Ex-students returning to Parkes for this weekends Parkes High School Yr 10 1976 50th Reunion: Judi Clifton, Kym Hodges, Craig Stokes, Rodney Barnes, Debbie Miles.
Eighty former Parkes High School students and their partners will be returning this weekend 11-13 September to celebrate 50 years since completing Year 10. The students attended Parkes High School between the years 1973 (Yr 7), 1976 (Yr 10 – 50 yrs) and 1978 (Yr 12).
Ex-students will be travelling from interstate and locally to attend. Some students travelling over 1,000 km from Mackay, Qld and Somerset, Tasmania to renew old friendships. Memories of those “good old school days” will no doubt be recalled.
The reunion is being organised by locals Rodney and Jennie Barnes, Kym Hodges, Tony Jackson, Debbie Miles and Doug Miller.
Social drinks and an informal get together will take place from 5:30pm Friday night at the Railway Hotel. The main function will be held at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club from 5pm on Saturday evening. A roll call will occur at 6pm. There will be a memorabilia display with photos, old school uniforms and music from the 70’s and 80’s. A brunch and farewell will follow at Parkes Bowling & Sports Club from 10am on the Sunday.
Reunion gatherings have previously been held on six occasions, coinciding with 1983 Parkes Centenary celebrations for whole of school, 2006 75th Anniversary of Education at the current site, 2011 Parkes High School 80th birthday, along with era specific reunions in 1999 and 2016.
Historical Facts:
• 1973 saw a record Year 7 intake of 204 students.
• School Leaders in 1978 were Captains: Debbie Gosper (Miles) & Stephen Reilly. Vice Captains were Mark Chew, Peter Umbers & Sue Fryer (Thomas).
• Dux of the School 1978 was Joy Onley.
• Principals during the time were Mr John Byrom 1973-1976 and Mr Mervyn Eyles 1977-1978