22/03/2026
❤️✅😀We have been exploring photos and material we have in our archives as part of creating the new Heritage Trail. Some of these photos will be included in the 50 or so heritage and key sites on the trail. Students, visitors and interested members of the community will soon be able to explore these in person or online.
We are thankful for the many pics that have been donated by Modernians. 👏👏 Do you have any photos from your school sport days or other school days pics to add to our collection? If so, please visit the Museum and History Centre on Monday mornings (9.30 to midday) during school term or email a high-resolution copy. During school hours donations can also be dropped into the main school reception – please make sure they are clearly marked for the Museum and that you also include as much detail as possible plus your name and contact details.
This is one early example, we thought you may enjoy. 🤸♀️🤸♂️Sports Day 1916 or 1917 (ref. 76). If you look closely, it appears that the high jump is in progress. The boys are in knickerbockers & stockings. Shorts were apparently uncommon. A portion of the original gymnasium is in the top right-hand corner. That building was demolished in the 1950’s to make way for the new gymnasium (now the old gym) which opened in the early 1960s.
As per Trove - The West Australian Thursday 8 February 1912. “…….On the east side of the block there now stand a fine gymnasium and workshop, both of which buildings have been equipped with all the latest appliances for the training of the body, the hand, and the eye. Not far from these buildings, too, is a roomy play-shed, while between that and the magnificent pile of buildings which form the school itself is laid down a parade ground for, the cadets of the institution. In every way, therefore, the Modern School is developing into an asset of which any State might be proud……”
