The Nervous Nineties Cricketers, on the verge of scoring a century, are often described as being in the nervous nineties. And cricket records show that many a batsman succumbs to the nervous stress of the occasion and fail to reach the coveted score. Nervousness may also be symptomatic of energy and action. It is in that sense that this chapter is headed. Mr Peter Michalski was appointed principal in 1989 and served the school for the following nine years. These years were characterised by growth in school numbers, in the physical plant, in curriculum development, and in the programs offered in the primary school. The last decade of the twentieth century were the nervous nineties, but with a great outcome! When Michalski assumed leadership at Mt. Gravatt Adventist Primary School, the student enrolment was a healthy 240 scholars. Over the next nine years it increased to over 330. There was, therefore, a need to provide learning areas for this increase in school numbers. One of Michalski’s first tasks, therefore, was to develop a building master plan, with accompanying strategic guidelines, to ensure that the growth of the physical plant was cohesive and effective in meeting the needs of the primary school. Key elements of this master plan were provisions for a Student Learning Centre, new Administrative office, an Early Childhood Centre, a car park, and a tennis court. This dream was fulfilled when the Library-Resource Centre was constructed. The official opening took place on the evening of 15 December 1994. Guests and visitors were introduced to a modern facility encompassing a general library, but with a computer room, an open learning area, an outdoor reading area, and a sunken indoor class reading area. A special feature, however, was the ‘reading castle’. Designed by the Librarian, Mrs Cathy Oxley, and intended to reflect a Medieval Castle, this structure was located within the library. Somewhat like an in-door ‘Cubby House’ the Castle had several levels and was liberally littered with comfortable cushions. What better way to stimulate an interest in reading! Not surprisingly, parents and students were advised through the school’s Newsletter that the theme for the opening night was ‘Medieval’. Students were urged, and parents invited, to dress in medieval costume. To assist in this task several drawings were provided: a monk (long brown tunic and skull cap), a knight (leggings/tights, tunic tied around the waist, short cloak, and felt hat), and a lady (long dress and/or cloak, fabric tied around the head, and a hat). Students who were not into fancy dress were advised that formal school uniform was the other option. Some option!
Official opening of the Administration Office and Early Childhood Centre. Photo on left: Mr Frank Carroll - MLA, Member for Mansfield, Mrs Carolyn Barnett, Director - Preschool Day Care Centre, Mr Peter Michalski, Principal and children from the Centre. Photo on right: Mr Frank Carroll - MLA, Member for Mansfield, Mr Chester Stanley, President - Sth Qld Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mr Peter Michalski - Principal and children from the school.
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