Bilgola Public School Celebrates 60th Birthday: The Anniversary Walk to recreate history

On 28 June, 1965, 2 teachers and 25 students walked up the hill from Avalon PS and into a new school, which today is the Heart of the Hill.

On Saturday 28 June, 2025 - 60 years to the day - around 200 Students, all the Teachers and Staff members, parents and families past, present and future, retraced their steps in an Anniversary Walk.

Four original students were present from the first intake; Ross Montague, John Gray, David Watson and Di Page.

Cutting the 60 Year Birthday cake; Ross Montague, John Gray, David Watson and Di Page

Afterwards a complimentary Birthday Afternoon Tea at Bilgola Plateau Public School was held. The School Museum was open, which had been created through the work of the BPPS P and C, and stories from the past, and the school's Vision for the future, were shared.

In marking the occasion, Cindy Gardiner, Principal of Bilgola Plateau Public School said:

“On this day, 60 years ago, the Director of Education advised the students and Mrs Rita Reid, who was their Principal, they could come up the hill and start their school. Mrs Reid walked them up the hill, like you have all just down now, and started Bilgola Plateau Public School. So well done everyone, you have just recreated history. “

“Mrs. Rita Reid was the Principal for 1 year – as the numbers started to swell it went from an Infants School to a Primary School.”

Principal Gardiner, who loves data, said that the school has had 12 thousand days on the hill and has educated over 3,600 students during the last 60 years, and those former students present at the event had each made 1, 400 trips up the hill to school during their time there. The school has been through 500 excursions, teachers currently serving through 120 reporting sessions and at least 60 Education Weeks, Book Weeks and Easter Hat Parades. 

“So our beautiful school on the hill has a lot of history and a lot of memories and I’m so glad that everyone could join us today for this very special occasion.”

BPPS Principal Cindy Gardiner recalled that when she first came to Bilgola Plateau Public school in 2013 she was knew the school had a great reputation which she has worked to increase. Principal Gardiner stated that was also when she met a wonderful group of teachers who love the school as much as she and the school community does and noted that the whole staff were there for the Anniversary Walk to support this event, a tribute to BPPS and its community.  

BPPS Principal Cindy Gardiner thanked Alice Pilcher and Corinne Smith, Committee Members for the 60 Year BPPS Celebrations as the Anniversary Walk was their brainchild, Susan Peacock for her work in curating the museum displays and Elani Miles for her work in putting together a presentation that was running on a screen in the museum.

Some photos from the stroll up the hill and the Anniversary Walk celebrations run below, for the historic record.

There is more to come, including a BIG FETE in September for the whole community.

Right now the P & C is fundraising, telling us:

Bilgola gave us more than just school photos with questionable haircuts.

It gave us a view worth daydreaming over, lifelong mates, and the best start to a lifetime of learning. Now it’s our turn to give something back.

The Bilgola P&C is raising funds to make sure students get the facilities to match the greatness inside the classroom.

💛 Donations are 100% tax deductible. 

👉 Donate here: www.givenow.com.au/bppsbuildingfund

Because great schools - like great memories - are worth investing in.

No 60 Year BPPS Celebration would be complete without a delve into the history of the Bilgola Plateau Public Schools' beginnings. 

This has been researched and written by Susan Peacock, who has an Archivist and working in Museums background and has been reading those 60 years of records, many of them still on paper - thank you Susan.

Susan Peacock, explaining what's in the BPPS Museum

The Early History of Bilgola Plateau Public School

by Susan Peacock

SCHOOL ORIGINS 

The sleepy holiday villages of the northern beaches began to be more permanently populated during the 1950’s, putting pressure on schools in Avalon and Newport. In September 1959 the Director of Primary Education advised the Valuer General to acquire land for the future Newport Heights Primary School. This purchase was formally completed in September 1960, and an area of “6 acres 3 roods 13 ¾ perches within the Parish of Narrabeen” was resumed for the proposed school. 

Letter 15 Sep, 1960 – Newport Height Public School: Resumption of Land; And Map 12.8.60

NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER
THE PUBLIC WORKS ACT, 1912, AS AMENDED

IT is hereby notified and declared by His Excellency the Governor, acting with the advice of the Executive Council, that so much of the land described in the Schedule hereto as is Crown land is hereby appropriated, and so much of the said land as is private property is hereby resumed, under the Public Works Act, 1912, as amended, for the following public purpose, namely, a Public School at NEWPORT HEIGHTS and that the said land is vested in the Minister for Education as Constructing Authority on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

Dated this 24th day of August, 1960.
K. W. STREET,
by Deputation from His Excellency the Governor.
By His Excellency's Command,
ERN WETHERELL, Minister for Education.

The Schedule

All that piece or parcel of land situate in the Shire of Warringah, parish of Narrabeen and county of Cumberland, being part of the land comprised in Certificate of Title, volume 7,148, folio 94 and also being part of portion 20: Commencing at a point in a north-western side of Plateau-road being also the north-eastern extremity of a south-eastern boundary of lot 45 in deposited plan 12,838; and bounded thence on part of the south-east by that side of that road bearing 190 degrees 47 minutes 30 seconds, 90 feet 6 inches to the south-eastern extremity of a north-eastern boundary of lot 49 in said deposited plan 12,838; on parts of the southwest by the said and another, north-eastern boundary of that lot bearing successively 329 degrees 18 minutes 30 seconds, 17 feet 111 inches and 287 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds, 181 feet If inches; again on the south-east by the northwestern boundaries of lots 49 to 55 inclusive in said deposited plan 12,838 bearing 197 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds, 347 feet 7 ½ inches; again on parts of the south-west by northeastern boundaries and part of a north-eastern boundary of lot 7 in deposited plan 28,117 bearing successively 335 degrees 45 minutes 40 seconds, 289 feet 0£ inch 324 degrees 43 minutes 30 seconds, 589 feet 0 inches and 324 degrees 47 minutes 30 seconds, 40 feet; on part of the north-west by a line bearing 54 degrees 30 minutes 10 seconds, 530 feet Of inch to a point in the north-western boundary of a Reserve for Public Recreation of 5 acres 0 roods 211 perches, as shown in said deposited plan 12,838; again on the south-east and on parts of the north-east by the said north-western and by southwestern boundaries of that Reserve bearing successively 197 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds, 198 feet, 144 degrees 43 minutes 30 seconds 290 feet and 107 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds, 100 feet; again on the south-east by the north-western boundaries of lots 42 to 45 inclusive in said deposited plan 12,838 bearing 197 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds, 231 feet 8 1/2 inches; again on the north-east by the south-western boundary of said lot 45 bearing 107 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds, 221 feet 05 inches; and again on the north-west by the said south-eastern boundary of that lot bearing 59 degrees 18 minutes 30 seconds, 15 feet 10 1/2inches to the point of commencement; having an area of 6 acres 3 roods 13 ½ perches or thereabouts and said to be in the possession of Bilgola Plateau Pty. Limited. (833) NOTIFICATION OF RESUMPTION OF LAND UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS ACT, 1912, AS AMENDED (1960, September 2). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2764. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220315750 

Certificate of Title, volume 7,148, folio 94: map showing acreage (excluding that coloured yellow) - this had been bought by Rose Ana Phillipson originally from the Therry land grant

The resumption for the school notification within Certificate of Title, volume 7,148, folio 94

Changes:

PUBLIC INSTRUCTION ACT OF 1880, AS AMENDED
Notification of Rescission of Resumption
Rescission of Resumption of Land Acquired for Public School
Purposes at Newport Heights, New South Wales

IN pursuance of the provisions contained in subsection (1) of section 4 a of the Public Instruction Act of 1880, as amended, His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, doth by this notification rescind the notification of resumption of land under die Public Works Act, 1912, as amended, dated the 24th August, 1960, and published in the Government Gazette No. 102 of the 2nd September, 1960, insofar as such notification relates to the land described in the Schedule hereunder.

The Schedule

All that piece or parcel of land situate in the Shire of Warringah, parish of Narrabeen and county of Cumberland, being part of the 6 acres 3 roods 131/2 perches parcel of land resumed for Newport Heights Public School by notification in Gazette of 2nd September, 1960, shown in plan catalogued Ms. 17,712 Sy.: Commencing at the northernmost corner of the said 6 acres 3 roods 13£ perches parcel of land; and bounded thence on the south-east by the northernmost south-eastern boundary of that land bearing 197 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds 198 feet; again on the south-east by a line bearing 238 degrees 14 minutes 372 feet 51 inches to the westernmost south-western boundary of the said 6 acres 3 roods 13 perches parcel of land; on the south-west by part of that boundary bearing successively 324 degrees 43 minutes 30 seconds 54 feet £ inch and 324 degrees 47 minutes 30 seconds 40 feet to the westernmost corner of that land; and on the north-west by the northernmost north-western boundary of that land bearing 54 degrees 30 minutes 10 seconds 530 feet 1 inch to the point of commencement,—and having an area of 1 acre 19 ½  perches or thereabouts.

Dated at Sydney, this twenty-seventh day of June, 1962.
E. W. WOODWARD, Governor. 
By His Excellency's Command,
(4828) ERN WETHERELL, Minister for Education. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION ACT OF 1880, AS AMENDED (1962, July 13). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2024. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220322926 

GETTING STARTED

By 1963 District Inspector, C. S. Clayton, began exploring options to take the growing enrolment pressure from Avalon Public School. In October of that year he wrote to the Director of Primary Education recommending the establishment of an Infants school for the beginning of 1965 on the site purchased in 1960. 

Significantly he wrote that “the Postmaster-General’s Department estimated that the area the school would serve would have space for 1000 homes”. He also advised that although the department refers to the site as Newport Heights Public School the area is more commonly referred to by locals as Avalon Plateau or Bilgola Plateau, and as the land was purchased from Bilgola Plateau Pty Ltd that name seemed appropriate. In January 1964 the Department of Public Works was asked to prepare plans and specifications for “4 classrooms in brick veneer, offices, staffroom, toilet and ablution block “.

Bilgola Heights Plateau School officially announced:

Sydney, 10th January, 1964.
NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL

IT is hereby notified for general information in accordance with the provisions of the 34th section of the Public Instruction Act of 1880, as amended, that it has been decided to establish a school on the Bilgola-Avalon Plateau to be known as BILGOLA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL.

E. WETHERELL, Minister for Education.

NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL (1964, January 10). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 26. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220393857

By September 1964 Tenders for work were being advertised:

Bilgola Heights Public School—Levelling and preparation of site. (Specifications available, £1 each.) Department of Public Works—Tenders for Works (1964, September 25). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3034. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220343176

Bilgola Heights Public School—Supply and Laying of Asphaltic Concrete.  - Department of Public Works—Tenders for Works (1965, April 15). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1267. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220391226

THE INTAKE BOUNDARIES DEFINED

At a conference of Principals held in February 1965 the following boundaries were recommended for Bilgola Plateau Public School. 

“Starting at the eastern extremity of the recreation area opening off Kanimbla Crescent, take a line northerly to the junction of Palmgrove and Plateau Roads, thence along the eastern side of Plateau Road, around The Pinnacle, thence in a line to the intersection of Stromboli Place and Bilwarra Road, thence along the western side of Lower Plateau Road, the western side of Argyle Road, the southern side of Raymond Road, the eastern side of York Terrace to its intersection with Grand View Drive, thence easterly to the starting point.”

This boundary was to apply to all new enrolments in 1965 up to the end and including Grade 3, all pupils who were enrolled in 1964 in the grades Kindergarten, first and second grade who were currently at Avalon Public School. Many families from this intake area with children at Avalon Public School were concerned about the transfer of their children to the new school on the hill. The Minister for Education, Ern Wetheral, wrote “local children transferring to Bilgola Plateau are not likely indefinitely to experience any disadvantages”. 

MOVING DAY

At the commencement of the new school year in 1965 construction of the school was not yet complete. To ensure a smooth transition when the site was ready to be occupied, the 49 Infants students enrolled in Bilgola Plateau Public School and staff commenced their year in an outbuilding on the grounds of Avalon Public School (present day Avalon OOSH). Their morning recess and lunch times were staggered with those of Avalon Public School to create better cohesion among its small population.

At last, the Director of Primary Education, C.S. Clayton, advised that the premises could be occupied on Monday 28th June 1965. On that day the Principal, Mrs Rita Reid, assembled the only other member of staff Mrs Janette Drabwell, and students at their temporary accommodation in Avalon Public School and together they walked up Plateau Road and onto their new campus. 

At that time it was not uncommon for class sizes to be 40 or 45 children, so two teachers and 49 children was considered “teacher’s Heaven”. There was no telephone on site. The Education Department suggested that Mrs Reid and Mrs Drabwell use the public telephone on the corner near the shops if a child were unwell, leaving the other teacher to teach their class while they ran down the road.

Principal, Mrs Rita Reid, with Third Grade students.  From Left – Karen Steilberg, Deborah Wood, Andrew Carnell, Doris Groenendyk, Rosalind Agar; Front row – Sarah Buchanan, Jane Buchanan, Diana Page.

Principal, Mrs Rita Reid, with Second Grade students. Backrow: Mark Gonsalves, Eric Drabwell, Ross Montague, David Watson, David Gray, John Gray, David Coxon, Simon Page. Front row - Debra Gains, Quentyn Jacobs, :Lesley Swan, Jacqueline Simpson, Lynne Johnstone, Vicki Parker.

Mrs Drabwell with First Grade  students. From left – Christopher Capel, John Buchanan, Mark Culverson, Geoffrey Fisher, Stephen Michelson, Grant Dawkins; Front row – Robyn Armsworth, Kerry Wardle, Lisa Culverson, Christine Shulz, Susan Light.

SCHOOL WARMING

On Saturday 10th July, 1965 school families were invited to bring a plate and the children were able to proudly show their parents through the new school. The day ended with a party for the children and afternoon tea for parents and other family members. 

In that first year the school premises consisted of two buildings. These were today’s Administration block with its four classrooms, and the toilet and ablution block on the opposite side of the unpaved quadrangle. An additional classroom block with four more classrooms was built on the eastern side of the quadrangle in 1966. The library and present-day infants buildings were constructed ten years later in 1976. The original ‘tuckshop’ was an open breeze-block space which stood where the library now stands.

On the Open Day in 1965

SCHOOL SONG

There have been three school songs since the school opened in 1965. Each refers to the beautiful environment which surrounds us, and to the importance BPPS has always placed on social responsibility, community values and caring for others.

1969

Set high on a plateau is our lovely school
Where we learn to live by the great Golden Rule
We see sparkling waters of inlet and sea
While deep in the blue above birds fly so free.

Bilgola, Bilgola, the school of our childhood
Oh we are so proud of your beautiful name,
And so dear Bilgola, we’ll work for your glory,
We’ll always do our best for you,
Bilgola, our school.

Words T.P. Hackett. Sung to tune of “The Bells of St Mary’s”

1988

Bilgola’s our school
School to be proud of
Shaping our future
Enjoying our school days

Teachers and students 
All do their best 
Hoping each new day
Brings us more joy.

Kindness and knowledge
Courtesy- always
This is our motto 
This our guide.

Let’s hear our voices
We are the children
We make the choices 
That shape the world.

Building and learning
Forming our friendships
Working together
Aiming for goals.

Ours is the sharing 
Ours is the caring
Ours is the striving 
To reach for the stars.

Words by Carter Family, sung to the tune of “Morning has Broken

2012

Bilgola is our school upon the plateau
High above the glistening seas
Between Pittwater and the ocean
Among the eucalyptus trees
We care for our wildlife and bushland
For the food that we love to grow and share
At Bilgola we can make a difference
At Bilgola we show that we care

Bilgola Plateau, our school by the sea
Bilgola Plateau you are the school for me

Kindness, courtesy and knowledge
This is our motto and our guide
To be responsible and respectful
These are our values held with pride
To aim for success in all our learning
And strive hard in each and every way
At Bilgola we will work together
In our learning, our friendship and play

Bilgola Plateau, our school by the sea
Bilgola Plateau you are the school for me

Bilgola Plateau, our school by the sea
Bilgola Plateau you are the school for me

Words and music Rhonda Mawer, Music teacher, with collaboration of Assistant Principal Jackson.

PRINCIPALS 

1965 Rita Reid 

1966 - 1970  Pat Hackett

1971 – 1976 Myra Thomas

1977 - 1979 Tom Wilkins

1980 - 1992 David Moxon 

1993 – 1994 Phyllis Richards

1995 - 1999 Dennis Marks

2000 - 2009 Sharon Sands

2010 - 2012  Vicki Johnson

2013 - Present  Cindy Gardiner

Friday June 27 2025: Everyone dresses in 1960's clothes and celebrates what is to come

Bilgola Plateau Public School 60 Year Anniversary Walk: Some pictures

gathering outside Avalon PS, where it all began

All BPPS Teachers attended wearing their 60 Year Anniversary hoodies - they were supported by HEAPs of parents doing safety

Di Page and David Watson, BPPS students who made the original walk on June 28 1965

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, who dropped by to wish the walkers well, with BPPS Principal Cindy Gardiner

Banjo, the BPPS school dog is ready to go!

Away we go - in class-size groups for safety purposes - Group 1

Group 2 (whom we walked up to the school with):

Some of us were a bit puffed by the time we reached these safety ladies along the climb

Great Trees seen along the way to BPPS:

More safety ladies:

Another great Bilgola Plateau tree (Angophora costata - Sydney Red Gum):

This darling kept saying 'cheese!':

Another great Bilgola Plateau tree youngsters get to look up into:

Great family memory making time:

Another safety lady along the route:

Another great tree along the way:

Yay! Everyone made it!:

Alice - Anniversary Walk

Corinne - Anniversary Walk 

Mr and Mrs Peacock

Alice Pilcher and one of Bilgola Plateau Public Schools great Teachers, Natalie Waters