Sunshine and stories shared at Centenary celebrations
YOUR STORY: When planning began 18 months ago, organisers of the Kulpi State School Centenary thought it important to have as many marquees as possible so that visitors on the day could escape the August winds and shelter from the certain cold.
However, as it turned out, Saturday August 8 was a picture perfect day.
Everyone was delighted to be able to sit outside together in the beautiful sunshine and reminisce about school days long gone.
The Kulpi Centenary book prompted long conversations about the way it used to be with many such stories shared during the day.
Currently, the school has an enrolment of 11 students, however past teachers told of overcrowded classrooms with more than 100 children spread between three classes.
A wonderful display of a classroom circa 1960s brought forth exclamations of delight as visitors recalled the use of inkwells, copybooks, a picture of the (then) young queen, ABC charts and even a working gramophone.
An original wooden desk and bench that belongs to the Kulpi School was part of the display.
On the other side of this area, a bright modern classroom with all of its colour and technological devices provided a clear contrast and a reminder as to how education has changed in the last 50 years.
RELATED
Mrs Coralie Gordon was thrilled with the crowd's response when her amazing mosaic was unveiled by special guest Department of Education and Training Assistant Regional Director Mr Peter Baker.
There were gasps of delight as the colourful large Centenary project was revealed for the first time.
Brass plaques embedded in the mosaic list all of the children and staff who are associated with the school in this special centenary year.
Two special tiles acknowledge the school's former P&C President Mrs Melissa Dorries who was tragically killed just a few months ago in a house fire in nearby Brymaroo.
Acting Principal Mrs Rosita Lever made specific mention of Mrs Dorries during her official address at the opening ceremony.
"Melissa offered to our school her commitment in every way she could," Mrs Lever said.
She went on to thank the wonderful volunteers and community members who worked tirelessly to make the Centenary day a reality and a success.
"Without the energy and enthusiasm of so many people, this event simply could not have happened."
A centenary comes around every hundred years, however the memories of this special day at Kulpi will be talked about for many years to come.
There is an air of excitement and anticipation as the school looks forward to a bright future.
