Leopold Primary to toast 150-year milestone

LEOPOLD Primary School will celebrate its iconic 150-year celebration this October, saluting the occasion with a range of activities and events with all the people who have made the establishment into what it is today.

On Sunday October 23, the school is set to toast the milestone with tours of the current school, a student art show, a memorabilia display, food vans and cakes, musical performances and much more.

The festivities will document and recount a history that dates back to 1869 when school correspondent Mr Thomas Sutterby applied for a grant of land for the government school.

During the following year, in April 1870, Mr Sutterby’s wish was granted, and the school site became a reality, as development started on the two acres of land that had been allocated.

Two years later in April 1872, the Kensington (Leopold) Common/State School was officially opened by first headteacher John Edgoose and the beginning of a generation of Bellarine school students begun.

Close to 150 years later, the event on October 23 will give current and ex-students and staff the opportunity to catch up and recall their fond memories of being a part of the Bellarine establishment.

School Principal Stuart Bott said Leopold Primary School was thrilled to be reaching their huge milestone later this year, noting that the occasion would be an amazing opportunity for people to reconnect over all the enjoyable times they had at 1 Kensington Road in Leopold.

“We can’t wait for the event in October, and it’ll be terrific to bring the community together again and to acknowledge all the past and present day people that have been involved with the school across its journey,” Mr Bott said.

“There’s been a committee of eight to 10 people working on the 150 year celebrations for around 12 months, and we are really looking forward to what is in store.”

Event organiser Sarah Bailey also said there was plenty of excitement around the event and that there would be plenty of activities for all to get involved in.

“We are super excited to be celebrating our 150-year milestone later this year and it is sure to be a jam-packed day of action.

“We will be doing some slideshows of photos, have food vans, speeches, old day games, art and craft activities, face painting, art shows as well, a time capsule and so much more.

“It’s a very significant occasion and there is many generations of families who have come through this school so to celebrate their contribution will be really special.”

School committee and organisers have been working hard on a ‘purchase a paver’ display which will include the names of contributors in a new school garden.

The $40 donation paver will provide each person with an engraved memory of their contribution and their lasting record of support for the school over its 150-year journey.

Pavers have already been allocated, some of which will be on display and unveiled on October 23.

The community are also still encouraged to buy a paver as part of the project, with the next lot of engravements to do be done soon after the October event date.

There will also be a social function the evening before the school celebration at the Leopold Sportsman’s Club.

All information can be found at facebook.com/events/4514187018696478