It was in 2000 that Cobram Anglican Grammar School, formerly Christ the King Anglican College, opened its doors, run by a team of three teachers, one administrative staff member and principal Andrew Williams.
In those days, a single building, which operated as the principal’s office, library, staffroom and two classrooms, was the pillar of the school.
Five years later, the first students completed their VCE; 10 years on, the current library and junior school blocks were constructed; and after 25 years, the school has become a flourishing campus operating on Anglican values.
While he’s no longer at the school, Mr Williams said he still looked forward to seeing its future growth.
“We only ever saw the school getting into the 200s as far as enrolments were concerned, but to see it at 400 or so, and with new buildings and plans for future expansion, I realise that all the hard work of so many people is paying off,” Mr Williams said.
“I am sure that it still has that sense of community and support for one another and, to me, that is the most important aspect of any school and something that we worked hard to achieve in those early days.
“I am so proud to see this school so strong and going ahead in leaps and bounds, and to realise that I was part of helping achieve that.”
Marking 25 years, the school community is set to celebrate with all the familiar faces from over the decades.
One of whom is founding teacher Tricia Seccull, who was delighted to help inform decisions made about the upcoming reunion event.
“I started the day the school opened ... There were three teachers and 24 kids. It was great. It was fun,” she said.
“I always used to say, this is my school. I still say, at my school we do this — because I had a major contribution here and got so much back from it.
“I’m proud that I can walk down the street and still be greeted warmly by students from 10 or 15 years ago. That’s the mark of a school with a real heart.”
Principal Keith Willett, who took on the role in 2020, said he was delighted to be the head of the school in its 25th year.
“It’s an incredible honour to be leading Cobram AGS during such a significant milestone in its history,” Mr Willett said.
“Reaching 25 years is not only a celebration of our school’s growth and achievements, but also a tribute to the many people — staff, students, families and community members — who have shaped its journey.
“It’s a privilege to reflect on how far we’ve come while helping to guide the next chapter of our story.”
Cobram Anglican Grammar School invites the community to celebrate its milestone on Saturday, November 29.
The event will be held on the school’s campus, 40-48 Campbell Rd, Cobram, from 11am to 3pm.
Bookings can be made at tinyurl.com/hnpeh82z
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