Contemplate this: a place where students from around the globe converge to learn and grow. That place is Fairfield High School. Established in 1955, Fairfield High School stands as a beacon of education in Fairfield, a vibrant suburb in Sydney’s southwest. It started from the merging of Fairfield Boys High School and Fairfield Girls High School. Today, Fairfield High School hosts approximately 1,100 students from Year 7 to Year 12.
Fairfield High School sits near the Fairfield Central business district. The Horsley Drive runs alongside it. Across the road is Fairfield Public School, where many future high schoolers begin their educational journey before entering Fairfield High School. Prospect Creek gently flows northeast of the school, bordering its oval.
Safety is paramount. The Eva Wesley Stone Pedestrian Bridge arches over the Horsley Drive. This bridge, opened in March 2002, allows students to safely cross the busy road. It was named in honor of Eva Wesley Stone, a remarkable centenarian who once attended Fairfield Public School. She passed away in 2001 at the age of 106.
Fairfield High School prides itself on its comprehensive education. The school follows the NSW curriculum in a coeducational setting. A special feature is the Intensive English Centre. This center supports newly arrived students from overseas as they adjust to the Australian high school environment. The library offers two computer labs. Students can use these labs before school, during lunch, and at the Homework Club. The Fairfield High School building even hosts adult education classes through MacArthur Community College.
Fairfield is one of Sydney’s most multicultural suburbs. This diversity is reflected in the school’s population. Over 93% of students come from language backgrounds other than English. Many students hail from Syria, Iraq, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Around 40% of students require support in English as an Additional Language or Dialect. Approximately half of the students have a refugee background.
Fairfield High School employs 130 teaching staff and 35 non-teaching staff. The staff includes both early career teachers and experienced educators. The school also provides additional support with a speech therapist, psychologist, a school lawyer funded by Legal Aid, and a registered nurse funded by Refugee Health.
In 2016, Fairfield High School underwent a rebranding process. The new logo, designed by Michael Schepis from Handle Branding, reflects the school’s history. It symbolizes the bridging of communities and the unification of the former boys’ and girls’ schools.
Several notable individuals have passed through Fairfield High School’s halls. Mark Aarons is a journalist and author. Jelena Dokić is an Australian/Serbian tennis player. Wayne Merton served as the Minister for Justice. Isaac Ntiamoah competed as an athlete in the 2012 Olympics. Mar Mari Emmanuel is a bishop and influencer.
Fairfield High School continues to evolve, providing opportunities for all students to succeed. Its motto, “To Live is to Learn,” encapsulates its commitment to lifelong education. The school’s focus on community, achievement, respect, and the environment ensures a positive and enriching experience for all who enter its doors.