvey Senior High School to mark the local institution’s 60th anniversary, which also acted as a thankyou sundowner for community supporters. Principal David Gault shared his enthusiasm and love for working at a country high school to the crowd of past students, staff and community members. “It is different to working at a metropolitan school, or even a school in one of our larger regional centres,” he said. “A country senior high school should be part of the fabric of the local community. “It should be part of a shared history and … part of a shared future. “I believe one of our jobs as a staff of this school is to be its custodians, to ensure that it remains a part of the fabric of our town, our challenge is to be a school that our community can be proud of.” The school has produced its fair share of high achieving graduates, including four serving State and Federal politicians. Forrest MHR Nola Marino, Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns, Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday and Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price have all been students at the school. However, Mr Gault focused on the story of when Harvey residents were ordered to evacuate to the school in August 1964 over fears the walls of a local dam would be breached. “Whilst that is a good story in itself with the community enjoying ‘Peters pies for tea’, it gets better,” he said. “Over the course of the evening a heavily pregnant mother-to-be went into labour, with the two resulting twins being born in the principal’s office. “They have now turned 58 years old.” Mr Gault described education as a powerful tool to unlock the doors to happiness and success. “It allows students to grow and discover what they are passionate about,” he said. A 60th anniversary flag was unveiled as part of the festivities, and will now fly every day from the school’s original flag pole. It was raised for the first time by former students Jennifer Galati and Julie Chapman.