Eric Wardrop (Teacher) 2003 to 2017
I arrived at Camp Hill State Infants School in January 2003 after many years teaching around Queensland. I was teaching full-time at Camp Hill Infants from 2003 to 2006, then part- time and volunteer from 2007- 2017. I taught many children in Years 1 and 2, and also Preschool and Prep.
I played my guitar and sang with classes, at Parade and at Under Eights Fun Days.
I was surrounded by great teaching and support staff. The children and families were wonderful to be with.
Camp Hill is the best school I have ever worked in. I am always wanting to go back and keep in touch.
(NOTE - The Eric Wardrop Playground at Camp Hill Junior Campus was named after Eric Wardrop in recognition of his service to early childhood education.)
Jackie French – Author (Student) 1958 to 1963
Jackie has written us a very long list of recollections. To be continued in future newsletters.
(RE Infants School) There wasn't a blade of grass in the playground, but lots of interesting erosion channels than ran orange with clay when it rained. We'd jump in and see how far up our legs the mud would splatter, and squish the clay between our bare toes. I was one of about four kids in the school who wore shoes: except I took them off when I turned the corner to the tram, to be like the other kids.
The 'tuck shop' was a fortnightly treat: either vegemite and lettuce or cheese and lettuce on fresh white rolls. The pie man came Tuesdays, a choice of mushy peas or tomato sauce, and if you had sixpence you could dash down to the fish and chip shop for potato scallops. Choo Choo bars were in fashion. They cost threepence, lasted for days, and left our teeth and lips black, and sometimes we could buy lengths of sugar cane to chew too.
Vicki Smit - Student 1971-1977
My name is Vicki Smit (nee Turner), and I am the youngest of 4 daughters who attended Camp Hill. I fondly remember walking to and from school with my neighbourhood friends. I still remember all my teachers' names from Ms Piper in year 1 to Mr Curran in Year 7. I was very sporty and was Wilson House Captain. I represented Met East in athletics, softball and netball. I loved working in the tuckshop, being a flag monitor and ringing the bell in Year 6 in Mrs Kugglemass' class. It was a great school, and I still have many life-long friends from my time there.
Peta de San Miguel (nee Harris) Teacher (1994-present)
I came to Camp Hill Infants as a Year 1 teacher. There were just 7 classes in the Infants School, and 4 half day Preschool groups: 2 x Year 1 classes, 2 x Year 2 classes and 3 Multi-age classes of combined Year 1 and 2 students. There was no OSHC, and no Inclusion Hub. Children travelled from 29 suburbs to attend one of the last Infant's schools in the state.
In the intervening years I took leave to have my children, who both attended Camp Hill from Preschool/Prep to Year 7. I also completed study allowing me to move into the Teacher-Librarian position.
At Camp Hill I have seen the introduction of full day Preschool, the first trials of Prep in Queensland, the 50th anniversary of the Infants School, the amalgamation with Camp Hill State School, construction of our Multi-purpose Hall, 5 Principals, 3 library moves, the move of Year 7 to secondary school, the Year 2 Net, NAPLAN, the introduction of computers in classrooms, email, the internet… so much change.
I am fortunate to have been able to educate the students of Camp Hill and be part of a great educational community. I look forward to catching up with many members of the Camp Hill village this year at our Centenary events.
Jennifer Convey (nee Shilton) Student (1954- 1961)
I started at Camp Hill Infants in 1954, finished grade 8 at Camp Hill State School in 1961 and then went on to Camp Hill High School. The main things I remember seem to be food related. There was the pieman who used to park at the back gate in Ferguson Road. I was so jealous of the kids who were allowed to buy pies and cream buns because I was never allowed. One year our teacher bought a case of plums for our Christmas breakup and several of us got into trouble for being greedy and eating too many.
I also remember having to do folk dancing and I really didn't like those days because I was taller than most of the boys, so nobody wanted to be my partner.
They were mostly happy days.
Noela Rogers Teacher – (1989-2007) Year 1 & 2, Reading Recovery, Acting Principal
In 1989 I was transferred to Camp Hill Infants School. I had only experienced the lower school and so I was very excited to be going to one of the only infant schools in the Brisbane area. I was allocated a Year 1 classroom at the end of a long verandah. This was wonderful and the other staff were very helpful, showing me the layout and facilities I could access. It wasn't very long before I was settled in and enjoying the children in my care.
One thing that impressed me most was the caring attitude of the Principal and the staff. Children were well supervised and monitored both in the playground and on the supervision at home time. Children were matched with their parent at the gate. Camp Hill Infants was a very happy school for all who worked there.
Grant Somerville - Student (1956 –1963) also a former Infants P&C and Swim Club President Camp Hill State School pool – opened 1963
My Grade 8 teacher Mr Kidston seemed to be in charge of the new pool at Camp Hill. Not only was I one of the first to swim in the pool, but the new turf surrounding the pool needed to be looked after. It was my job in Year 8 to regularly water the grass and attend to other tasks around the pool. Luckily there was no Scholarship exam that year!
Our three children enjoyed learning to swim and Swim club at the pool, as did two of our grandchildren.
Taylor Clayton - Student (2002 - 2009) & Teacher (2022 - present)
Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School is more than a school to me; it's family and community. I'm proud to be the third generation to work here. My great aunty, Cathy Russell, and my mum, Tina Clayton, have both served as teacher aides, with my mum still part of the school today. Now I continue their legacy as a teacher. I attended Camp Hill from Preschool to Year 7, and today I teach where my journey began, in my preschool classroom. It's incredibly inspiring to work alongside teachers who once taught me. Camp Hill is truly a community, and that's what makes it so special.
Vicki Williams (nee Merritt) Student (Year 1 1970 - Year 7 1976) – School memories
Camp Hill State School was an indelible part of my childhood, shaped by how deeply my family was involved in the school community—through the P&C, the fete, and the swimming club. Some of my fondest memories are of walking home from school to find a dozen P&C mums in our lounge, making lollies and lamingtons for the fete and laying everything out across long trestle tables. My sisters and I were roped in, to wrap chewy toffees, French jellies, and caramels, or rolling dozens of lamingtons in coconut for the fete and the lamington drives. One year we hit the jackpot when Mum took on the fairy floss stand!
One of my least favourite memories is drinking the milk the government provided. As children, it appeared the milk truck delivered the small milk cartons early, which was then left out on the quadrangle area near the tuckshop for what seemed like ages before we drank it. It was always warm and I can't say ever enjoyable.
Many of the friends I made during those years are still close to me today, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful. Camp Hill State School gave me a childhood full of connection, community, and lasting memories.
Meredith Cook – Music Teacher from 2012 – 2019
Music at Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School
At CHSIPS, I served as one of two Classroom Music Teachers, delivering weekly 30-minute lessons to every class. Choirs and other programs were also offered—Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Boys Choirs, Ukulele/Guitar Ensemble, Recorder Band, the Instrumental Program and the biennial school musical.
Beyond teaching technical skills, I witnessed students develop confidence and teamwork through these musical pursuits. It was a privilege to see the students thrive and to finish my teaching career at CHSIPS. This experience reaffirmed my belief that participation in music is a powerful catalyst for personal growth and meaningful community engagement.
April Banner – Student (2007 – 2014) and now OSHC Educator
I started in prep at Camp Hill in 2007. My mum became a part of the sub-committee at OSHC, and I started to become a regular at the service. My fondest memories at Camp Hill are at OSHC so when I wanted a job it was a no-brainer to reach out to Camp Hill OSHC. I love being a part of such a beautiful community that continuously grows through the years. Having peers from primary school turning to coworkers, OSHC leaders turning into managers and teacher aides becoming teachers. Camp Hill is really a unique community that feels like family.
Elsa Rivera – Student then OSHC Educator/Manager
Like so many others, my journey at Camp Hill began in Prep, and from my very first day I was part of the OSHC family, right through to my graduation in Year 6. Even throughout high school, I often found myself reminiscing about those cherished days at Camp Hill, especially the moments at OSHC and the caring leaders who looked after me and made me feel at home. When it came time to finish high school and think about my future, my heart led me straight back to one of the places that shaped me most as I grew up. Now, five years later, I am incredibly grateful to work alongside the very people who watched me grow up, work with many fellow past students and most importantly, to still be part of this truly remarkable community that feels like family.
Christopher Lee – Student (1987-1993) Current parent
I started at Camp Hill State Primary School in Grade 1, in 1987. The junior campus was referred to as the “Little School" which was home to grades 1 and 2. All other grades, up to grade 7, we are the “Big School".
The school has changed significantly since I finished in 1993. During my time, there was a very small selection of sport and extra-curricular activities available. Boys could play Rugby League and Cricket, whilst girls could play T-Ball and Netball. Both could swim in the swim club on a Friday night. The school also had a string orchestra, but little else was available as extra-curricular activities.
We did not have the multi-purpose hall (or any hall for that matter) but instead had playgrounds featuring tall metal slides and metal climbing bars. Our uniforms used to be blue and brown, rather than the current style, and the primary school itself was much smaller, with only around 295 students.
My time at the school also coincided with a number of significant events. I recall when a portion of the school was burnt down in the late 1980's. I also recall when the school obtained its first computer in 1993 – it was kept in the Grade 7 block, which overlooks the tennis courts.
Despite the changes and improvements, some things have stayed the same. The house names and colours are all the same, as is the popularity of handball and the handball courts, the Friday night swim club and traditional ANZAC Day march. It has been great to see the evolution of CHISPS, whilst retaining traditions that many of us remember.
Ann Devlin - Teacher (2007-2024)
I moved from Victoria to Brisbane in 1998 with my husband, and our sons. At recommendations of friends, we enrolled Toby in Year Two (with Mrs Marshall) and Luke in Pre School (with Ms Dunlop), at what was then called Camp Hill Infants State School. I remember thinking at the time that Pre School was just like Prep in Victoria. Often at 3pm it would pour with rain. I would often get soaking wet in the time it took me to get out of the car, put up my umbrella and slop across Ferguson Rd crossing up to the Pre School rooms (now Prep Yellow). I slowly adjusted to the heat of Brisbane, and I gained work as a Reading Recovery teacher. This work led on to Supply teaching, term contracts at Camp Hill State School and eventually a permanent teaching role, just after the two schools amalgamated. Prep classes were introduced and Year 7 went to secondary schools. I taught in most year levels throughout my career at CHSIPS and made many friends amongst the families, past students and fellow teachers along the way. I have hundreds of fond memories of educational and extra curricula activities over the years. There are too many to name, but the ones close to my heart are the camps, science days, excursions to St Helena Island, dance programs, sports days and assisting with the school musicals. Promoting “Reading to Learn" and Literacy through coaching were career highlights for me. I retired in 2024. My husband Graeme and I have come back to CHSIPS to help out with the audio at the school musicals. Camp Hill State School will always hold a special place in my heart.
Shane House - Student 1993-1994
I remember my first day attending Camp Hill. I was nervous, and I met with the principal, Mr Campbell, and my teacher, Mrs Williamson, who welcomed me to the school. Over the years, there are memories I hold dear—from playing in the school cricket team with Mr King, to sports day with my beloved McIlwraith House, to enjoying library time with Mrs Elstob. When I drive past Camp Hill now, I am older, and I still get mixed emotions. I smile because I had a great time, but it also brings a tear to my eye because I miss it, too.
Annette Archibald - Student 1956 -1963, Parent, Staff 1987 – 2017
My name is Annette Archibald, (née Telford), and my relationship with Camp Hill School began in 1956 when I commenced Grade One. One of my first memories of that year was being called up by the principal whilst on parade and presented with a bag of lollies because it was my birthday (don't think that would happen today!)
I stayed at Camp Hill School and completed Grade 8 in December, 1963, that was the last year that Grade 8 was at Primary School. In 1964 a double intake of Grade 8 and 9 began at High School. I enrolled at Cavendish Road State High School and completed Years 9 and 10 and in 1966 I joined the Queensland State Public Service as a clerk typist. I was 15 years old. In 1982, my first son Grant began Year One at Camp Hill School, followed by my second son Brett in 1984. While the boys were at school, I became involved in Mothers Group at the Infant School, volunteering to help fund raise to help the school buy equipment etc. and at one stage was Secretary of the P and C Association of the Primary School. I also enjoyed helping the teachers in the classrooms and assisting at the tuckshop.
In 1987 I applied for the position of Teacher Aide at the Primary School and was very fortunate in obtaining it. For thirty years I worked as a Teacher Aide in the administration section, classrooms, and the School Libraries. I officially retired from Camp Hill School in May, 2017.
Some of my memories of Camp Hill School as a student include –
- Uniform - Brown pinafore, blue short sleeve blouse, straw hat with blue ribbon
- Classrooms had inkwells in desks, pens and nibs, copybooks
- Playing 'beam' under the Infant School
- There was NO school library☹
- The school had 1670 students in 1958
- The school bus cost three pence (less than 5c)
- The pieman coming to the Ferguson Road gate at big lunch, and mushy peas!😋
- The two fires in 1963 and 1988 which caused extensive damage to the school
- Catching the tram each Thursday to East Brisbane School for Domestic Science in Year 8 Inter-School sport on Fridays in Netball and Softball
- Choir Eisteddfods
I have only happy memories of Camp Hill School, as a student, a parent, and a staff member. I feel very lucky to have made so many friends from the years I have been associated Camp Hill.
HAPPY 100 YEARS CAMP HILL 🎉🎉
Margaret Bolton - Student Pre 1945 (Dates unknown)
Margaret went to school at five years old at Camp Hill State Primary School with Miss Smith as her first teacher in Prep 1 and Prep II. She had Irene Hill in Prep III and Prep IV. Irene Hill wrote songs and wrote one particularly for the school. "Swaying Palms" - the first line being, "Camp Hill School stood on the heights".
Margaret's first years of school were during World War II, and she was terrified of the noise when the Air Raid Sirens went off, and everyone had to go to the bunkers (Air Raid Shelters) built into the school grounds. Once she knew the route to school well, Margaret walked to school on her own each day.
When Margaret first started school the old Belmont Railway line was right next to the bottom school fence and Margaret, although terrified of the noise of the heavy old steam engines, was fascinated by them going past.
Swimming was introduced in Year Six and students were taken by tram to Buranda Baths once a week. The subjects Home Economics for girls and Manual Arts for boys were introduced in Year Seven and students went by tram to East Brisbane. Margaret kept the recipes of the foods she made in the original book she wrote them in, and she still has this book. At school, after the testing that took place each week, students (sometimes more than 40 in a class) were always seated in order of result - best at the back down to the lowest at the front. There was always rivalry to see who would be in the back row - particularly top.
Geneveive Clark - Teacher 2001 - 2026
“5,6,7,8!"
Hundreds of students will recall hearing this as they practiced aerobics routines at Camp Hill over the past 25 years.
The programme, initiated by teacher Shelley Edwards and myself in 2001, began with one team, a group of Year 7 girls. In its infancy, we choreographed routines, cut music and created and “blinged" costumes ourselves.
Over the years, it grew to include students upwards from Year 3, both boys and girls, adding Dance, Cheer and Glee sections.
Regional successes led to State successes and National successes, with many National medals across all four genres, including solos and pairs sections, as well as being awarded National School Aerobics Coaches of the Year.
The biggest rewards however have been watching the students perform on large stages, travel for their sport, make lasting friendships, believe in themselves and step outside comfort zones.
Watching athletes go on to represent Australia, coach at other schools and clubs and even return to coach for Camp Hill is testament to the love of aerobics here at Camp Hill.
Jaspa Fletcher - Student (2009 - 2015) Brisbane Lions AFL
When I think back to my time at Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School, I realise just how much of who I am today was shaped by those years. At the time, school was simply where I went every day to learn, play and spend time with my friends. Looking back 18 years later, though, those ordinary days have become some of my most treasured memories.
Some of my favourite memories happened at lunchtime. Playing touch footy with my mates was always a highlight. It was competitive, energetic and, most importantly, fun. There was something special about having a whole lunch break to run around, chase the ball and laugh with friends before heading back to class. Of course, no lunch break was complete without a trip to the tuckshop. A guava slushie and a serve of potato gems were hard to beat.
Sport was a huge part of my primary school experience. I loved PE with Mr Burke, which was easily my favourite subject. It never really felt like a lesson — it was an opportunity to get outside, be active and compete with my friends. Sports carnival day was another highlight. There was a real sense of excitement and pride in representing our houses, cheering each other on and giving everything we had. Playing interschool AFL was another experience that stands out. School camp was another special part of those years. I recall coming home and asking Mum for 'Weetbix with sugar'.
One memory that is particularly unique was painting the bull for the Ekka as part of the Archibull Prize. It was something different from the usual schoolwork and gave us the chance to be creative and work together on something that would be seen beyond the school grounds. I still remember the excitement of seeing the finished bull and knowing that we had all played a part in creating it.
Mrs Clark (Grade 5) was my favourite teacher, and when I look back, I appreciate even more the impact that great teachers can have on young people. I still remember the 'Flamingo' video!
Perhaps the most meaningful part of looking back, however, is realising that some things have barely changed at all. My best mate from Prep is still my best mate 18 years later. When I think about that, it puts everything else into perspective. We went from being little kids running around the playground together to growing up, changing schools, experiencing life and becoming adults — yet somehow that friendship has remained.
Camp Hill State Infant and Primary School gave me much more than an education. It gave me friendships, confidence, a love of sport, experiences I still remember vividly and countless little moments that have become part of my story. The guava slushies, potato gems, touch footy games, sports carnivals, AFL matches, school camps and classroom memories might seem like small things, but they are the details that make those years so special.
Eighteen years on, I can appreciate that I was lucky to have grown up surrounded by good friends, great teachers and experiences that made school such a memorable part of my childhood. And perhaps the best reminder of all is that the kid I was back then is still connected to those memories — and, most importantly, still has his best mate from Prep by his side.
Chris Morton Student 1961-1968
I remember playing on that rock hard oval; being tackled on it, or being hit as the cricket ball rolled along and bounced up to hit you. It was a very different world then, but very happy carefree times – as it should be when you are a young child.
Diane Pide (Barker) Student 1958-1964
I remember standing in line for the quarter pint gold top milk which was hot from the sun. I recall the kids being well behaved. We had very basic desks and no air-conditioning – I don't know how we survived? I had plaits which the boys loved to pull. I walked to school from Bundah St, and there was a blacksmith shop (Huddetstow) across from us.
Amanda Alldridge (Howie) Student 1970-1976
Thank you for a wonderful trip down memory lane. I attended Camp Hill along with 5 siblings, 1 brother-in-law and our Mum. Our years span 1964- 1981. I remember warm milk on a hot summer's day, Tunnel Ball played on a sloping parade ground, cream buns from the tuckshop, walking to and from school on our own, and a music teacher who taught us Gilbert and Sullivan classics.
We all found our school photos and handwritten enrolment records at the Memorabilia display. So many memories. Thank you!
Margaret Ann Flood (Miller) Student 1952- 1960
From Year 1 to 8 I was always scared of end of year exams. In Year 8 my Vocational Guidance Officer told my mother I was not academic but will be good in arts and crafts. I continued to State Commercial Girls High, and my first job was as a shorthand typist for British Empire Films.
Heather Frankling (Miller) Student 1947- 1956
I learnt tennis and enjoyed playing at school. I was also a member of Mrs Hill's choir. I enjoy singing and have just joined a Sing Australia adult choir. I have lived in the Camp Hill/Carina area all my life and often run into someone I know.
Denise Clancy (Thompson) Student 1949- 1958
I walked to school from Whites Hill and enjoyed school. We did Domestic Science at East Brisbane State School in grades 7 and 8, and swimming at Coorparoo State School. I worked at the First Aid Centre in Grade 8. I enjoyed music classes, but I didn't make the choir. I also refused to drink the milk but I was otherwise an easy student. I enjoyed my friendships. The teachers were dedicated and caring.
Lynette O'Neill ( Ross) Student 1953-1958
In my day teachers ruled the classroom. You were not game to not pay attention. I loved Sports Day. School did give me a good grounding for further studies. Fond memories with life-long friends.
Sharyn Knitter (Nee CURREY) Student 1951 – 1959 Teacher 1966 – 1968
I started Prep 1 at Camp Hill School in 1951. Mrs McGuiness was my teacher. I continued my schooling at Camp Hill completing Scholarship, Grade 8 in 1959 my teacher being Mrs Ferguson. From memory Mrs Bonny was my 5th Grade teacher and my teacher in Grade 7 was Miss Chapman.
I had the same classmates throughout and was fortunate to connect with one, Desley Fish while at the Centenary Celebrations.
I returned to Camp Hill Primary School as a teacher in 1966. My first class in 1966 was 3E, in 1967 I taught 6F and in 1968 5B. I was also involved with the Swimming Club, teaching/coaching along with Ted Irwin and refereeing at the Swimming Club Competition every Friday night. The Athletics team and the Girls Tennis Team were also part of my responsibilities. I was lucky enough to accompany our pupils as a teacher to the Tallebudgera Creek Recreation Camp in 1968.
Mr Fletcher was the Headmaster at the time. Camp Hill School was a great experience for me and I carry fond memories.
Susan Ahern Teacher (2003 – 2025)
In 2003 my family had an unexpected move to Brisbane. It was quite a shock to be back in Brisbane and to leave the supportive country community I was familiar with.
However, luck was on my side and I was transferred to Camp Hill State School. It was wonderful to be welcomed by staff and parents, and I quickly realized what a wonderful community spirit Camp Hill had. Over the years I have made many friends and connections across this community. These connections have continued and some have changed – there are now staff at Camp Hill that I taught when they were in years 3 and 4. I have taught the children (now adults) of many staff members and love seeing them and hearing what they are up to.
I have loved the involvement Camp Hill offers everyone – Book Week and the rush around to find a costume, the support for Grandparents Day, Fun Day in all its forms, the fun of Sports Days, Swimming Carnivals, Cross Country, the musicals, choirs, bands, the Baylor Students visiting, Fetes, Christmas Carols and more all help to make Camp Hill the school it is. Now I am retired and coming back to do some relief teaching I still see Camp Hill as my school and feel part of the community.
Camp Hill has a special way of looking after its own and there is always someone on hand to support anyone in need. This extends across the staff, the parents and the students.