When St Joseph’s Primary school first opened in 1917 resource-strapped teachers wasted no time and in the absence of a classroom simply held lessons under a tree close to the church.
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Nearly 100 years on things are vastly different, with the school population today including 250 students and 30 staff – all based in modern, indoor classrooms.
It is a journey set to be recognised and celebrated as the school gears up to mark its centenary in October.
From its first principal Sister Magdalene O’Mara to her modern day equivalent Mary Jane Simms the school has drummed up a rich history illustrative of the value the town placed on education.
“The old church served as the school building and, as no desks were available, students were mostly taught under the shade of a gum tree,” Ms Simms explained.
“When written work had to be done the children sat inside the church on the kneelers, placing their writing material on the seats.”
“Over the following years classes were also held in tents.”
While most 100th birthday parties are necessarily sedate, organisers have organised a celebration anything but as the school marks the milestone - with an entire weekend of events to be held over October 21 and 22.
Highlights on the agenda will include an official ceremony, the opening of a time capsule from 1988, guided tours of the school and a centenary dinner.
“A new time capsule containing items from the students and the school community will be laid down, to be unearthed in 25 years’ time in 2042,” Ms Simms said.
All members of the community are all invited to take part in the upcoming celebrations, with residents asked to spread the word near and far to any who may be interested.
The school has also put the call out for photos over the years to be brought in or emailed to the school or uploaded to the St Joseph’s centenary event page.
