Gresford Public School stepped back in time on Saturday, September 22, as it celebrated 150 years of teaching and learning in the tight-knit rural community.
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Students – past and present – enjoyed the day of singing, dancing, puppets, games and history as old friendships were renewed and long-forgotten schoolyard tales were recalled.
The sesquicentenary celebrations included an historic classroom, demonstrations of the technology and robotics used today, walls and walls of history covering the entire 150 years of education at Gresford Public School, puppet shows by Frank’s Fantastic Fairy Tale Theatre, school tours, performances by current students, the unveiling of a beautiful student mural, launch of a commemorative booklet and a range of stalls and entertainment.
Principal Pauline Mitchell said she was delighted with the success of the day that saw hundreds of people travelling from near and far to join the celebrations.
“We were thrilled to see so many of our ex-students, families and friends of the school gather to celebrate the school’s proud history,” said Mrs Mitchell, who has been principal at the school since 2002.
“From the earliest years, where the Gringai people of the Wonorua Nation educated their children, to the establishment of the school through the foresight of the early pioneers, we have our treasured school of today.
“With the continued support of a dedicated community and the nurturing and hard work of educators, the children of Gresford will continue to thrive in this ever changing and challenging world.”
A highlight of the celebrations was the cutting of the anniversary cake by former students Beryl Capp (Randall), 94, and Deidre Lawrence (Dark), 89, and the school’s youngest student Charlotte Marsh, 5.
John Millburn, Director of Educational Leadership (Hunter Network), recognised Gresford Public School as “a gem in the Hunter” and marvelled at the deep connections the school had forged with its community.
“I believe the best schools are focal points for their community, places where families meet, where children play and where children learn the skills and attitudes that will see them right in their future,” he told the gathering.
“Gresford is just one of these schools.”
The day of celebrations was the result of months of planning, with school staff and students combining with the P&C and wider community to create an event that has added to the richness of Gresford Public School.
