History
In the early 1950’s the first moves to provide primary schooling for the rapidly growing Seven Hills District were taken with the acquisition of the several portions lying between Foxton Street, and D’Arcy Roads. The area known as “The Bull Paddock” by locals comprised a varying terrain from stony hillsides through thickly timbered eucalyptus scrub to water holes and permanent grassy wetlands. In the lower reaches.
Approval for the establishment of the Primary School was finally given by the education minister in May 1958 and construction began in July 1959. Despite extensive blasting required to lay foundation in the sold rock encountered on the chose site, the school was open for business as planned on the first day of term, January 15th, 1960.
Our first acting principal, Mr James Williamson and a small band of teachers welcomed 84 students for enrolment of the first day. By the end of the first week enrolments had reached 108 and by the end of the year 141 students were attending.
The opening of the school which was to coincide with the first Seven Hills State School Fete had to be deferred until the appointment of a permanent head teachers. Mr Henry James Newitt was transferred from Kuraby State School to take up the position as the schools first permanent principal on July 25th, 1960. The school was officially opened by the then Minister for Education the Hon. J.C. Pizzey M.L.A at the fete held on 1 October 1960.
The school colours, emerald green and gold were chose at the November 10th School Committee meeting and uniform designs wee formalized in early December. The uniforms which were stocked by McDonnell and East department store were on display at the school, on the last day of school for 1960.
The school grew to have an enrolment of 351 by 1962. In 1964 temporary class room were required. These were replaced in 1967 by a new wing, (which currently houses the library and OSHC). By 1968 there were 448 students.
Over the ensuing decades Seven Hills State School numbers have waxed and waned with demographical changes to the surround suburbs producing fluctuation in enrolment numbers. In 2004 Seven Hills SS was chosen to be one of the first trial prep classes. Since then enrolment numbers have continued to climb.
The hectare of remnant bushland on the school grounds has been maintained and replanted by parents, teachers and students of the school, encouraged by local resident, author and leader of Perrin Creek Seven Hills Bush land Rehabilitation group, Eris Jolly. In 2002 studies of historical school photos revealed the Seven Hills Nature Trail, which had become overgrown and choked by lantana. Intensive efforts by a dedicated band of Perrin Creek Seven Hills Bush Land Rehabilitation group and Seven Hills SS volunteers resulted in the trail being reopened in 2004, reinstating this valuable environmental and educational resource to our school community.
Seven Hills State School will celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 2010. A number of celebrations are planned to occur throughout the year. Children currently attending the school include some second generation Seven Hills students. New families join our community each year attracted initially by the beautiful spacious surrounds and solid reputation of our dedicated and talented teacher.
References:
Eris Jolly, 2002. Seven Hills of Brisbane
Eris Jolly, personal communications, 2008
W Maclachlan, Minutes of the Seven Hills State Primary School Committee, 1960-1962
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