Don Dunstan Opens Marryatville High School

Re-defining The School
New principal Glen McArthur was appointed late in 1975. At the December 8th meeting of the school council he outlined his teaching experience and gave a brief outline of his philosophy. His appointment had been unexpected, displacing both principals from the amalgamating schools. He was young (34) and had bypassed the normal channels of promotion and seniority. In fact he had been telephoned while overseas completing a Master of Arts Degree at London University. and asked if he would apply for the job.

An important part of the plan for the new school was the inclusion of a special interest music school on the site. In 1976 the school was renamed Marryatville High School and this music school was officially opened with the performance by students of two specially commissioned works "Quodlibet" and "Marryatville Fanfare" written by David Morgan the composer/arranger attached to the Music Branch.

In 1977 the girls from Kensington Norwood Girls High School (KNGHS), moved to the Marryatville campus which was undergoing massive redevelopment. In 1978 the renovations, including the refurbished Stables were officially opened by Premier Don Dunstan. The extensions had overrun the budget considerably at $3 million.

NEXT: The Stables