Small school with a big heart celebrates 150 years

RAIN didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees at the Tooborac Primary School one-hundred-and-fiftieth birthday celebrations last Sunday.

Past students travelled from as far away as Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory to take part in the event.

“Attendees began congregating at the hall from 1pm and enjoyed touring the school grounds and reminiscing over the school history displayed within the school building,” said Mardi Ollett, school business manager.

“It was one of the first opportunities for the wider community to view and appreciate the completed upgrade works at Tooborac PS.

“Staff and students worked tirelessly to present the memorabilia, grounds and school beautifully.”

Ninety-seven-year-old Alan Hayes is the oldest known living student, and travelled from Mornington with his wife, Jeanette, to share memories from his time at the school.

“It was a great school although it has changed a lot,” said Mr Hayes. “You wouldn’t recognise it. We used to sit outside and watch the traffic go past, not that there was much traffic in my day.”

The youngest student at the school, Matilda Bonnici Psaila, agreed.

“I think it’s a great school. It’s really good that we have lots of different places to play,” she said.

When rain cleared, school principal Danny Patton and Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, revealed a commemorative plaque donated by Lindy Shelmerdine.

Ms Shelmerdine is a Tooborac resident, and with her mother Lady Marigold Southy, has been a supporter of the school for many years.

In her address to the visitors, Ms Cleeland said, “For the past 150 years, Tooborac Primary teachers have guided our children on their educational journey – not just instilling knowledge but also the values of integrity, respect, and community.

“It is so clear by all the generations present here today, that it is not only the buildings that stand as a testament of time but the lives it has touched and the futures it has helped build.”

Ms Cleeland thanked the organisers and attendees and acknowledging the community effort.

“While we honour the past, we should also look to the future with hope and determination, that this little school, with a great big heart, can experience another century and a half with just as much impact and success as the last 150 years,” she said.

After months of planning, Ms Ollett said she thought the day was a great success and reflected on the school and wider supportive community.

“I felt that it was the people who attended that made the event successful, sharing their memories, meeting up with old and new faces,” she said.

“It was an honour to be a small part of the great history that surrounds Tooborac Primary School.”