Broadford Primary School celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday, with a multitude of past and current students, staff, and families joining in the festivities.
The school’s Powlett Street grounds were populated by market stalls, pony rides, community group displays, live music, school tours, and food, with something on hand for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.
Complementing the anniversary were the Mitchell Shire Concert Band and an opening speech from Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens – a past student of the school.
The school’s oldest living student Ruth Davern, nee Reid, and her family also attended.
Principal Jennene Cooney said it was an honour to be able to celebrate the school’s significant milestone.
“It’s an absolute privilege and I’m really proud to be the principal with the history of the school and all the people that have gone through – students, staff, all the families, it’s amazing,” she said.
“What’s been great is we’ve got lots of people out with activities that are also part of the community like the SES, CFA, sports clubs, Scouts and even our after-school program that’s starting up next year has got activities here, so it’s really good.”
In support of the celebrations, students prepared a range of displays that compared life during the school’s beginnings and today, and there was also a range of photos, accounts from past students, and newspaper clippings presented to document the school’s history.
A range of historic memorabilia was also on show, as items including old logbooks, bells, dictionaries, and even pen licences were laid out on old classroom tables in the school’s oldest building.
“It’s been amazing. Our historic display has been very popular with people going through. We’ve got memorabilia that we’re selling too, and people have just really enjoyed all the activities that are on offer and the food,” Ms Cooney said.
“It just shows what a community school it is and what an important part of the community Broadford Primary School is.
“So many people have put a lot in today, it’s been a real team event to put the day together with all the planning over quite a few months, and it’s all come together today with the help of everybody.”
