Happy 150th birthday, MPS

MURWILLUMBAH Public School (MPS) is celebrating 150 years of education with two special events this weekend.

To mark the milestone, the school will present a family fun day for the school community and the public tomorrow (Saturday, November 16).

It will feature many stalls and activities, including a petting zoo and a performance by the school’s Whopping Big Band.

MPS was recently named one of the top six finalists at the Best Regional School in Australia. Principal Les Daley, an educator for 40 years and principal for the past 13, said there was a strong feeling about the school held by the community, parents and children.

“The students, staff and community are wonderful to work with and very respectful to one another,” Mr Daley said.

“The students and staff are constantly working together to reinforce our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Learning, ensuring a happy environment for all. It’s a very positive vibe.

“The school community is excited about the upcoming celebrations. It is a testament to the dedication and vision of countless individuals who have contributed to the success of MPS.”

The first teacher, Mr Jonathon Harris, emigrated to Australia in 1854 with his wife Maria. Harris was appointed to the school, then in Tumbulgum, in 1872, in a basic bark hut with an earthen floor that was often wet and bred mosquitos.

After a bushfire claimed the rudimentary schoolhouse, Harris drew plans for a new school named Tweed River Public School at Bent Street in 1873. With the region’s growth, MPS moved to its present site on Prince Street in 1912.

Vikki Armour has taught at the school since 1981. She is dedicated to the school community as a former student, school parent, and now school grandparent.

“I feel enormously proud of MPS, where the staff and parents work together to ensure that every student has the opportunity for an outstanding education filled with a wide variety of opportunities,” Armour said.

“I am delighted to have my grandchildren attend MPS, and I am very excited to celebrate 150 years of education with our current and former school community members.”

Saturday festivities at the school will run from 8.30am to 3pm. A dinner event will follow at Murwillumbah Golf Club at 6pm, including entertainment, lucky door prizes, raffles, and an auction.