Indro celebrated our 70th anniversary this year. 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 ALUMNUS AND NOBEL PRIZE RECIPIENT, LAUREATE PROFESSOR PETER DOHERTY
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.” 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.” 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. “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.