PLHS (Re)Launches Old Scholars’ Association

Last Friday night, the Honourable Chris Kourakis – Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia – officially re-launched Port Lincoln High School’s Old Scholars’ Association at a well-attended function at the Port Lincoln Hotel.

As one of Port Lincoln High School’s most distinguished graduates (from the Class of 1975), the school was thrilled to have “Chief” agree to become the Patron of the new Association, in addition to attending the launch event as keynote speaker.

The large crowd of invited guests, ex-students and current staff were thoroughly entertained by “The 23s”, the school’s current concert band, who performed a lively set of songs. This was complimented by a thoughtful address from PLHS Principal Mr. Craig Akehurst, and an informative announcement from Mr. Greg Barry (ex-PLHS student, staff member and Principal) in his new role as Chairperson of the Country Education Foundation of Port Lincoln.

According to a West Coast Recorder clipping from Tuesday March 8^th, 1927, the first iteration of a PLHS Old Scholars’ Association commenced a mere four years after the school was first founded. It continued until 1942, before a brief hiatus during the final years of the Second World War. It was revived in 1946 and ran for another twenty years or so, before stopping again around 1966.

This latest iteration of the PLHS Old Scholars’ Association falls under the auspices of the school’s Governing Council, who ratified an introductory one-time Life Membership payment of $50 for any ex-students (or staff) who wish to join the Association in 2025. Old Scholars then receive the following membership benefits:

• a PLHSOSA badge
• email copies of monthly PLHS newsletters
• invitations to social functions & major school events
• networking/mentoring opportunities
• assistance with reunions
• opportunities to contribute annually to tertiary education scholarships for current students via CEF Port Lincoln

To apply and pay for membership, potential Old Scholars’ will soon be able to access a dedicated Old Scholars’ Association page on the PLHS school website, which is being upgraded to include an online membership form and electronic payment portal. In the meantime, please contact Sharon in the school’s Front Office, either in person or by phoning 8683-6000.

* photos below courtesy of ex-PLHS student (Class of 2022), member of PLHS Old Scholars’ Association and Port Lincoln Times cadet journalist Mitchell Paterson