Some of the Goondiwindi schools will be reaching historic milestones, but this year, 2022-23 belongs to Inglewood.

We are honoured to be able to have a 150th anniversary on the front cover this year. Schools are the foundation of country towns. Free schooling has enabled each state to prosper. Knowledge brings greater wisdom to every field of activity. All of Inglewood’s farms, mines, shops and just home life benefit. Inglewood state primary school was established in 1872, with the secondary school added in 1962.

This year, 2022, sees Prep to Year 10 with 130 to 150 students. The years are arranged approximately as Prep-yr1, yr2-3, 4-5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Sean Cole is the current Principal.

I usually write the whole front cover story, but Ms Kerry Edmondstone of the 150th anniversary committee provided us with a wonderful concised school history, which I felt should be passed in full.

Kind regards,
Gerard Clarke, owner of Pocket Books.

The following is written by Kerry Edmondstone, who was ‘on staff’ for some thirty years at Inglewood State School, and is on the 150th Celebration committee.

History of Inglewood State School 1872 - 2022

Existing records show that Mr Thomas Ogg was the first Principal of Inglewood State School. He was instrumental in the planning and establishment of the school.

The original primary school was situated near the area where the Inglewood Swimming Pool is now. In 1960 it was decided that a Secondary department was required and students took up residence in the Masonic Lodge building which was across the road from the Primary school. If there was a Masonic function to be held in the hall at night students and teachers had to remove all furniture and then put it back the next day.

After much deliberation between Council and the Department of Education a new site was found for the Secondary classrooms and then ultimately the new Primary classrooms as enrolment numbers were growing. This is the site of the current school.

Secondary students moved into their new building in 1963.

The current school badge was designed in 1960 and has continued to be used since then. It was the result of a competition held among pupils of the school. It was a combination of designs from Alistair Gibson and Lindsay Barrett. They shared a prize of one pound.

The original school song was composed in 1962 and was sung along to the tune of "Click Go the Shears". It was a compilation from Kathy Hopper, Hazel McCall and George Wilkie.

Lawrence Springborg was a student of Inglewood State School for his Secondary Education and is possibly our most well known past pupil.

The first enrolled class contained family names of Slack and Dowling. Both of these families are still active in our local and school community. There is a member of the Slack family on the organising committee for the 150th Celebration.