An educational journey legacy and a story worth retelling.
Avondale School was founded in April 1897 in a tiny weatherboard cottage on the grounds of Avondale College, now Avondale University. The pioneering founders saw the need for an education system that would teach the values and principles of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Under the guidance of Mrs Lacey fifteen students attended the original school, with some arriving by rowboat along Dora Creek. Modern means of transport now deliver over 850 students to Avondale School daily.
Avondale School expanded quickly and in 1899 had grown to 42 students. During the 1970s growth of Avondale College made it necessary for Avondale School to relocate. In 1980, the school moved to its present location at the end of Avondale Road.
Reflecting the demand for quality education, Avondale School expanded in the 1980s with the addition of a Secondary Library and Music Building. By 2002 the school, comprising of a high and primary campus, had grown to 750 students.
Avondale School again responded to the needs of the community by opening the Avondale Early Learning Centre in 2003 that caters to the education of 3-5 year olds.
The Kindy Centre opened in 2006, providing a three stream kindergarten class, followed soon after by the Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC) in 2007 complete with sports stadium, gymnasium, commercial kitchen and uniform shop.
In 2003, a major administrative change was made in the structure of the two schools, resulting in combining of campus to form one K-12 school with Dr David Faull becoming the new Principal of Avondale School.
The need for alternate learning pathways was enhanced with the addition of AQTF subjects in Aviation Studies, Hospitality and Information Technology. These practical subjects and work placements increased the employability of these competency-based trainees, completing these Certificate II level courses as well as the Board of Studies qualifications. These courses are now known as VET (Vocational Education & Training), which include Hospitality, Construction and Automotive.
Expansion continued into the second decade with the addition of a state-of-the-art iCentre (Library and IT), Trade Training Centre in 2011, Administration Centre and Canteen in 2012 and the Collaborative Learning Centre (CLC) in 2015.
The School has had a long history in excelling in the field of music. In the 1970s the Primary Campus had its own choir. They were sort after to feature in the wider community, and even now, both Primary Choir, Secondary Choir and the four musical ensembles across both campuses preform regularly at local churches and community events. They have also gone on tour both in Australia and overseas. The Music and Drama departments in both Primary and Secondary Campuses also produce musicals, concerts & talent shows for the greater community.
During the 1990s Avondale School became increasingly involved in competitive sports. Its involvement in the Hunter Region Independent Schools (HRIS) program provided high quality performances from both team and individual sports, which included athletics, swimming, mountain biking, cross country, basketball, netball, soccer, triathlon, oztag and equestrian.
This recorded history emphasises the dedication of many people involved with the school over the years. The expression of the vision, goals and mottos will vary over time but the philosophical base will remain fundamental. The present mission statement will continue to be relevant to its past and its future history.
“Avondale School provides the opportunity to know Christ, to develop full potential and cultivate a love of learning”
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