Sebastopol PS gets set to mark major milestone

ONE of Ballarat’s oldest schools reaching a major birthday soon, staff and students are inviting anyone with a connection to the institution to join in the celebrations.

Sebastopol Primary School will turn 150 years old in May, and principal Michelle Wilson said it’s important to have as many past students, teachers, parents and associates attend.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to gather, relive some memories and get to meet the current students and staff,” she said.

“They’re welcome to come share any photos or memorabilia they might have. We’d love to keep adding to the story of our history.”

The 150th celebrations will take place on Friday, 19 May and Saturday, 20 May during which attendees will be invited to explore the school.

Photos dating back to the late 1800s will be on display as well as an art show with student works themed around the anniversary.

A time capsule buried during the late 1990s will be unearthed with a new one to be buried until the school’s 200th anniversary.

Assemblies will take place on both days featuring a birthday cake, student choir performance and roll call for people to note their attendance and educational history.

Ms Wilson said the event will be about recognising the school’s role in Ballarat’s history.

“Sebastopol was originally the borough of Sebastopol so the school was one of the first developments to support the children of the miners and the growing businesses that developed,” she said.

“It was a community of hard-working people. A lot of the gold found here is what helped Ballarat establish itself.

“We’re working hand-in-hand with the Sebastopol Historical Society to bring our history to life with a book launch on the Saturday.

“The school now has been here for about 45 years. Prior to that from 1873 the school was down behind the Sebastopol Bowling Club which is where the Society is based.”

The celebrations will run from Friday 12.30pm to 4pm on the Friday, and 11pm to 3pm on the Saturday.