Profiling Edward G "Digger" Evans: Principal 1960-1969

Edward Evans had a long distinguished career in NSW schools.  He started out as a teacher in Ballina, Canterbury Boys and Goulburn High Schools.  He was then appointed Languages Master at Cessnock and Classics Master at Newcastle High. He was Language Master then Deputy Principal at Maitland High and then Principal at Cowra High. Following this he was appointed as Principal at Canberra High in 1960.

Evans introduced the hobbies period as an innovation, and by all accounts these were very popular!  The hobbies on offer included art, social graces, judo, athletics, choir, cadets, stamps, film projection, chess, drama and public speaking.  He also introduced a small ceremony on Monday mornings consisting of an oath of allegiance, the 23rd Psalm and then the Lord's Prayer.


Evans oversaw the relocation of Canberra High School from Action to Macquarie in 1968.  In all his years at the school he was affectionately known as "Digger" Evans.