STAFF and students endured a rollercoaster of emotions during the closing ceremony of South Fremantle Senior High School as it closed its doors for good after 50 years today .
Former school students, principals and staff attended the assembly which included the original head boy and girl who gave out commemorative awards.
Current teachers were excited to see the old nurse and tea lady who worked at the school for decades.
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READ NOWSouth Fremantle Senior High School principal and deputy for the new Fremantle College Mark Jeffery said he was excited for the move.
“It’s sad but renewal is good,” he said.
“We all recognise the legacy and it’s a time for change and growth.
“The students are all such talented, hardworking and humbled students – they are just great kids.”
Students were treated to a trip down memory lane with music played throughout the decades including The Beatles, which brought confusion to the faces of current students.
Original head girl Gayle Fernandez was excited to look back on the school’s history.
“One of the strongest memories at the school was the day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon,” she said.
“There were only a couple of televisions at the school and we were cramped in the social studies room watching it unfold.”
Ms Fernandez, like many former students, was excited about the move.
“I don’t feel sad, the school character will still remain,” she said.
“The school was based on the idea of ‘building character’ being respectful and as the head girl we took leadership seriously.
“The school has changed a lot since I was there, it was very strict when I attended.
“We all had to wear a uniform or there would be consequences.”
South Fremantle Senior High School and Hamilton Senior High School will close and form the new Fremantle College next year.
Mr Jeffery said enrolments were flying in.
“There have been 240 enrolments for Year 7 already and around 1000 students are expected to attend,” he said.
“Nearly all the building are almost complete, I am really excited.”
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