Celebrating 150 years of education

Friendships were rekindled and lots of memories shared as hundreds of former students and families reconnected at Mount Samson State School’s 150^th anniversary celebrations.

Held on September 7, the milestone event featured an old-fashioned period classroom for visitors to explore, an art gallery displaying current students’ work, a sideshow alley with old-fashioned games, artisan market stalls, roaming street performers, face painting, food trucks, and raffles.

Pleased with the turnout, Principal Susan Hughes said the day was a joyous one, with lots of music, singing and nostalgia.

“The day started with an alumni catch up, tours of the school, and a morning tea with scones, jam and cream that was served by our current school leaders,” Susan said.

“We then had performances from our junior and senior bands, acknowledgment of country by Aunty Noreen, a digeridoo performance by her grandson, and our choir singing Advance Australia Fair from 1887.

“Councillor Darren Grimwade conducted a roll call from the past, with more than 80 students answering the call, and that was followed by the cutting of the cake by Cliff, Mia and Pippa, who represented six generations of their family who have attended the school.

“We also had a number of special performances by our different year levels who sang songs from throughout the decades - Year 6 sang Waltzing Matilda from 1895; Year 5 sang Teddy Bear’s Picnic from 1907; Year 4 sang The Wizard of Oz from 1939; Year 3 sang We’re Happy Little Vegemites from 1953; Year 2 sang YMCA from 1978; Year 1 sang Going on a Bear Hunt from 1989; And our Preps sang Baby Shark from 2015.”

After months of planning, Susan said the day would not have been possible without the support of the community.

“With almost every current staff member attending on the day, as well as so many parent volunteers during and after the event, and the combined efforts of those who formed the 150^th committee, we have so much to be thankful for,” Susan said.

“I would like to give thanks to Ellena Stone, who led this committee for the last few months. We thank you for volunteering so much of your time to ensure the event was a success.”

Established in 1874 as a small provisional school, lessons initially took place at Samsonvale Homestead, which was the residence of the pioneering Joyner family.

After multiple name and location changes in the past 150 years, the school now boasts 255 students, 25 teaching staff, six teacher aides, one school officer, two administration staff, one part time IT and chaplain, three cleaners, and a visiting psychologist and guidance officer.