Gladstone Secondary School

Has anyone ever told you about the sliding doors at Gladstone Secondary School? They hold a special significance. They aren’t just any school doors. They are a symbol, a portal through time, connecting generations of students to the very first day of Gladstone Secondary School. In 1950, the school opened its doors to 1376 eager students. The first principal, Mr. D.B. Mackenzie, ceremoniously slid open those very gym doors. It was a moment etched in Gladstone Secondary School’s history. Imagine those students, full of dreams and anticipation, stepping through into a brand new school. Gladstone Secondary School sits on land that was once a humble farm. Its location was actually earmarked for a school back in the late 1920s. But the Great Depression and World War II delayed those plans. Construction finally began in 1949. Gladstone Secondary School first started as a junior high. Each year, a new grade was added. The first graduating class celebrated their achievements in 1954. Today, Gladstone Secondary School is a vibrant hub. It welcomes around 950 students from grades 8 through 12. The school’s motto, “Fide et Virtute,” meaning “By Faith and By Courage,” reflects its enduring spirit. This motto, by the way, is a nod to the school’s namesake, William Ewart Gladstone, four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Gladstone Secondary School is known for its dynamic sports teams, especially in volleyball, basketball, and badminton. It also excels in engineering competitions like Electrathon and Robotics. The Fine Arts department shines, with particularly strong programs in music, drama, and dance. The school also participates in the Think & Eat Green @ School program, focusing on sustainable food practices. They even revamped their kitchen and cafeteria to reflect this commitment. And here’s a fun fact: Gladstone Secondary School was featured in Season 1, Episode 7 of 21 Jump Street. As you stand before Gladstone Secondary School, take a moment to appreciate the legacy. Think back to those sliding doors in 1950 and all the students who have walked these halls since. They, just like you, are part of Gladstone Secondary School’s ongoing story.