Former Deputy Principal Mr Norm Robinson visits Narrabri High

Former deputy principal of Narrabri High School Norm Robinson paid a visit to the school last month to revisit old times and see the changes which have been made to the school during the past 50 years.

Mr Robinson was the deputy principal of Narrabri High School in 1974 and 1975.

In term one and term two of 1975, principal Ms Betty Berriman took long service leave and Mr Robinson acted as relieving principal.

Mr Robinson contacted Narrabri High School at the start of the school year about his forthcoming visit and asked to be taken on a tour of his old school.

Much has changed at the school since the 1970s, not only the building structures but also the technology used today.

Mr Robinson enjoyed meeting the 2022 Year 12 students, including members of the SRC, as much as the students themselves enjoyed listening to stories of what school was like in the 1970s.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Narrabri High School in 1974-75 and being part of the welcoming local community,” said Mr Robinson.

“I joined the Rotary Club of Narrabri in May 1974, and after 49 years, I am still a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Lismore West.

“When I left Narrabri, I joined the Rotary Clubs Bathurst East from 1976–80 and Kyogle from 1980–85.

“I am our club’s current secretary and have been for the past three years and will be again for the 2023–2024 Rotary year.

“Whilst in Narrabri, I attended the meeting of the Rotary Club of Narrabri and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

“During my time at Narrabri High School, I was a science teacher and taught students from Year 7 to Year 12.

“I remember them all as happy students willing to learn and enjoy their schooling.

“I remember taking my Year 12 biology class on an excursion to Port Stephens to study marine biology.

“I am now 88, and it’s 50 years since I taught at Narrabri High School.

“A few years ago, I sent all my Narrabri High memorabilia to the school for their archives, including my class rolls.

“During my time as relieving principal, the school hall was built, and the first performance put on by the school was the musical ‘The King and I’ which was a fantastic effort.

“It included our Rotary Exchange student from South Africa, Niel van Zyl.”

“My wife Bernice and I bought a new home opposite the school in Gibbons Street.

“Bernice was a keen gardener and became involved with the Narrabri Garden Club, and after one year, we won a prize for the gardens along our driveway.”

“After we left Narrabri, my appointments were foundation principal at Kelso High School, Bathurst 1976-1980, principal Kyogle High School 1980-1985 and principal Lismore High School from 1985-1994.

“I retired in December 1994 after 42 years with the NSW Department of Education.

“Of the 230 secondary principals in NSW Department of Education at the time, I had been number one on the seniority list for the previous five years.

“Upon retirement, my wife and I enjoyed many overseas trips.

“Sadly, Bernice passed away in December 2018.”

“I am in my twilight years and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see the present-day Narrabri High School.

“The school buildings have certainly changed, but I found the students to be delightful like they were in 1974–75.

“I enjoyed seeing the memorabilia boards in the school and seeing the names of students I had taught, bringing back many fond memories.”