Now a General Manager in the energy sector, Phoebe fondly remembers the vibrant community spirit of Gumdale in the '90s.

While her career path took a different direction, inspiring teachers at Gumdale sparked her lifelong interest in ancient cultures and art. Known back then as a bit of a 'goody two shoes', Phoebe’s favourite memories include the school fetes—craft stalls, tombola and parents getting into the fun.

Her advice to students? Work hard and be nice!

Current Parent, Class of 2006

It's a full circle moment for one 2006 graduate whose child attends Prep at Gumdale! Now working as a teacher, she said that her time at Gumdale gave her the best foundations for her learning.

Her favourite memories include sports days filled with support and cheer and she is still in touch touch with some of her classmates.

Anonymous, Class of 2007

We heard from one past student who says their experience at Gumdale inspired them to become a teacher - and they are now teaching overseas in Tokyo! 

A core memory of this particular alumni is of performing in Drama classes and shows with their friends, and of drama teacher Helen Goleby, saying it really helped them to come out of their shell and build their self confidence.

Still connected to Gumdale through family, this past student encourages current students to try anything that the school has to offer.

Abbey, Class of 2016

Many Gumdale families might know Abbey as their local babysitter, and she credits the caring Gumdale State School environment for helping guide her into her career as a nanny and disability support worker. Abbey's favourite memories include playing basketball with her friends at lunchtime in the hall and doing Just Dance before school.

Abbey's advice to current Gumdale students? Be kind and honest, and push through to high school because primary school are the best years of your life.

S. Ramanathan, Class of 2020

This former student said her time at Gumdale helped her find her passion for science. She particularly loved the music program and was in the choir and band - but made the most of all the opportunities offered, including the Science Fair, Art Show and playing interschool volleyball.

Her claim to fame was winning the sailing race in Year 6, and wants to encourage all Gumdale students to enjoy and have fun. 

Layla, Class of 2020

Layla still keeps in touch with a few friends from her Gumdale days and fondly remembers playing handball at school.

Now working at a cinema, she offers this simple but meaningful advice to current students: Listen and learn.

Bethany, Class of 2020

Bethany remembers Gumdale as the place that helped build her confidence and shaped her caring nature—she’d be known in the Hall of Fame for “thinking of others.”

Her favourite memories include playing tag and touch on the oval, and her advice to current students is simple: Just have fun and enjoy it.  She adds, Thank you Gumdale for being the best primary school.

Phillip, Class of 2005

Now a Mechanical Engineer, Phillip credits Gumdale with encouraging his love of learning.

As Fraser House Captain, one of his proudest memories was winning the Cross Country.  If there were a Hall of Fame, he’d be remembered for his leadership and team spirit.

His advice to current students: Embrace learning and develop friendships.

Lance Edie, Class of 1970

Now retired, Lance remembers his Gumdale teachers as strong role models who helped shape his path.

Known for his love of sport, he fondly recalls athletic activities more than academics.
If there were a Hall of Fame, he’d be recognised for his sporting spirit.

His advice to students: Keep up your studies for your future—and enjoy your education and friends.

Liam, Class of 2019

Currently a student with plans to study psychology, Liam credits Gumdale with helping shape his values and development—especially through the guidance of Mr Savill and the school’s supportive structure.

Known for his cricket skills, one of his favourite memories is winning the local Rugby League premiership in 2018 and progressing through district games.

He’s still in touch with classmates and shares this advice: Take all of the opportunities you can—Gumdale offers so much, and it’s a blessing to be part of such a great school.

A. Ful, Class of 2020

Now a Year 11 student at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, A. Ful reflects on her time at Gumdale as deeply formative—thanks to nurturing teachers and meaningful friendships.

She fondly remembers sailing lessons as a standout experience, and says she’d be known in the Hall of Fame for being one of the few Chinese students at the time.

Her advice to current students: Enjoy your primary school years—they fly by! Try new things, spend less time on devices, and have lots of fun every day. Gumdale has had a lasting impact on both my education and personal growth. I strongly recommend it!

Kirra Rankin, Class of 1991

Now living in Canberra, Kirra is an Exercise Physiologist and business owner of Capital Hydrotherapy. She still keeps in touch with a couple of close friends from her Gumdale days.

As 1991 House Captain and a cross-country record holder, she’d be known in the Hall of Fame for her athletic achievements—and she still runs today!

Her fondest memories include PE with Mr Foster, buying 5-cent red frogs with friends, and catching the local school bus with Les.

Her advice to students: Dream big, stay humble and kind—and limit your screen time!

Tamarin Chandler, Class of 1986

Still living in Gumdale, Tamarin is now a solicitor and proud Gumdale parent—her eldest graduated in 2022, her middle child is in Grade 2, and her youngest is set to start Prep in 2026.

She remembers being encouraged to be creative and strive for success, and would be known in the Hall of Fame for being “super friendly.”
One of her fondest memories? Wearing an ice cream container hat during cross country to avoid swooping from “Mad Max” the magpie!

Her advice to students: Get involved—there’s something for everyone at Gumdale!  It’s lovely to see the community spirit is just as strong today as it was when I was a child.

Harley Malpass, Graduated in 2016

Still living in Wynnum, Harley is now a tennis coach and cricket player.
He left Gumdale in 2016, but still keeps in touch with classmates and teachers.

Harley says learning to connect with different people from a young age helped him thrive in team environments and high-performance settings, and he would be known for being a cricket player.

His fondest memories? School discos, Friday interschool competitions, and athletics days.

His advice to students: Get involved with as many things as you possibly can. Try new things - you never know what skills you might discover and where they could lead you. Always have a go!  Gumdale gave me the confidence to meet new people and build friendships that still matter today.

Zara Schmidt, Class of 2016

Now a university student and working in OSHC, this 2016 Gumdale graduate still lives locally and has a nephew currently attending the school.

She says she loverd her teachers and that their influence led her to pursue teaching at university.

Zara would be known for her studious nature and she fondly remembers the friendships and people who made her time at Gumdale special

Her advice to students: Keep having fun and find a good group of friends who encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

Ian King, Teacher 1976-1989

A former teacher at Gumdale from 1976 to 1989, Ian now lives in Manly West and is enjoying retirement. After officially leaving Gumdale, he returned for supply work over a five-year period from 2008, reconnecting with familiar faces and fond memories.

He still keeps in touch with former colleagues and remembers the early days of teaching at Gumdale when the school had just seven classes, including the principal teaching one of them. “I would have been happy to stay at Gumdale,” Ian recalls, “but the Education Department had other ideas and transferred me to Camp Hill.”

When Ian heard about the upcoming anniversary, he pulled out his old class photos and memorabilia. “The Gumdale Hall of Fame should include some of the students I taught and coached - like Paul Green and Boden Hansen,” he says.

Ian’s memories of Gumdale include coaching Rugby League, Soccer, Australian Football, Cricket, and Athletics, and organising Sports Days where every child took part in athletics and ball games. He remembers the house teams (Apollo and Mars) and the school motto at the time: Always our best.  “That should apply to academic work, sport, and of course how we treat others - and ourselves.”

His hope for the future?  That the caring, family nature of the school I knew in the ’70s and ’80s doesn’t change - even as the ‘family’ grows.

Tammy, Class of 2005

Tammy is currently one of our dedicated cleaning team at Gumdale, helping keep our school tidy and ready for learning each day.

Her fondest memory from Gumdale is the Country Fair that used to be held every year which brought the whole community together.

Tammy says to current students: Make the most of your time in Primary School as these are the memories you’ll look back on when you’re older.

Nathan Sharrock, Class of 2003 

Now living between Hobart, Nathan is the General Manager of the Royal Hobart Golf Club. He stays connected with classmates mostly through social media. 

Reflecting on his time at Gumdale, he says the school was a place that supported each child’s unique path, helping guide the many different directions they all took.

If Gumdale had a Hall of Fame, he believes he’d be known for nurturing the differences in everyone.

One of his fondest memories is reading time after lunch in the old double-story building, feeling the breeze flowing through on a hot day. His advice to current students: Be yourself and try your hardest.

Jess Bertolone, Class of 2012

Jess is now living in Perth and working as a Material Logistics Officer and Service Technician in the Pilbara mines. Thanks to social media, Jess stays connected with a few classmates and teachers, keeping those Gumdale friendships alive.

One of Jess’ fondest memories is the old Country Fairs — events that brought the community together and made school life so memorable.

Jess’ advice to current students is simple: Listen, learn, and do things you’re passionate about.

Joanne Peters, Class of 1985

Joanne Peters, Class of 1985, is back living in Gumdale and proud to have her son finishing his final year at GSS. A Registered Nurse and admin for her family’s business, Joanne knew from Grade 3 she wanted to be a nurse—thanks to her time at Gumdale. She fondly remembers playing handball under A Block, performing “God Save the Queen” on recorder at assembly, and representing QLD in softball after being selected through GSS sports pathways.

Joanne’s advice? Give every opportunity a go—you never know where it might lead you.

Lisa Frampton, Class of 1985

Meet a proud alum from the Class of 1985, Lisa Frampton. Now living in Beaudesert and working in administration, Lisa is still in touch with some of her classmates and cherishes the memories made at school.

The friends I made continued into high school. Sports Days were great fun—and who could forget the tables set out when the ladies were making lamingtons!

If there were a Gumdale Hall of Fame, she’d be known for always trying her best. 

Matty & Cooper, Class of 2019

From being part of Gumdale State School’s district-winning rugby league team in 2018, to leading the charge at Iona College in 2025—Matty and Cooper are still playing together and still great friends.

Matty, who was 2019 School Captain at Gumdale, is now Rugby Union Captain at Iona. Cooper, 2019 Minjerribah House Captain, is now Iona’s Rugby League Captain. They will graduate later this year. From handshakes at Gumdale to tackles at Iona—some teams are built to last.