Physical description
17 page hanwritten history of Coydon West HIgh School entitled "The First Five Years (The Croydon West Years), dated April 1989. Author unknown.
17 page hanwritten history of Coydon West HIgh School entitled "The First Five Years (The Croydon West Years), dated April 1989. Author unknown.
Parent Record for Archive collection of photographs and documents relating to Maroondah High School / Melba Secondary College, Croydon West High School and Croydon Secondary College. Croydon West High School became Maroondah High School, then renamed Maroondah Secondary College. This was merged with Croydon Secondary College to form Melba College in 2013.
Collection of Black and White photographs, and Negatives. No information on back of photos. Identification of School came from article in Ringwood-Croydon Mail, 20th July, 1983 p.11 (See C:\Master_Docs\SC0138 (Item 3161) Notes.pdf, copy attached)
Plaque reads: "This music centre and 'Pioneer Place' were officially opened on 20th July, 1983 by Ellie V. Pullin, M.B.E. President Ringwood Historical Research Group."
Blue A5 pamplet, for 25 Years Birthday, Celebrated in 1989 on Sunday 10th September.
John Hutchinson, Chairman of 25th Birthday Committee. A Douglas, first principal, F Russell, second, and H Fletcher, third. Contains map of celebrations and school song.
4 page typed history of Coydon West HIgh School, beginning February 1965. Last entry relates to first Leaving Certificate in 1969. Author and Date unknown.
6 page photocopy of handwritten History of the Area adjacent to Marrondah High School, by Eva Buchanan. Also a Word Trasncription of same. Date unknown. Includes references to Nelson's Hill, Burnt Bridge, Cutts Avenue naming, Samuel Cutts, W. S. (Billy) WIlliams, de Pelsenaire family, Cheevers family, Brentnall Road naming, Muldowney Family, Alfred Brentnall, Ainslee Park.
5 page photocopy of handwritten "Development of Marrondah High School Grounds", by Eva Buchanan (undated). Also a Word Transcription of same. Includes references to Anne Tally, Michael Duffy, William McCree, Samuel Smith, Lloyd family, Croydon West High School Buildings and grounds construction. Alfred Brentnall, Community Centre, Prizes fro gardens and grounds, the "LION Park", and students Marita Ginty, Kylie Hermus, Mark Antonio, John O'Neill, Vivienne Gardner, JUlie Whatnall, Alison Sloane, Annette Williams.
Two sets of handwritten pages covering staff names, commencement and departure dates. One list is by year, one is alphabetical by surname. Authors unknown.
Photocopied Newspaper Article "Complex Gains Support" (1/10/1973) about jint project vy Maroondah H.S., the Education Dept, Croydon West Primary School, and Ringwood and Croydon Councils for a school-Community centre complex. Photocopied article c1979 containing a brief history of the Community Centre and a small plan and image of a model. Source Unknown.
Aerial Photograph including Maroondah High School. Dated 9.2.72
Department of Crown Lands and Surverys Victoria (C), Melbourne 1972 Project Run 32 9.2.72. 5,050' ASL
Photcopied Street Plan including Maroondah High School, Cutts Ave, Beaufort Rd, Ainslie Park, Sacred Heart Monastery etc. Source and date unknown but probably c1972.
Handwritten Report - Survey Carried out by Maroondah High School Students - 3rd Form
Date of Survey - Thursday 12th December 1974 and Friday 13th December 1974 Survey of Noxious Weeds in Ringwood in the following areas: B.J. Hubbard Reserve Evelyn Rd, San Remo, Cameron Rd Area Melville Drive Reserve – Oban Rd area Mullum Reserve Mullum Creek – from behind Council yard to Ringwood Library Tamar St Reserve Norwood Reserve Peter Vergers Reserve Holland Rd Reserve Everard Rd – near Maroondah Hwy Dublin Rd Reserve – near Maroondah Hwy Ringwood East Reserve Vacant land opposite reserve on Dublin Rd Ringwood Civic Centre area – adjoining Mines Rd Ringwood Lake Heathmont Railway Reserve Heathmont Park Proclamation Park
Series or short typed essays about the Opening of the Music Room and Pioneer Place, written by students of Mrs Morris's Year 7 English Class Also a Newspaper article about the opening with the Principal of Maroondah High School, Mr Harry Fletcher pictured in front of the school's new music centre.
Includes descriptions of the events, guests (including Mrs Pullin, Ringwood Historicl Society, who opened the music room), and participants including Mr Fletcher, Mr Corr, Mrs Lee, Mr Constable and their classes.
The article, “School’s day of grandeur – New centre is opened” (written by Roth Jones), reports on the official opening of Maroondah High School’s new community centre on Wednesday, March 5, 1980. The event was led by Sir Zelman Cowen, the Governor-General of Australia, who visited both Croydon and Ringwood as part of the occasion. Sir Zelman Cowen arrived in a Rolls-Royce, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from approximately 1,200 children. He inspected the newly completed 225-seat hall, met staff and students, and spoke with local government representatives. The dignitaries named in the article include: - Sir Zelman Cowen – Governor-General of Australia - Cr Pat Gotlib – Mayor of Ringwood - Mr. S. Gotlib - Cr Terry Kinley – Mayor of Croydon - Mrs Terry Kinley – Mayoress of Croydon - Mr Les Hutchinson - president of the School Council - Mr Lacy - Minister for the Arts and Assistant Minister for Education - Grant Hutchinson, student member of the School Council, who thanked teh Governor-General - Julie Blair - Form 8 student - who "presented Lady Cowen with a bouquet of yellow flowers". The article highlights the significance of the new community centre for Maroondah High School and the excitement surrounding the Governor-General’s visit. (Summary by Co-Pilot 1/8/2026).
Photo Caption: Sir Zelman Cohen meets the Mayor of Ringwood Cr Pat Gotlib with her husband, Mr. S Gotlib. In teh rear partly hiddne are the Mayor and Mayoress of Croydon, Cr and Mrs Terry Kirley.
Newspaper clipping - The article profiles Geoff Cooper, a 48‑year‑old English, politics, and history teacher who returned to Maroondah Secondary College after spending 12 months teaching in Evergreen, Colorado, USA. During his time abroad, Geoff and his wife Marlene Cooper travelled more than 16,500 kilometres across North America, visiting places such as New Orleans, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and observing the Presidential elections. Geoff reflects on differences between American and Australian students, noting that American students tend to be more confident and heavily involved in school activities, while Australian students show greater creativity. The article also recounts a dramatic incident during their travels in Lexington, Virginia, where Marlene discovered a dead body in the bathroom of a bed‑and‑breakfast. The piece includes a photo of Geoff Cooper wearing an “Evergreen” sweatshirt, highlighting his return after a memorable year abroad. (Co-Pilot Summary 8/8/2026)
Photo Caption: Back after memorable 12 months, Geoff Cooper
Newspaper clipping - The article highlights Maroondah Secondary College’s upcoming production of Oliver! and features three cast members in costume. Fred Wubbeling, the school principal, is taking on the role of Mr Bumble the Beadle, while two 12‑year‑old students, Luke Slade and Bjorn Carr, are sharing the lead role of Oliver. Production scheduled for August 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 at the Maroondah Secondary College Theatre.
Photo Caption: "PLEASE sir, can we have some more?"...
Newspaper clipping - The article announces a new academic initiative at Maroondah Secondary College, where VCE students will be able to study first‑year university subjects beginning the following year. According to college spokesman Mr Gray Ryan, the subjects—philosophy, business statistics, and history‑politics—are part of Monash University’s Enhancement Studies Project, which allows capable Year 12 students to take university‑level units while completing their VCE. Mr Ryan explains that the program is aimed at exceptional students who need greater academic challenge and can manage the additional workload. Completing these subjects would let students accelerate their university progress. The extra study requires two to three hours after school and costs $300 per semester. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Newspaper clipping - The article reports on Allan Bonner, a Maroondah Secondary College teacher who completed a 1,300‑kilometre bicycle ride around Victoria to raise funds for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) research. Despite facing floods, storms, hail, cattle on the road, and even losing a wheel, he raised $2,145 during the six‑day journey, which took him through towns including Mildura, Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Ivanhoe, Hay, and Echuca. Bonner’s motivation is deeply personal: his six‑month‑old daughter died from SIDS 15 years earlier. The fundraising cheque was presented at Maroondah Secondary College, where young Jasmine Mikkelsen accepted it on behalf of the organisation. Also present were SIDS representatives Zoe Mikkelsen and Jan Mikkelsen, school principal Fred Wubbeling, and SRC president Emma Gallagher. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "Thanks Mr Bonner!"
Newspaper clipping - The article describes Maroondah Secondary College’s involvement in the National Rethinking Drinking program, which aims to help students and parents better understand alcohol use and reduce the risks associated with it. Featured in the accompanying photo are Year 9 students Shelley Lee and Jason Thomas, who are participating in activities demonstrating the alcohol content of different drinks. The school’s health co‑ordinator, Nerida Matthews, explains that the program addresses issues such as violence, road trauma, accidents, unsafe sex, and relationship breakdowns linked to drinking. As part of the initiative, the school will host a special evening on July 19, where parents can learn about alcohol‑related risks while students serve “mocktails” and perform role‑plays. Students also use a workbook and a computer game to learn about alcohol’s effects and how to make safer decisions. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "RE-THINKING their drinking"
Newspaper clipping - The article reports that Maroondah Secondary College has received $1000 from National Dairies Victoria Ltd to support its physical education program. The school was one of six selected in a raffle, and the funding will be used to upgrade sports uniforms and expand inter‑school sports participation. A photo features students Eliza Morgans, Lauren Selway, Damien Anthony, and Regan Robinson celebrating the news. Principal Fred Wubbeling explains that improving the sports uniform has been a long‑term goal and that the funding will allow more students to take part in external sporting activities rather than just a single team (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "Celebrating"
Newspaper clipping - The article celebrates the strong VCE results achieved by students at Maroondah Secondary College. The school recorded a 94% pass rate, outperforming the state average of 91%. Ten students ranked in the top 15% statewide, and four placed in the top 10%. A photo features high‑achieving students Heath, Suzanne, Moira, Kristi, Kylie, Rochelle, and David, who are shown relaxing after receiving their impressive results. The piece notes that these students can enjoy their summer break with confidence as they await university placements. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "MARKS of Distinction"
Newspaper clipping - The article profiles Mat Michell, a 14‑year‑old student from Maroondah Secondary College, who has become the Victorian International Field Archery Association (IFAA) junior champion. Mat began archery only 19 months earlier during a school camp and later joined the Lilydale Bowmen Field Archers Club, where he quickly developed a reputation for consistently hitting bullseyes. He recently won first place at a competition in New South Wales and placed second in an Australian Bow Hunting championship. Mat shoots targets from around 50 metres and is eligible for future selection to the Australian team, though he must wait two years for the next competition cycle. The article is written by Leonora Elliott‑Bruce, and the accompanying photograph is credited to Michelle Kelcey.. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "A GOOD eye: Mat Michell is aiming for the top"
Newspaper clipping - The article covers Maroondah Secondary College’s 1995 Annual Ball, held at Rembrandt’s Function Centre, where 18 debutantes and their partners were formally presented. The presentation was made to Council Commissioner Jan Bateman and her husband John Bateman. The accompanying photo features several key attendees: - Fred Wubbeling, the college principal - Jan Bateman - John Bateman - David Bower, college council president - Debutantes Alina Meates, Michelle Allely, Ngoe Huynh, and Susanne Davison The debutantes performed a modern routine to the song Dirty Dancing, enhanced with ultraviolet and strobe lighting. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "A NIGHT TO REMEMBER"
Newspaper clipping - The article announces Maroondah Secondary College’s upcoming musical production of Annie Get Your Gun. The new director, Judi Benney, has stepped in shortly before rehearsals began, taking over from Bob Constable. Benney describes the transition as challenging but says the students’ enthusiasm is driving the production forward. She brings prior experience from staging shows such as Charlotte’s Web and Annie. Performances are scheduled for August 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24. The accompanying photo features cast members Kirsty McMillan, Josh Bode, and Renae Pels posing playfully during rehearsals. The article is written by Mandy Hyland, "Newshound" and included a photo of Mandy. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "Performance Fun"
Newspaper clipping - The article highlights members of the Maroondah Secondary College Senior Concert Band, who have received new band vests thanks to fundraising by SCAMPS (the Maroondah Secondary College Association of Music, Parents and Supporters). The featured band members are Lauren, Jacqui, Carly, Liesel, Daniel, and Tamara, shown “stepping out in style” in their new uniforms. The school’s stage band, Seeking Sanity, has also been outfitted with matching vests displaying the school’s music emblem. For information about upcoming performances, readers are directed to contact Jane Lee. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "STEPPING OUT IN STYLE"
Newspaper clipping - The article describes Maroondah Secondary College becoming the first secondary school in Victoria to run the Police Involvement in Schools Program, previously used only in primary schools. Trudy Spittle, the school’s student welfare and program co‑ordinator, explains that having police officers regularly on campus has made students feel more comfortable approaching them, while also giving officers valuable experience working with adolescents. Three police officers — Senior Constable John Neilson (Knox Police), Julie Simpson (Mooroolbark), and Jeanette Berriman (Belgrave) — visit the school every second Thursday to work with middle‑school students on pre‑driver education and health topics. As part of this, officers from the Knox traffic operations group demonstrated radar equipment and discussed braking distances for cars and motorbikes. A photo shows Senior Constable Graeme Rust presenting a radar gun to Year 10 students Andrew, Lauren, Mark, and Katy. Throughout the year, officers will also cover drug education, harassment, and legal issues. Spittle says the program’s main aim is to break down communication barriers between students and police, and that it is already proving highly successful. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "New toy" (Showing the radar gun)
Newspaper clipping - The article describes a World Environment Week project in which students from Maroondah Secondary College, Luther College, and Yarra Valley Anglican School joined members of the Croydon Conservation Society to improve Croydon Railway Station. As part of the Maroondah Stationeers program—run by Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria and the Department of Infrastructure—students painted murals, installed planter pots, and helped give the station a fresh new look. Project officer Annette Smith explains that the Stationeers initiative operates at more than 60 stations across Melbourne. Peter Goegan, the council’s contract supervisor for parks, publicly thanked the students and volunteers for their work. The article also provides contact details for Peter Goegan and Lia Sanzaro for anyone interested in joining the conservation efforts. A photo features Elyse Thompson, a student from Yarra Valley Anglican School, planting seedlings as part of the project. (Co-pilot summary 8/8/2026)
Caption "Beautifying Croydon Station"
2 page A4 document on yellow paper, written by Hohn Hutchinson (Convenor of School History), describing historical material including photographs, and plans for the birthday in 1989. Inludes a photograph of an article from 1973 of Form 2F.
Photocopy of handwritten minutes of 25th Birthday planning meeting 17/4/1989; also photocopy of page of several newspaper clippings about the birthday. The Minutes include a list of School musicals from 1965 - 1989
A5 blue paper flyer for 1956 Children's Art Exhhibition in the Lower Town Hall, Ringwood. To be officially opened by Mr Eric Westbrook (Director, National Gallery). See also VC 906 for 1957 Exhibition
"Under Auspices North Ringwood State School Committee. President R. Pullin Secretary H.A. McWilliam" On Reverse, Advertisement for Brockhoff Morning Coffee Biscuits "Pause for Refreshment, Cause for Enjoyment"