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School commenced at Banyo High in January 1954, with an enrolment of 320 students. The original school consisted of two buildings - the main classroom block (which was burnt down in 1978) and a manual arts block.
The high school land was formerly used by the Blinzinger family for growing sugar cane. Across Earnshaw Road was a banana plantation operated by Mr Witt. His wife later ran a small shop on the property for many years.
The foundation school Principal was Mr Milton Sallaway, who had a teaching staff of 10. The representative colours chosen for the school were blue and gold.
During the first few years things were very hectic. There was an eagerness to establish a tradition for future years to follow; a striving for excellence was paramount. A motto 'Vitam Artes Alunt" (The Arts Nourish Life) and a new school badge were formulated.
After much discussion, a school war cry was decided upon, and this became very famous in later years when the school had a sporting reputation second to none.
In the 1950's and 60's there was a total segregation of the sexes in the school grounds; different areas being designated for boys and girls.
Most of the students in the early years travelled by train to school. Girls could only enter or leave by via Tufnell Rd, while the boys had to use Victor St.
The foundation staff wanted sport to be the instrument by which the character of the school would be built. But as the Education Department didn't provide school ovals and sporting facilities in those days, a group of teachers and the P&C worked very hard to develop the oval and the tennis courts.
By the end of the 50's the school gained its notoriety through great sporting victories and top sports persons.
The school steadily grew, reaching a peak of 1,300 students in 1964. All rooms had 24 desks and most classes were of 48 students. Extra buildings were necessary to accommodate the growing classes in the early 60's. New wings were built in 1962 and 1964, with a science block in 1967.
In 1961 the Principal, Mr Jim Golding and his P&C decided that the school needed a swimming pool. This major achievement was realised in 1966. Interestingly, at the time there was much discussion as to whether an assembly hall should be constructed - a discussion still ongoing in the year 2000!
1965 was the greatest sporting year for Banyo High. Amongst the victories were trophies for the 'A Grade' Rugby League, 'A Grade' Australian Rules and 'A Grade' Girls Hockey. Cricket was also one of Banyo's premier sports. During the 60's, when the 'A Grade' League team were playing in a grand final at Lang Park (now Suncorp Stadium) the whole school attended (20 bus loads of students).
By 1971, the enrolment had dropped to 775; the changing demographics of the area starting a downward spiral in student numbers.
In September 1978, disaster struck the school. In the early hours of a Sunday morning the original wing was destroyed by fire (caused by an electrical fault). By August 1979 the wing had been replaced with a new library also being provided.
In the mid 90's the school numbers levelled out at around 300. At the end of the century they had started climbing back up (330 in 1999).
Banyo State High School continues to be one of the landmarks of the Banyo/Nudgee area. Many local residents have fond memories of the 'well rounded' education they received there.
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