Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School opened on Tuesday, 8 February 1972 at 3.00pm, at a special event known as the Opening of the School and afterwards known colloquially as Opening Day.

Just over five years previously the Bishop of Bunbury (the Right Reverend R. G. Hawkins) had “gathered together a number of prominent citizens to discuss the need for a Church (Independent) Secondary School in Bunbury”. Prominent citizens and Church leaders subsequently attended the School Opening, a formal ceremony representing many years of fundraising, gifts, voluntary work, and community support. Opening Day was also attended by the School’s Foundation Students, families, staff and Headmaster, Mr. Eric Speed.

A granite Foundation Stone was commissioned for the Opening Day Ceremony, which can still be seen today set in the outer walls of ‘G’ Block, in the same location as it was placed on that day in 1972. The Stone records that the School was opened by the Governor of the State Sir Douglas Kendrew, who unveiled this historical marker on the day, recording the Blessing of the School Buildings, and the names of the Architect George A. Winning, Contractors Civil and Civic, School Visitor Bishop Ralph Hawkins, Chairman of the Board Mr. I. V. Lishman, and Foundation Headmaster Mr. N. E. Speed.

The formal Order of Procession began not far from the School gate, and included sacred objects such as a Crucifer at the head of the procession, the Bishop and his Chaplains, Sir Thomas Wardle the Lord Mayor of Perth, Dr. E. C. Manea the Mayor of Bunbury, Bishops McKeon and Bastian, Canon Armstrong, the Diocesan Chancellor, the Clergy, the Board of Governors, teaching staff, and “the children of the School”.

Students attending the ceremony were asked to take part in presenting a bouquet to Lady Kendrew, assisting with car parking arrangements, forming a guard of honour and assembling together as a School.

The Opening Day ceremony was conducted from a dais to the front of the door of ‘G’ Block and included music provided by a band, choir, and the Shalom Singers, with dignitaries seated on the dais and attendees arrayed within shaded bush areas on the gentle slope above the classroom.

A formal spiritual Service was held with the Procession then making their way to the School’s original Dining Room for an afternoon tea. Catering was requested from various catering firms including the Rose Hotel in Bunbury, and anticipated numbers were between 800 and 1500 people. Documents confirming arrangements for the day reveal that a Mrs McGann arranged a menu for 1,000 people, with other “Tea Points” set up under awnings for the guests, and an offer from Peters to provide a stocked ice-cream and cool drink van.

Press arrangements for the School’s Opening Day included coverage in The Anglican Messenger, Melbourne Scene, The South Western Times, and on ABC Radio and television.

After the official Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room Mr and Mrs Speed conducted the Governor and Lady Kendrew on a tour of the School. Guests were also invited to inspect the School, with members of the Board of Governors acting as guides.

Mrs Ros Malone  :: School Archivist