How did Warrandyte High School begin with just a few portable classrooms in 1978? Today, Warrandyte High School has grown into two main buildings with semi-permanent portables. These are nestled on a hillside. This hillside is on the southern slopes of the Yarra River. It is west of Warrandyte.
Warrandyte High School now has about 400 students. Most students come from Warrandyte and nearby areas. The school is known for its art and music programs. It has a natural setting and a history of musical theatre.
In 1978, the hillside around Warrandyte High School was bare. New plants were added. Over time, this vegetation grew dense. It now surrounds the school. The first permanent buildings appeared in 1987. In 1994, the school had 490 students. By 2000, it reached 691. In 2003, there were about 750 students. Student numbers were around 389 in 2020.
Between 2002 and 2004, Warrandyte High School added a library extension and a VCE study area. This project cost $260,000. Local fundraising contributed $100,000. The Department of Education and Training gave a grant of $85,000. The ICT Modernization Project added $77,000.
The school also made changes to the grounds. The outdoor sports complex was completed. It is now called the Michael J Blake Sports Complex. Judy Green opened it. The canteen was expanded and renovated. The Federation Garden Project created a Bush Tucker Garden. The top driveway and bus bay were sealed. Gardens were landscaped. A new school sign was placed at Alexander and Warrandyte Road. Indigenous gardens were planted at the front and between portable classrooms. Large shade sails were erected over the outdoor amphitheatre.
Warrandyte High School was a filming location for Holly’s Heroes in 2004. This Nine Network Australia TV series filmed 13 episodes here. The show is about 14-year-old Holly McKenzie and basketball. It explores friendship and sports. Filming mainly happened in the basketball stadium. Students participated as extras. They gained insight into film and television. A reboot was planned in 2020. It would feature Holly’s daughter. Former student Mitchell Gaffney was cast. COVID-19 halted production.
Warrandyte High School has a Year 7 camp. It also has music camps. Year 11 students take a trip to Kakadu. Year 9 students in the Taking the Challenge program visit Melbourne landmarks. Warrandyte High School has a sister school in Japan called Hazu High School. The school has orchestras and ensembles. Music and theatre have a long history here.
School sports divide students into four houses. These are Newman, Stiggant, Anderson, and Michel. Newman is Yellow or Purple. Stiggant is Blue. Anderson is Green. Michel is Red.
Warrandyte High School offers many facilities. There are two outdoor basketball courts. Four tennis courts are available. A football and cricket oval includes cricket nets. The art and design building has dark rooms and studios. Buildings are organized alphabetically. A Block includes administration, a theatre, and music rooms. B Block houses art and design studios. C Block contains the library, VCE centre, and science rooms. D and E Blocks hold portable classrooms.
Warrandyte is northeast of Melbourne’s CBD. It was founded during the Victorian gold rush. Warrandyte High School’s students come from a wide area. Kinetic Melbourne, Panorama Coaches, and Ventura Bus Lines provide transport.
Since 1983, Warrandyte High School has been known for yearly musical productions. These involve students and staff. A dedicated theatre was built in 1987. Chris White directed twenty productions from 1983 to 2004. Past shows include Shrek the Musical Jr and We Will Rock You.
Warrandyte High School has come a long way. It started small but grew into a school known for arts and community. Its history is rich with growth and memorable events.