Historical information

With the rapid growth of primary school enrolments in the 1950s (baby boomers), the need for an additional high school in Sunshine was identified. Planning got underway to build a new school but, in the meantime, the Education Department secured alternative premises at St Mark’s in Anderson Road. At the start of 1960, 85 pupils enrolled at the school. There were four full-time teachers; one part-time teacher; a Headmaster; and a secretary.

Initially, the student population comprised approximately 50 percent of children from refugee backgrounds (post-World War 2 Europe), such as people of Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, German, Maltese, Greek, Italian and Chinese descent,
both born in Australia or new arrivals. Many of them could not speak English.

In April 2008, three old friends (students of Australian, Russian and Polish descent) decided to meet at the Polish Club in Ardeer to reminisce about their time as students of Sunshine West High School during the 1960s. Following the successful get-together, the three men agreed to meet regularly on the first Saturday of the month at the same venue.

By August 2008, the meeting had attracted 20 people, and by September 2008, 40 people were in attendance. An official reunion was held in November 2008, attended by 98 ex-students and 10teachers. And so, the Thistle Club was born. The Club has become a valuable resource for the school and individuals who have stayed connected to their alumni network.

Significance

The Thistle Club has been active over the last 18-years with ex-students and teachers meeting monthly at 12 noon at the Polish Sporting Recreation Club in Albion. Membership to the Club is open to alumni from the six decades the school has been in existence. It is considered a valuable social network, with former students also assisting the welfare office with funding for disadvantaged students and the provision of an annual scholarship.

Physical description

Collection of documents on the Sunshine West High School Thistle Club

Inscriptions & markings

5889.01 - Sunshine West High School Thistle Club - Ex-students Of Sunshine West High School Activities At Polish Club In Albion.pdf
5889.02 - Sunshine And District Newsletter No 64 March 2023 - Sunshine West High School And The Establishment Of Their Alumni The Thistle Club.pdf