Halls Head College celebrated its 20th year by inviting past principals to join current principal Bronwyn White for a tour of the school and an unveiling of plaques in their honour.
Among the returning principals were founding principal Gary Bamford (2000-2006), Craige Pettit (2006-2007) and David Brady (2009-2010).
After the ceremonial walkthrough, principals past and present sat down with the Mail to talk about the school's legacy, and how things had changed.
Ms White said she was proud to walk the group through the school, and show the innovations and additions that everyone had worked for.
"Where we are now - we cater for all," Ms White said.
"We have our academic programs, we have an incredible range of vocational pathways for students through SSTP - we have sport pathways..."
Mr Brady said he always knew the school would reach this point, and that he and the preceding principals had aspired and worked towards seeing students offered a wide range of options.
"I expected it would happen," Mr Brady said.
"There're too many people within the school and the community who have had set ideas to achieve what we wanted to achieve.
"We've got a strong school community and strong school leadership - when you have those things you're going to have a strong pathway."
We've got a strong school community and strong school leadership - when you have those things you're going to have a strong pathway.
- David Brady
Mr Pettit said that while he had been back to the school for previous events, he hadn't been able to tour the new facilities to this extent before.
"I've been back a few times, but never got to walk through and tour the technologies centre like that."
The principals shared memories and laughs, particularly about a notorious method of behaviour management used by Mr Bamford, where misbehaving students spent the day with him - including recess and lunch.
"It was called 'a day with Bamford'," Mr Bamford laughed.
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A highlight of the walkthrough was the ability for the returning principals to chat with their old staff who were still working at the school.
"It was great to see them," Mr Brady said.
"That's what we as principals are there for, to support and be there for staff."
Ms White added that relationship building was one of the largest reasons Halls Head College had reached the point it has today.
"Relationships is one of our core foci - relationships with our students, getting to know them first and foremost - and relationships with parents, working in partnership with them," she said.
"We have incredible partners now in the community and the industry who are constantly looking for opportunities to connect us to real world opportunities for our students.
"Relationships are really pivotal to what we're about and everyone is excited about providing opportunities to young people."
The day ended with the principals shaking hands, and agreeing that the school was in the place they had always dreamt of.
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
