About Chatham High

Chatham High School circa 1966 - photo taken from location of the handball courts

Chatham High School circa 1971 - photo taken from the nearby public sports oval

Chatham High School beginnings from 1965

Chatham High School grew from the demand for a second high school on the northern side of Taree. Planning on Chatham High School began in the early 1960s after the public school's P&C Association saw a need for a new local high school when Taree High School became overcrowded. Chatham High School physically came into being from February 1965 when 280 students and 14 teachers "boarded" at Taree High School. Students first moved into the Davis Street Site on Thursday, 31 March 1966.

Chatham was named after the Earl of Chatham, William Pitt, a British Prime Minister. The Schools motto, "Semper Intrepidi" (always courageous) combines well with its emblem, the powerful, mythical creature, the Griffin. Its colours of bottle green, grey and white must have been a contrast to the black and gold of Taree High School.

The school has expanded considerably in building and student numbers. Chatham takes students not only from within Taree but serves its surrounding villages such as Cundletown, Coopernook, Harrington, Lansdowne and Nabiac. Chatham actively encourages and supports all students of varying backgrounds to achieve their potential through a strong emphasis on quality teaching and active learning, in a caring environment. Chatham has produced many notable students in the academic, cultural and sporting fields.

The Basketball Courts with Block 1 plus the Canteen/Gym in the background.

The Assembly Area with Blocks 1 and 2 plus a future location for Block 3.

The five principals since 1965

(1965-1969) Mr Len "Kel" Kelsey.

(1970-1974) Mr Sid Brown.

(1974-1979) Mr Fred Badger.

(1980-1994) Mr Pat Wilson.

(1995-2013) Mr Peter fitzPatrick.

(2014-present) Mr Willem Holvast.

The School Crest

Chatham High School Griffin Crest

The School Motto

The motto of Chatham High School is Semper Intrepidi, (Always Courageous),

which has also been interpreted as: 'ever undaunted', 'always intrepid' or 'forever striving'.

Griffin Statue at the Main Entrance to the School

presented by the outgoing 2012 Year 12

Chatham High School Today

Chatham High School was the second high school in Taree, New South Wales, having opened its doors on 31 March 1966. It now provides a broad school curriculum as well as cultural and sporting pursuits. Subjects include vocational studies for job training and traditional academic subjects for entry into tertiary education. An alternative timetable for senior students increases access to Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and vocational courses.

Chatham High is a Priority Schools Program funded school (see Supporting Low SES School Communities) supporting the development of literacy and numeracy skills for all students. A Support Unit provides educational services for students with special needs.

The Depatment of Education official Chatham High School website: <http://www.chatham-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/home>

The 2008 Fire

On 9 March 2008, a group of youths from the Taree area attempted to set fire to nearby St Clare's High School, a nearby supermarket, and two buildings at Chatham High. Damage inflicted in most of these arson attacks amounted to little more than some singed carpets, melted linoleum and a few broken windows; but at approximately 2:30am the fire took hold in a ground level textiles laboratory in Chatham High's E Block, resulting in the destruction of the building.

Refer: <http://www.chatham-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/gallery/rebuilding>

Origin of the name 'Chatham'

The name Chatham was first recorded as Cetham in 880, its name coming from the British root ceto and the Old English ham thus meaning a forest settlement. The Domesday Book records the place as Ceteham. from Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia.