Ferny Grove State High School

Ferny Grove State High School is a public high school in the suburb of Ferny Grove, in Brisbane, Australia.The school has 1476 students enrolled as of the end of 2010. In 2007, the school won the award for the most innovative music program in Queensland. Ferny Grove has also won the award for the cleanest school for the last 8 years, With the latest Green and Healthy Schools award being won in 2010.HistoryThe school was opened in 1980 on its current site at McGinn Road, Ferny Grove, near the Ferny Grove Railway Station and primary school.Its original principal was Mr. Keith Tabulo, who held the position from 1980 to 1982, when he was replaced by Tony Marsland. It was Marsland who began the school's tradition of planting trees along the entrance way to the school on Queensland Day. This tradition, which began in 1984, has continued since, and trees now line both entrances to the school.In 1985, the position of principal was taken by Ralph Took, when Marsland was promoted the position of school inspector. Took remained principal for a record 15 years (he resigned at the end of term one in 2000, having been offered a higher position in the Education Department). During this time the school gained its reputation for excellence in several fields, including music, drama, academia and sport.Finding a replacement for Took proved a lengthy process, with deputy principal Russell Burguez acting in the position throughout terms two and three of 2000. In fourth term the position was permanently filled by Chris Rider, who had moved across from Wellington Point High School. Nearing the end of his time as principal at the school, Rider began taking on other responsibilities in Education Queensland, leading to his leaving the school to become one of the Department's Regional Directors. Deputy principal Pat Anderson, who has since retired, held the post of Acting Principal until end of term 2, 2007.