Blair State School was opened on 26 March 1917. Our school is unique in that it is not named after an area (e.g. Brassall) or a geographical feature (e.g. Yeluba Creek) but rather after Sir James Blair, a former Chief Justice in Queensland and Member of Parliament, who was instrumental in this school being built.
Sir James Blair was a local man born in 1871 and raised in Coalfalls who in his lifetime achieved things of which normal people can only dream.
His successes included careers in politics, law and education. He attended Ipswich Grammar School, excelling in writing and speaking. This led him to a career in law. He was an accomplished barrister before moving into politics.
His political career began in 1902 when he stood as a candidate in the state election winning the seat of Ipswich. It was not until 1915 that he lost the seat.
He returned to law rapidly achieving honour. In 1922 he was offered the Northern Judgeship and in April 1925 he was appointed Chief Justice of Queensland.
In 1927 he was appointed Chancellor of the University of Queensland. He was later appointed Lieutenant Governor, and in 1930 he was knighted.
Our school’s emblem includes a judge’s wig and the scales of justice. Blair's motto is 'Honour above all'.