For the past 100 years, Cairns High has influenced many pages in the city’s history.

And the colourful, inspirational, funny and sometimes tragic history of Cairns State High School has been officially recorded in a 400-page book to help celebrate a centenary of education at the school.

Cairns High The First Hundred Years 1917-2017, details good and bad events over time, including flu outbreaks, world wars, arson and the devastating bus crash on the Gillies Range Road in 1987, with author and teacher Peter Stanton saying the history of Cairns and the school were closely linked.

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“This book is not just a history of Cairns High but also the people and events of Cairns,” he said.

The first part of the book focuses on a year-by-year account of events at the school and in the city, while the second part focuses on themes including sport, the arts, cadets, school traditions and symbols and the school’s progress to the institution it is today.

“The book recreates an education era in Cairns which transformed significantly between 1917 and 2017,” he said.

The book also contains about 1500 high quality photographs with the school’s principal Chris Zilm saying it was a great gift and a fantastic memento for the school and city.

“This wonderful chronicle is a must for all Cairns High families – past and present,” he said.

“You can flip through the pages and land anywhere in time and find something interesting.”

The school’s centenary committee has also come up with a range of other souvenirs, including a bulldog mascot, commemorative mug, keyring, pen and polo shirts to recognise the education milestone.

“Cairns High has put together a range of commemorative items that are available for purchase at every centenary event, online and at the school,” Mr Zilm said.

For more information on the school’s centenary celebrations or to buy the book or other souvenirs, click here.