Scarborough Senior High School collection

Scarborough Senior High School was located at the corner of Newborough Street and Grand Promenade in Karrinyup. The school was opened in 1959 and during this year the school crest designed by Frank McKenzie was approved by the Parents and Citizens Association. The crest incorporates representations of the sun, sea and sand of the Scarborough area and the torch of learning. The high school at Scarborough was the first in the area and the first Principal, Bill Bridson recalled that prior to the building of the school "The high school site was a hill full of trees..." Another Scarborough resident, Nancy Brown remembers "...swamps alive with birds and even two clear crystal springs so close to the ocean."

The school's student population peaked at approximately 1500 students around 1977, but by the late 1990s the demographics of the area had changed and only around 400 students were enrolled.

After 40 years of operation the school closed its doors in December 1999. Notable alumni from the school include Tim Winton, Mark Lizotte, Dave Hole and Jenny Sefton.

After its closure, the school was demolished as the land on which it stood was deemed valuable by the State Government for residential purposes, and a housing development transformed that area of Scarborough into high density living.

Some community members protested that there was insufficient consultation during this process. Assurances that the pool and gym facilities would remain on site for public use were not fulfilled. This issue possibly played a role in the 2000 election and groups such as the Scarborough High Open Space Action Group were lobbying for the site to be retained as one hundred percent open public space.

A large collection of archival material from Scarborough Senior High School including year books, trophies and awards, photographs, objects and ephemera was donated to the City of Stirling History Collection.