The first provisional school in Humpybong was erected and opened on February 1st 1876 on a southern section of the site fronting Duffield Road - The "bark shanty" structure was made of slabs with a shingle roof and was 10ft x12ft in size.
For an extensive history of the early schools please click on the following link:
The current Humpybong School was opened on March 29th 1909 between Ernest and Mabel St. The school room was 40ft x 20 ft with 2 verandahs 9ft wide. The first teacher was William Thomas Bradfield (29th March 1909 to 15th August 1916, followed by Arthur John Stapleton (1st October 1916 to 1930), and the first student to enrolled was Eliza Pikett.
Creek running through Langdon Park and through Humpybong infants school grounds. Photo:George Mewes.
1925 Humpybong State School Class 5
Marguerite McKillop (3rd row 4th left) Jack and Ray McKillop (front row left and 4th from left) Rode their horses to school each day from their family farm at Rothwell.
1926 Humpybong School children in fancy dress. From left Allan Kroll, C Kroll, B Cosman, W Moran, A Kroll, Ron Lovell, Myrtle Manley. RLPC-000-00066
1926 Humpybong School Fancy Dress Ball in the original Picture Palace opposite the Jetty.
Humpybong School class c. 1928
1928 School Jubilee:
1929 Beryl Manley teacher with Edith Jackson, Gordon Elson, Robertson, Rita Leech, Austin, Bessie Hardy and Jane Howie. RLPC-000-000039
1930 Humpybong School
To download a pdf file of the 1939-43 Humpybong School register click on the following link:
1948 Humpybong School Fife band
Colin Petersen (Drum protege, child star in the movie Smiley and Bee Gees drummer) attended Humpybong State School from 1953 to 1958 and joined the school Marching Band at the age of 6 as a drummer. A complete biography of Colin's time in Redcliffe and his 4 years with the Bee Gees is at the following link:https://www.redcliffebook.com/post/colin-petersen
A copy of the complete Humpybong School 1953 roll is available for free download the the following link: (Colin Petersen in on page 1 and is listed as living at Aughi Flats - Evelyn St Margate)
The following is a recording of a Broadcast on Radio 4BH in 1954 with host Johnny Foster of Humpybong State School Musicians, taped by Eldred "Harry" Aravandino (resident of Margate) and the tape was donated by Carol and Delma Aravandino ( both enrolled at the school 1954 to 1959)
It features:
A concert medley from the school band called "Australia" led by headmaster AWL Russell
An explanation of the word Humpybong by John Davidson (grade 8)
"Accordion Parade" with Lynette Moore and Estelle McMillan playing the Piano Accordions with Colin "Smiley" Petersen on on drums.
Robert Passier reciting "Play of the game"
Von Perry ( originally from Queenstown Tasmania 1950) sings the New Zealand hymn Pōkarekare Ana.
Lester Cannon (8th grade) playing Saxophone and Esmae Watson (Grade 7 Fife band member) on piano playing "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".
Humpybong School Choir.
Lynette Moore recites. "To The Fallen"
Fleur Whitehead (Grade 6A) sings a Fijian song "Farewell"
"The Happy Wanderer" with Lynette Moore and Estelle McMillan playing the Piano Accordions , Edward Low and Colin "Smiley" Petersen on on drums.
Humpybong School Band playing "The Homeland".
Click the link below to listen to the recording:
To download a free pdf file of the 1954 Humpybong School register click on the following link:
Humpybong State School sign
To download a free pdf file of the 1955 Humpybong School register click on the following link:
The Gibb twins Maurice and Robin (Bee Gees) were enrolled in Humpybong School on the 22nd September for the last term of 1958, before enrolling for the full term of 1959 at Scarborough State School.
A comprehensive history of the Gibb family in Redcliffe can be found at the following link:
A copy of the complete Humpybong School 1958 register is available for free download the the following link: (The Gibb brothers Maurice and Robin are on page 23)
1972 Humpybong School classroom
1970's Humpybong State School Marching Girls on Redcliffe Parade. Photo:Jim Fenwick.
1976 Humpybong State School Grade 1E Photo supplied by Graham Kulldulla
Now available is a 54 page spiral bound book featuring The History of the first school opened in 1876, the subsequent schools opened in 1877 and 1888 and the history of the current Humpybong School opened in 1909 with class and school photos until 1976.
The book contains historical school and class photos, school rolls, and newspaper articles on the opening of the new wing in 1927 and the reunion in 1928. It also contains a copy of the 1976 Centenary Celebration programme.
The book can be purchased at the following LINK and is available to view and purchase at shop 12a in the Cominos Arcade, 133 Redcliffe Parade.
A downloadable and printable ebook can also be purchased and downloaded at the following LINK:
Photos from the The Pictorial History Of Redcliffe 1950s-80s available at the following link : https://www.redcliffebook.com/shop-1
A page from The Pictorial History of Redcliffe book 1824-1949 :
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