As far as birthdays go, 125 is a pretty big one.
Veresdale Scrub State School is celebrating this historical milestone with the 125th anniversary of its opening on April 25.
The school’s establishment was mainly due to a dedicated group of parents campaigning for a school to be constructed on a local empty block of land. A few years and many letters to the Department of Public Instruction later, the school opened its (one) door April 25, 1899.
With one classroom measuring 7.2 x 4.2 meters and 32 pupils, a long history began.
Veresdale’s P&C committee is organising an open day on Saturday April 27 to welcome past students, teachers, Principals and community members back to commemorate the milestone anniversary.
A high tea is being hosted by the committee, with a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and tea or coffee.
Past students will enjoy a special trip down memory lane, with a time capsule from 1999 being opened at 11am.
P&C Committee Member Leigh Morgan’s two sons went to Veresdale for their entire schooling.
She says the generational impact the school has is what makes it so special.
“There are families that went to the school from the very first day. A lot of generations have gone through”, she explained.
Two years ago, the school’s original building faced the possibility of being demolished due to poor structural condition.
Once again, a group of parents and the community joined forces and saved the original school building and preserved the school’s legacy.
Leigh explained the upcoming anniversary is not only a celebration of the school’s opening, but the successful fight to keep the historical building too.
“If it wasn’t for people power, the school wouldn’t have been built. And if it wasn’t for people power, the school wouldn’t have been saved” she says.
The school’s rich history is one to be celebrated and the Veresdale Scrub State School community looks forward to welcoming back their alumni Saturday April 27 from 9am to 3pm.
Leigh is asking any past students, faculty and community members with special stories or photos to share, to email her at leighmorgan57@bigpond.com.
