Churchlands Senior High School

Churchlands Senior High School is a state co-educational school in Churchlands, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, approximately ten minutes from the central business district.HistoryChurchlands Senior High School was founded in 1962 and has since established a tradition of excellence built on the outstanding academic, musical, cultural and sporting achievements of its students. Since 1972 Churchlands has been one of the leading music schools in Western Australia and its specialist music program is highly sought after by students across the state. Principal Neil Hunt was one of 4 finalists in the 2009 WA Education Principal of the Year Awards.Litany of tragediesAlthough the school has an excellent record in education, music and sport, the school has also been hit by a series of tragedies.On 6 November 1991, a female student was murdered in class when she was stabbed 18 times by her ex-boyfriend.On 26 May 1997 the majority of the school was burnt down in a failed attempt to destroy evidence of a break-in. The school was largely rebuilt after spending a few years using demountable classrooms.On 14 August 2008 the administration block was badly damaged by fire as a result of arson, and demountable offices were brought in to the school. The time taken for refurbishment from the time of the fire until completion was over 13 months.Extensive damage was caused to school property by a record breaking storm on 22 March 2010. The school was closed for 2 days while sufficient repairs were carried out. Damage included flooded classrooms, roof collapse and damage to school supplies. Other schools such as Shenton College also suffered damage and were closed until the term break.