End of an era celebration

By Tina Seirlis

Preparations are underway at St Brendan’s Dunnstown as the school gets set to celebrate the end of an era on Saturday 25 November.

Likely to be an emotive and bittersweet day, the gathering sadly heralds the school’s looming closure at the end of 2023.

Earlier this year the school had announced that the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Ltd (DOBCEL) had come to the difficult conclusion that the school would close due to numbers for 2024 not meeting the minimum volume requirements for a non-government school.

With the school’s origins dating back to 1868, both the celebration and closure will surely have a resounding effect across the Dunnstown community. School Principal Inez French who has held the leadership role for four years, in addition to already having taught at St Brendan’s in the six years prior, said she feels blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of the school.

“The school is an important part of the Dunnstown community with many children having great-grandparents that attended. One family span six generations,” she said.

The last official day for the school is December 14 for students, followed closely by December 18 for staff. Ms French said the school’s eight remaining students are already enrolled at St. Alipius Parish School in Ballarat.

“They are beginning to make the transition by going to the school for short sessions to meet the students and staff ahead of formally commencing in 2024,” Mr French told the Moorabool News.

“On November 25 we will be celebrating the impact and valued contributions of families and staff past and present. So many people have had a hand in making our school the amazing place it is,” she said.

“We are planning a very special day to remember and celebrate our school.”

Past and current students, staff, local families, and anyone with a connection to the school, are invited to come together in an intentionally joyous environment to reminisce. Activities will include face painting and Kelly Sports, along with the sharing of photos and memorabilia. Speeches, music, and a carvery dinner will also be available. The event is also likely to be attended by Leo Murphy who is believed to be the oldest former pupil in Dunnstown.

Those keen to book for the carvery dinner can contact the school on 5334 7604 or via Facebook.