DescriptionThis interview consists of two audio recordings. Marie Hoad was interviewed on 17 August 2011 at the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta by Marilyn Gallo. Interview SummaryMarie was born in Ashfield, Sydney. She grew up attending Petersham Baptist Church, and was surrounded by a loving family including a lot of uncles. She attended Summer Hill Demonstration School followed by Burwood Girls High School. After school she went to Teachers College.
Marie taught at Canterbury Girls High School for one term, followed by Fairfield High School for a further term. She was then appointed to be Mistress of Girls at Bonnyrigg High School in 1961. Marie remained in that role for thirteen years.
Marie has maintained close relationships with several former students from her inaugural year.
Marie has noted a slow change in the ethnic makeup of the students overtime. At first, there were a lot of Greek and Italian students, and in more recent times there has been an increase in students from Middle Eastern backgrounds. The school regularly holds multicultural days and sports carnivals as well as talent shows.
Marie has great admiration for all Bonnyrigg High School’s principals, who have all had the students’ best interests at heart.
Some of the school’s students have gone onto careers in Parliament, choreography and building.
Bonnyrigg High School opened in March 1961; for the first few weeks students had classes at Cabramatta High School.
In the 1980s a fire at Bonnyrigg High School caused significant damage to staff rooms and class rooms. The fire was started by vandals.
Marie retired from teaching in 1993 due to health concerns. She feels very blessed to have taught at Bonnyrigg High School.
