A book detailing the history of Coimadai Primary School will be launched as part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.
Past and present pupils and their families have been invited to enjoy festivities at the Bennetts Lane school. There will be school tours, displays, time capsules and a plaque unveiling.
Acting principal Moira Ross says pupils are starting to get their heads around just how long 150 years is. “They’re excited to show off their school,” she says.
Ms Ross says the book, edited by Kaaren Boden and compiled by Mary Flanagan and Margaret Simpson, uses documents, photos and records to capture the school’s history. ‘‘It explains how the school developed, tells about its founder and lists every staff member and every pupil who has attended.”
In preparation for the anniversary celebration, pupils recently took part in a “back to 1863” day, when they were taught old-fashioned lessons.
Activities also included a family bush dance and an excursion to the historic Bacchus Marsh Blacksmith Cottage and Forge.
Among those attending Saturday’s event will be former pupil Melville Swann (pictured with Axle), who Ms Ross says is hoping to reconnect with some of his old friends and acquaintances. Mr Swann, 96, was a pupil from 1922-24 and his daughter was there in the 1950s. Saturday’s celebrations, from noon-3pm, will include commemorative memorabilia, a visitors’ book and speeches
at 2pm.
» Phone 5367 2907.
