Time to party at BNPS brithday

FORMER students and staff of Ballarat North Primary School are invited to step back in time and return to the Landsborough Street grounds.

The school community is marking the institution’s 70th anniversary on Wednesday 23 August during the pupils’ Celebration of the Arts event, and welcomes all those with a connection to return.

Not only will the children be showcasing their visual arts work, and staging some performances, visitors will have a chance to view a historical exhibition in the library.

“This will track each decade of those 70 years, with historical information and photos we’ve got,” anniversary committee member and school parent Ellen Jackson said.

In recent months, a Facebook group for former staff and students of BNPS has reached at least 400 members, with many sharing their memories.

“From class photos, to the winning basketball team from 1960, so much has been shared, and we’ll have a lot of those photos on display as well,” Ms Jackson said.

She said a strong committee of parents are leading the celebrations, and the response has excited them.

“We’ve been amazed how quickly the Facebook group has taken off, and when we ask people in the community for help, it’s not long until you find someone who was a student at the school,” Ms Jackson said.

“It’s been lovely to see past students over the decades reconnecting, sharing their stories, seeing each other as kids in the photos, and tagging one another in them.

“That’s been a wonderful thing, which we expect will continue. We have a strong school council and people are always willing to volunteer their time to help the kids in the school.”

Food stalls and coffee will be available on site at the birthday celebration on Wednesday 23 August, 3pm to 5.30pm.