City Beach Senior High School’s first intake reunites 60 years on

Published on 29 April 2026

Former students from the first intake of City Beach Senior High School recently came together at Voyage Kitchen & Café in City Beach to celebrate their 60th reunion, reconnect with old classmates and reflect on shared memories from their school days.

The reunion brought together members of the 1966 intake, many of whom began their secondary school journey together when City Beach Senior High School first opened. The cohort was made up primarily of students from Wembley, Floreat Park and City Beach primary schools, and was unique in continuing through to fifth year together rather than moving on to other schools after completing their Junior Certificate.

Being the first small intake into a new school, and then becoming the “top dogs” for five years, created a unique experience for these former students. As a result, they easily reconnected after a mere 60 years. Of course, a new school back then commenced with no gardens, lawns or breakout areas, creating a somewhat austere environment. However, the lack of these amenities was more than made up for by the close connection of the group.

Held in a relaxed setting, the reunion gave classmates plenty of time to reconnect, reminisce and strengthen friendships that began decades ago. Many interesting journeys were shared, and the breadth and depth of their careers were fascinating to hear. The event also included a welcome, musical performance, a moment to acknowledge absent friends and a group photo of the old classmates to mark the occasion.

Photo: From left Leonie Annan (nee Grose), Corrie Bourne (nee Bower) and Denise Mulligan (nee Hosking) reconnect at the reunion.

Organisers advised that around 195 students were part of the original 1966 cohort, with more than 120 former students tracked down in the lead-up to the reunion with the help of resources from the Town of Cambridge Library Service. Pleasingly, some former students now living interstate or in regional areas made the effort to attend the event.

The reunion was a meaningful reminder of the strong connections that local schools help create, and how those shared experiences can continue to bring people together many decades later.

Photo: Inaugural School Captain Stephen O’Keefe and John Beech look through school memorabilia at the reunion.

Media contact:
Rory Cherry
Acting Senior Media & Communications Officer - Town of Cambridge
Communications@cambridge.wa.gov.au
(08) 9347 6021