Photos: Supplied.
BY ASHLEIGH HOWARTH
Belmont State School is celebrating 150 years of education by throwing open its gates for a major community fete, inviting past and present students to come together for a day of fun and nostalgia.
The fete, to be held on August 30, is the centrepiece of a year-long celebration marking the school’s opening on June 5, 1876.
P&C Association Vice-President Rochelle Bale said the fete was about honouring the school’s rich history and multiculturalism while creating new memories for the next generation.
“The school hasn’t had a fete since 2019, so I really wanted to ensure one was held this year,” she said.
“It will be a great opportunity for past students and families to come and see the school as it is today, swap memories, and join in all the fun we have got planned.
“One of the drawcards will be a beautiful memory lane display which was curated by some of our teachers and librarians, which features memorabilia dating from 1876 to today.
“There will also be rides, showbags, stalls, live entertainment, roving performers, multicultural performances, face painting, raffles and even a passport-themed Amazing Race-type event around the school grounds.”
The school officially celebrated its 150th birthday on June 5 with a special cake cutting, which was done by the oldest former pupil and the youngest Prep student, as well as the unveiling of a mural created by a local Indigenous artist, and old-fashioned games.
When the school first opened, 38 students were enrolled, and it consisted of a modest two-room schoolhouse, a teacher’s cottage and two toilets.
“The original building cost 440 pounds, which would have been a lot of money at the time,” Rochelle said.
“It sat on a two-acre site which was offered by local landowner August Charles Bernecker.
“Today, the school boasts almost 20 buildings and has 868 students enrolled, which is quite a jump from the olden days.”
To mark the anniversary, the P&C is also producing a commemorative book featuring the school’s history and historic photographs, preserving its legacy for future generations.
If you’re keen to head along to the fete, all the fun will be held on August 30 from 10:00am to 3:30pm.
