Clontarf Beach State School Marks 75th Anniversary with Festivities and Memories

Clontarf Beach State School is celebrating a major milestone this month, marking 75 years since it opened its doors to students for the first time. The anniversary celebration on Saturday, 25 October, promises a day of festivities, reflection, and reconnection, bringing together past and present students, families, and staff to honour decades of education and community involvement.

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Principal Penny Callaghan highlighted that the day is not only about looking back but also about strengthening the school community. She said the celebration recognises the school’s shared history, offers a chance for alumni, current families, and staff to reconnect, and encourages future engagement with the school.

The 75th anniversary will be a lively mix of nostalgia and fun, designed to appeal to all ages. Attendees can expect guided tours of the school, historical displays showcasing the school’s journey, and dedicated reunion spaces for alumni to catch up with old friends and former teachers. 

For those seeking a carnival atmosphere, the day will also feature rides, a sideshow alley, a dunk tank, bake stalls, market stalls, class art auctions, and pick-a-box raffles. Live performances will round out the celebrations, ensuring a festive mood for students and families alike.

Entry to the celebration is free, and the school encourages the entire community to join in honouring this landmark occasion.

A Rich History

Clontarf Beach State School officially opened on 31 January 1950, welcoming 64 students in its first week. Enrolments quickly grew to 150 by the end of that year, reflecting the demand for education in the rapidly developing Clontarf area. Early teaching staff included Head Teacher Bill McGladrigan, alongside classroom teachers Mr Kev Dolan and Ms Dorothy Haly. At that time, the surrounding area was largely bushland, with only a few houses along Elizabeth Avenue.

Over the decades, the school grew alongside the community. In 1957, it opened its first library, establishing a dedicated space for students to explore reading. The following year saw the construction of tennis courts, while the tuckshop opened in 1958, complete with modern facilities including hot and cold running water. The school introduced a uniform in 1961, helping foster a sense of identity and pride among students.

By the 1960s, student numbers had soared past 850, prompting the construction of new classrooms described as “airy and modern” for the time. That era also saw the introduction of new teaching methods, including the Cuisenaire Method for mathematics, and the establishment of the school’s first Sports House system in 1967, which continues to encourage teamwork and healthy competition among students.

The 1970s brought major community-led projects, including the fundraising and opening of the school swimming pool in 1975 and the grandstand in 1979, both lasting symbols of the strong partnership between the school and the Clontarf community. In 1983, a fire destroyed classrooms above the library, but the local community rallied to save most of the library’s contents, exemplifying the school’s enduring community spirit.

More recently, Clontarf Beach State School has embraced modern education, creating outdoor learning spaces, a scooter track, a purpose-built Prep room with disabled access, and incorporating technology such as laptops, iPads, and robotics into the curriculum. Despite these changes, the school remains proud of its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, which has defined it since its opening.

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The 75th anniversary is a moment to honour the past while looking forward to the future. Clontarf Beach State School continues to be a hub of learning, innovation, and community connection, maintaining a proud legacy while inspiring the next generation of students.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
  
• Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
  
• Location: Clontarf Beach State School, Elizabeth Avenue, Clontarf
  
• Entry: Free
  

For more information, visit the school’s official website at https://clontarfbeachss.eq.edu.au or their Facebook page.

Published 20-October-2025