History

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Historical Timeline of Indooroopilly State High School

YEAR	EVENT/MILESTONE
1950s
1950	On Department of Public Instruction advice, the Land Administration Board purchased three parcels of land in Indooroopilly for £10 923 to build a new high school
1951
1952	The groundsman took up residence. The original groundsman lived onsite in a pre-1936 farmhouse situated where the present Administration building stands
1953	The Director-General of Public Instruction issued a request to the Under Secretary of Public Works to commence construction of Indooroopilly State High School Work commenced on clearing the site and construction of Indro High began
1954	Indooroopilly State High School opened on 2 February with 6 staff and 167 students. A and B blocks were the first buildings and McCaul Street was the main entrance to the school First principal: Thomas Aloysuis White
1955	Construction of C block was finalised Indro students sat junior external exams for the first time, outperforming established schools and laying a foundation of academic success in the school's early years
1956	The entry to the school via Ward Street was “cut in" with a bulldozer The first permanent groundman was appointed
1957	Following external senior examinations, Indro graduated its first cohort of students Two 1957 graduates were awarded University Fellowships (scholarships): Peter Doherty (veterinary science) and Kenneth Goodwin (education) Enrolment: c. 460
1958	W. A. Bell was appointed as Indro's first Deputy Principal Long standing teacher Bert Mc Alpine commenced teaching at Indro Construction of the school ovals commenced Enrolment: over 600
1959	Gilbert Ward commenced as Principal D block construction was completed Alum and distinguished journalist George Negus served as editor of the Students' Journal (Yearbook) Enrolment: c. 800
1960s
1960	A School Fete was held A new Domestic Science block and four additional classrooms (G block), including one used initially used for Art, were openen Art and German were taught for the first time Enrolment: c. 800
1961	Miss M. Webster was appointed as Indro's first “Principal Mistress" to look after female students Driveways from McCaul and Ward Streets, which converge in the area now known as Town Square, were finalised Enrolment c. 800
1962	Photographic and Science Clubs were formed Advertisements were included in the Students' Journal (Yearbook) for the first time, allowing better quality photographs to be included in the publication
1963	A Past Students’ Associated was reformed
1964	Year 8 was transferred to high school, becoming the first year of secondary school Alum Barry Cheales became Indro SHS's first ever Olympian, competing in gymnastics at the 1964 Tokyo Games
1965	The original tennis and basketball courts were built on the site now occupied by the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH). The original tennis courts were built on top of fill removed to level the area now known as Town Square Enrolment: c. 750
1966	Indro staged its first ever drama production – Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw A French Club was formed for the first time Indro got its first full time physical education teacher. Before this time all teachers taught physical education and music
1967	Principal Gilbert Ward retired (June) The Commonwealth Science block (F Block) was officially opened Dramatic and Debating Clubs were established
1968	John Sparkes commenced as Principal Vale Stanley F. Brown. Stan was a foundation teacher in 1954 and was widely remembered as a dedicated teacher and colleague. Upon the reading of his will it was it was discovered that in his estate Stan had bequeathed his house to the school “for the charitable purposes of Indooroopilly State High School"
1969	Indro’s Interact (Rotary) Club sponsored a deaf student from Uganda’s School for the deaf, providing him access to education that his family was unable to afford
1970s
1970	Indro staff were considering implications of “The Radford Report" (1970), which recommended replacing external junior and senior exams with school-based assessment Indro held its first Year 12 formal to farewell the senior class Enrolment: 766
1971	The P&C submitted proposals to the Department of Public Works for the construction of a School Hall, planning to use funds from Stan Brown's estate bequest to fund the project. Musical: Tom Jones Enrolment: 820
1972	External senior examinations were held for the last time The P&C donated a tractor to the school The P&C provided a “modern Art room" to be ready for use in the 1973 school year The P&C received $12,073 from rental income and the proceeds of the house sale following the settlement of Stan Brown's estate
1973
1974	B. L. (“Laurie") Dennis commenced as Principal Students were awarded Tertiary Entrance (TE) Scores for the first time Construction of the School Hall began, with parent and student volunteers assisting with construction to reduce costs Construction of a new administration block on the site of the old Janitor's Cottage commenced 61 students successfully sat final examinations completing their Mothercraft Certificates conducted by the Maternal and Child Welfare Department Indro hosted matches rescheduled due to washouts from the Queensland Lawn Tennis Association Championships. Though injured and unable to compete, tennis champion Bjorn Borg was a spectator Indro prefects distributed donated toys to local families and kindergartens impacted by the 1974 floods
1975
1976	Vale Principal Laurie Dennis Brian Lawley commenced as Principal following the death of Laurie Dennis The School Hall was officially opened A Flexible Dress Code was introduced which allowed students to either wear the school uniform or “other appropriate dress"
1977
1978	Alum Glenn Patching won a gold medal in the men's 100-metre backstroke at the 1978 Edmonton Commonwealth Games Indro held a 25^th Silver Jubilee Anniversary event
1979	Planning and construction of the new manual arts block (J Block) commenced
1980s
1981
1982
1983	Enrolment: c. 1000
1984	Lorna Wheelan commenced as Deputy Principal The School Library / Resource Centre (I Block) was opened A new canteen/tuckshop was opened underneath C Block The area under the current administration building was enclosed, creating 4 new classrooms (H Block) Enrolment: c. 1200
1985	Enrolment: c. 1200 The Music Block (L block) was officially opened The Yearbook was described as “the first yearbook to be produced for a number of years" K block was purchased by the P&C as a junior science laboratory The first computers (Sperry models) arrived at Indro
1986	Enrolment: 1120
1987	Indro's performance of Rock Me Amadeus won first place in the Queensland Rock Eisteddfod Enrolment: 1075
1988	Rod Bailey commenced as Principal After 35 years in operation, Indro held an Official Opening when Rod Bailey discovered the school had never been officially opened Bert McAlpine commenced research into Indro High's history. Bert collected and preserved many archival documents, photographs and memorabilia items still held by the school. Bert presented a history of Indro at an assembly for the Official Opening. Much of the material preserved by him was used in producing the 50^th Jubilee commemorative magazine Palma in 2004 Enrolment: 1032
1989	Indro commenced teaching Chinese as a language subject Enrolment: 952
1990s
1990	Vale Bert McAlpine. Bert was a beloved Physics and Mathematics teacher and “school historian" at Indro for nearly 33 years. To this day, Indro students compete in the annual Bert McAlpine tennis tournament, held in his honour A student radio, this time known as “Triple Chicken," was reestablished Student volunteers acted as lollipop crossing supervisors to ensure students were able to cross the road to the bus stop safely School Hall repairs, required due to subsidence, were completed with P&C support at a cost of over $100,000 Student and teacher volunteers worked on clearing and revitalising the land behind F Block to develop the Rainforest area Enrolment: 878
1991	Year 12s were permitted to opt into “at home study" instead of Wednesday afternoon sport Enrolment: 853
1992	United Nations (UN) Day was held for the first time An Amnesty International/Environment group was formed with 6 members Dance Studies was offered for the first time as an elective subject in the junior school Year 12 students were the first to receive Overall Position (OP) tertiary admission scores, which replaced Tertiary Entrance (TE) scores Enrolment 847
1993	Musical: Sherwoodstock A Social Justice and Equity Committee was formed A student payphone was connected by the SRC as a service to students and fundraising venture Enrolment: 849
1994	Indro was featured in a segment on Totally Wild with Ranger Stacey, highlighting the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly A variety concert was held
1995	Indro got its first internet connection and email address An Indro team won the Queensland Debating Championship Corporal punishment was officially abolished in Queensland schools
1996	Indro Alum Peter Doherty jointly won the Nobel Prize for Medicine with Rolf Zinkernagel for “discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell mediated immune defence" Musical: A Midsummer Night's Dream A student radio was running again “after 5 years of preparation and fundraising"
1997	Indro Alum Peter Doherty was named Australian of the Year
1998	1998 ISHS graduate Kevin Lee was named Queensland's top secondary student Alum Alison Lever won a bronze medal in the discus throw at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games Lorna Wheelan, Deputy Principal for 15 years, retired. The grounds in the corner of McCaul and Turner Streets were named Wheelan Reserve in honour of Lorna's service to the school and her efforts in developing and regenerating the campus's grounds and natural environment Musical: The Odyssey
1999	Indro welcomed its first cohort of students in the International Students Program (ISP) Vietnamese was offered as a languages subject Indro placed first in the Chinese New Year Float competition
2000s
2000	Principal Rod Bailey retired Pat Heenan commenced as Principal German was taught as a language subject at Indro for the last time An Indro Dance Company was established Enrolment: 581
2001	Alum Jillian Whiting became co-presenter of Channel 9's weekday news in Brisbane Indro's “i" logo was introduced. Although initially used alongside the original school badge, over time the “i" logo replaced the original badge, which gradually fell out of use Horticultural Studies was introduced as a subject
2002	The Peter Doherty Theatre was officially opened including an inaugural address by Professor Peter Doherty titled "The Challenge for Public Education" Indro's first ever school website went online Pat Heenan concluded his tenure as Indro Principal following his promotion
2003	Lois O'Reilly (Collins) commenced as Principal Indro was awarded Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation, signifying high standards of educational quality, dedication to international educational excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement
2004	Indro celebrated its 50^th Year Jubilee, with a community celebration and publication of a commemorative magazine, Palma Mulit-age CARE (form) classes were established Musical: Elvis Has Not Left the Building
2005	The first concert was held as part of UN Day celebrations The school purchased three Lone Pine seedlings propagated from the original Lone Pine on Plateau 400 in Gallipoli, Turkey Indro was approved to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, becoming one of the first two Queensland schools to offer the IB Diploma. Implementation of the IB program at Indro was coordinated by Sylvia Moretto Musical: As You Like It
2006	The first cohort of Indro students commenced studying the IB program The Language Enrichment Centre (LEC) was relocated from Toowong State High School to Indro, offering intensive English education for non-English speaking migrants to support their transition to mainstream schooling
2007	Spanish was offered as a language subject for the first time Aerospace Systems was taught at Indro for the first time The Lone Pine seedlings acquired in 2005 were planted as part of the ANZAC ceremony Indro's first cohort of IB students graduated Musical: The Importance of Being Earnest
2008	The Spanish Immersion Program of Excellence was introduced Alum Barry McGaw was appointed foundation chair of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Students sat National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests for the first time Indro teachers were issued with Computers for Teachers (CFT) laptops for the first time EALD English was offered as a subject for the first time
2009	Musical: Space Balls: The Concert The Chinese Acceleration Program of Excellence was introduced Upgrades to the refurbished amphitheatre were finalised, including a covered roof and stage area
2010s
2010	Peter Doherty delivered the inaugural Peter Doherty Lecture, titled “Science and the Challenges for the Future" Alum Jack Fuller won a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University Vale alum Private Timothy Aplin, 2nd Commando Regiment, who died during service in a helicopter crash during Operation Hamkani in Afghanistan Year 11 and 12 Engineering was offered as a subject for the first time Indro student volunteers completed construction of the flight simulator, which is still in use today. It was constructed using recycled materials, including wood repurposed from the 2009 Spaceballs musical
2011	The Mathematics and Engineering Acceleration Program of Excellence was introduced Indro and nearby schools shifted from Wednesday afternoon sports to “gala days" for inter-school sporting competitions Musical: Alice in Beatlesland Looking through the Glass Onion
2012	Vale Bronwyn Lucas. Bronwyn was a dedicated English teacher and sports coach at Indro since 1988. The annual Bronwyn Lucas Literary Excellence Award was established in her honour, with students writing a short story of up to 1,500 words in any genre set in Brisbane's western suburbs Q Block was opened as the Languages centre The Australian Curriculum was introduced in Queensland in English, Mathematics and Science The Certificate II Furniture Making was offered as a subject for the first time The 1:1 laptop program commenced with Years 10-12 students provided a federally funded laptop
2013	Indro welcomed its first cohort of deaf and hard of hearing students Refurbishments of the School Hall were completed, including the addition of a mezzanine and instrumental music classrooms Musical: Return to the Forbidden Planet Enrolment: 1136
2014	The Student Theatre Company staged a performance of Gate 38 by David Megarrity Indro successfully completed a 10-year CIS review, gaining CIS re-accreditation Enrolment: 1218
2015	Year 7 was moved to high school R block was opened as the Year 7 building Journalist Peter Greste addressed students at UN Day Musical: Glamalot Enrolment: 1498
2016	Alum Dane Bird-Smith won a bronze medal in the 20km race walk at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics Alum Caitlin Sargent-Jones and teammates made the final of the women's 4 x 400m relay at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics Indro High's building and grounds were added to the Queensland Heritage Register for their significance as demonstrations of mid-20th century architecture and landscaping in Queensland schools An extension of the main administration building was completed, providing new offices, meeting rooms and a spacious foyer S Block was installed to accommodate students in the Integrated Support and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Departments Year 12 English and Literature Extension and the Certificate III in Fitness were added as subjects Enrolment: 1618
2017	Alum Kat Feeney was announced as the new host of the ABC's afternoon radio program First year of the Bring Your own Device (BYOD) laptop program Increased enrolments resulted in the Year 7 camp being held in two groups for the first time Musical: All Shook Up 185 students in the International Student Program Enrolment: 1819
2018	An Indro Year 12 team was named Queensland Debating Union (QDU) champions Enrolment: 1992
2019	2018 graduate Maya Lamont was named top student in Queensland Alum Clea's song “Dreaming" won Song of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards Year 12 graduates were the last cohort to sit the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test and receive Overall Position (OP) scores Ludo became Indro's first ever therapy dog Musical: We Will Rock You 189 students in the International Student Program Enrolment: 2102
2020s
2020	The Music Acceleration Program of Excellence was introduced Year 12 graduates were the first to receive Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) tertiary entrance scores in the New QCE System Queensland students sat final year external exams for the first time in 48 years V Block was opened as Indro's 6FC (six full cohort) building to accommodate increased capacity following the shift of Year 7 to high school in 2015. This $15 million, three-storey building features 26 learning areas, including classrooms, science laboratories, design, technologies, and film and television spaces The COVID-19 global pandemic led to lockdowns, 5 weeks of online learning and “virtual assemblies" The school's internet capacity was doubled from 100 to 200 megabits per second Enrolment: 2336
2021	Alum George Negus was awarded the Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism The Multi-Purpose Hall, featuring three basketball courts, a gym and facilities, was opened. Its large size allows assemblies for the whole school to be held once again The new tuckshop (X block) was opened in Town Square next to the E block stairs A refurbishment of Town Square was finalised Musical: Freaky Friday Indro began delivering the Certificate III Aviation (Remote Pilot) Enrolment: 2466
2022	Lois O'Reilly received the Queensland Secondary Principal's Association Leadership in the Profession Award Lois O'Reilly (Collins) retired in June after nearly 20 years as Principal Michael Hornby commenced as Principal Indro established a new school captain position, electing its inaugural First Nations Captain, Hamish Chalmers The first cohort of students commenced in the Leap Program of Excellence, allowing high achieving Year 10 students to commence one Year 11 and 12 subject early Alum Sami Afuni made his theatre debut in Hamilton Alum Tahlia Smith won a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University Enrolment: 2688
2023	Indro introduced Heads of Years (HOYs) for each year level in addition to a dedicated HOY for International Students to provide focused support and guidance tailored to the needs of each cohort Indro hosted an “all years" Alumni Reunion A Yarning Circle was established near the McCaul Street driveway entrance A Year 12 study space was established in V block Pretzel and Truffles joined Ludo as therapy dogs Musical: Rock of Ages Over 200 students in the International Student Program Enrolment: 2786
2024	Indro celebrated its 70^th Anniversary Alum Marcus Berehulak competed in the men's water polo at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games The Student Theatre Company staged a performance of Gate 38 by David Megarrity, the second time this play was performed by Indro STC students Indro introduced a new school logo, after community consultation Enrolment: 2849

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF INDRO STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Indro celebrated our 70th anniversary in 2024. It was wonderful welcoming alumni, parents, students, staff and the wider community to our school on Friday 11 October for a day of festivities, commencing with a school assembly. A performance of our school song, recorded by our amazing Indro Aspire Vocal Ensembles was a highlight and a time capsule with messages from students, staff and alumni was presented in a beautiful timber box hand-crafted by Manual Arts teacher, Mr Nathan Grey.

Students received a commemorative Indro keyring as a 70th birthday gift. The P&C hosted an exciting celebration event after school and the oval was transformed into a thrilling amusement park with fun rides and an open-air stage. There was fierce competition at our ‘Battle of the Bands’. Overhead, pilots Ruchir Awate (Year 12 student), Kailee Dornhart (2022 alumna) and April Chin (2020 alumna) executed flyovers of the school, supported by our Aviation partners, Pathfinder and Flight Tech.

In Town Square, alumni, including around 30 students from our 1954 Foundation Class gathered to reminisce about their treasured school days. A School Museum provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane, whilst a Trivia Competition organised by our Student Representative Council was the ultimate test for current and past students to see who knew the most about Indro school.

Students baked delicious birthday cakes and the Best Overall Cake - Junior was awarded to Oliver Whitehouse, with the Best Overall Cake - Senior presented to Otto To. Alumni enjoyed student-guided school tours with many keen to visit their old classrooms; for some it was their first time back to Indro in 70 years. The evening finale was a spectacular laser light show over the Indro skies.

A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM INDRO ALUMNUS AND NOBEL PRIZE RECIPIENT, LAUREATE PROFESSOR PETER DOHERTY AC

Since our opening in 1954, Indro has been a school that encourages individual talents and aspirations. Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1996, was in the school’s first intake of students. He sent the school community this heartfelt birthday message.

“Indooroopilly State High School did very well by me and the other kids who went there and it’s wonderful that the school has continued to foster generations of young kids to see them find what they want to do and help them fulfil their aspirations for their lives.”

“Indooroopilly High has to my mind, delivered a quality education since its inception way back in 1954. To current students, I say make the best of it, have fun, make friends, and be sceptical about the world. Think carefully, look at the world through the eye of the sceptic. Why am I being told this, what’s the evidence for it, who’s telling me, why are they telling me?” Professor Doherty.

Indro embraces diversity, inclusivity, and encourages students to become productive global citizens. The school offers prestigious Programs of Excellence, has an award-nominated First Nations Department, and renowned International Student Program supported by local Homestay families who share their homes with overseas students studying at Indro.

“What I love about Indro are our amazing teachers, they are able to effectively teach us whilst also entertaining us with their friendly attitude. They set aside time getting to know each of us on a personal basis, creating a strong teacher and student bond,” says Charlie, Year 10. “It feels so special to be part of history as we celebrate our 70th anniversary.”

The 70th anniversary celebration was a chance for the school community to celebrate the unique Indro identity and for future families to explore one of Brisbane’s most distinguished schools to meet current students and teachers.

For Indro’s alumni, it was an opportunity to hold graduation class reunions and step back in time as we recognise Indro’s ‘significant’ history and ongoing contribution to the local and global educational community.

“I was really excited meeting our Alumni to compare notes about the school and to hear about what they’ve been up to since graduating from Indro,” says Zikr, 2024 General Captain. “I’d recommend Indro to future students because of the inclusive community, sporting opportunities like our Indro Aspire program, and our Programs of Excellence which can push you to achieve your potential and beyond.”

Timothy, Year 9 says, “I enjoy knowing friends from multicultural backgrounds, it's like the mini version of the Earth at Indro. It was amazing going on the rides with all my friends. I've never seen rollercoasters on the oval before.”

WELCOMING BACK OUR WONDERFUL ALUMNI
For many alumni, including students from the Foundation Class of 1954, coming to the 70th celebration was their first time back to Indro in several decades. Here are some of the heartfelt reflections about reuniting with old classmates.

"I loved the celebration, what a legacy there is - just a beautiful bunch of people in this community." John Armstrong

"The day was amazing. We had a ball and loved seeing how the school had grown. Even our son who finished at Indro in 2017, said the new changes were fantastic. We couldn't help but recreate a pic from when I met my wife in 1992 to a pic now. The school really did shape my life. Thanks again for a great day to the organisers of the event. We loved it." Jason Capaldi

"Well done! What a great 70th Birthday Celebration! Thank you to all the organisers and helpers! Loved catching up with my alumni friends, chatting with current students, and listening to the school orchestra and wind ensemble." Hilary Langford

"We thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations. The event was so well organised. The bands were fabulous and everyone seemed to have so much fun. Well done Indooroopilly High." Janelle Suzanne

"I had a great time catching up with school friends I haven't seen in 45 years." Graham Wood

"It was terrific to catch up with a few former students of my year, some I'm in contact with, others I'd not seen in decades; and to see how well the school and current students are going." Stuart Remphrey

"Well done IHS. It was great to see over the school again." Jill Duffield

Thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate 70 years of Indro State High. It is you - our amazing school community that makes Indro so special. We know these rich, lifelong friendships forged at Indro will continue to prosper.

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Last reviewed 29 October 2024

Last updated 29 October 2024