Dorrington Hub Site History

Syndal Technical School

Dorrington Child and Family Hub sits on the traditional lands of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and is part on the site of the former Syndal Technical School (Syndal Tech). Dorrington Child and Family Hub supports Monash Council’s vision to provide children and young people with the best opportunities to grow, learn and thrive in a strong and supported community.   

Syndal Technical School was officially opened on this site by the Hon. J. S. Bloomfield, Minister for Education, on 23 March 1961. Operating from 1958 to 1993, the school nurtured more than 5000 students and 500 staff. 

Learn To Live

Syndal Technical School was officially opened on this site by the Hon. J. S. Bloomfield, Minister for Education, on 23 March 1961. Operating from 1958 to 1993, the school nurtured more than 5000 students and 500 staff.

Under its motto, ‘Learn to Live’, it grew to be one of the largest technical schools in Victoria. Starting as an all-boys school and broadening to a coeducational curriculum in 1974, the school serviced nearly 1200 day-time students at its peak and came to be known as a place where students from all walks of life were guided to reach their full potential.

Recognising the First Nations community, the school magazine was published in 1965 with the name ‘Tarkarri’. Tarrkarri is a Kaurna word from South Australia meaning “the future”.

The four schoolhouse names are also First Nations words from Western Australia - Baradoo (wild turkey), Gudap (eagle), Wardoo (kingfisher) and Pilba (butcher bird). 

Former students and teachers fondly reflect on their time at Syndal Tech:

“The school was well known for its extensive achievements across all curricula. Subjects were offered across a wide range of technical and academic areas, including Engineering, Woodwork, Art, Photography, Music, Computer Studies, Home Economics, Textiles and Crafts, Business Studies, Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, English and Social Studies. 

The sporting achievements of the teams formed at the school over the years were second to none. Students competed in athletics, swimming, golf, football, basketball, softball, netball, baseball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, cricket, hockey, soccer, cultural sports and cross country running.  

A wide range of extracurricular activities were led by enthusiastic and dedicated teachers, providing students opportunities to engage with the wider community. Activities included school adventure camps, ski trips, bands and orchestras, old time dancing, forest work parties, chartered flights and ice skating.  A restaurant was introduced for VCE catering students, and became well frequented by students, staff, parents and residents of the neighbouring suburbs. 

 The Transition School

In the late 1970s and early 80s, the transition school was established by the Principal, Bill Clark. His vision was to create a mini school dedicated to the over 200 Year Seven students starting their secondary school education.

The transition school offered a place that allowed a cohort of children to develop their confidence, friendship base and learnings from a primary school setting to a secondary school setting. 

A group of core teachers, including humanities, maths/science, drama, art, PE, music, and technology provided students with a focused pastoral care and educational experience.

The school year began with the all-encompassing transition school camp, where both students and staff moved to Licola to the Lion’s Wilderness Village, to experience life away from home, develop new friendships, skills, independence, self-confidence, but most of all have lots of fun. 

The transition school provided a friendly and holistic path for a young person to start their secondary school experience. 

A Place in the Community  

Syndal Technical School was actively involved in the community of Waverley. From the mid-1960s, the school introduced day and evening classes for mature-age students, opening its doors for hobby classes such as upholstery, woodwork, and engineering.

Over the years, cricket, softball and football teams hired the ovals, and the gymnasium was used throughout the week for volleyball, basketball, softball and social functions.  

The Clark Hall, named after former principal Bill Clark, opened in 1976. It was used for dancing, parties, Church, Sunday school, and social gatherings. The tennis courts, staffroom and computer facilities and classrooms were also regularly used by the local community.  

The school was renowned for its community spirit and commemorated key events by assembling students on the oval to form words, phrases, or emblems. One such occasion was after the Walsh Street shootings of two young police officers, when the school marked out a police badge and the words ‘We Support You’ on the oval. 

After 36 years of active participation in the community, Syndal Technical School (renamed Lawrence Secondary College in 1990) closed on 17 December 1993. Students were amalgamated along with Syndal Secondary College into Glen Waverley Secondary College. 

This information on the history of Syndal Tech has been sourced from former students of Syndal Technical School. Photos courtesy of the Syndal Technical community group.