WISEMANS Ferry Public School celebrates 150 years in November, and the town is gearing up for a big celebration.
To mark the occasion the school has planned an open day for all past and present students and families on November 14, which will showcase the school’s rich history.
Event organiser, Liz Templeton said they were on the hunt for memorabilia, artefacts and photos that former students of the school may have to exhibit on the day.
She said Wisemans Ferry and surrounding communities had long been known as ‘the Forgotten Valley’, and despite this the school had stood the test of time to reach its 150-year milestone.
“Over the years we have seen many things come and go and have grown to understand that everything in the Forgotten Valley is a numbers game,” Ms Templeton said.
“Our school has survived the test of time and is still here after 150 years watching other schools close due to lack of numbers.
“As a whole we are proud to be the ones here at the school for its 150th year and wish to celebrate not only the 150 years of education the school and teachers have provided but show off what has also happened in our community during these years.”
Ms Templeton said the school has so far received some photos dating back to the 1920s, while State records have provided them with some facts and maps of the original design of the first school house.
She said a lot of information and photos were destroyed in a fire many years ago, however an old ‘punishment book’ was found which dated back to its first entry in 1908.
At the open day, students in the choir and dance and poetry groups will perform for visitors and there will also be a cake cutting ceremony followed by sausage sizzle, stalls and other entertainment.
The school invites anyone interested in the school’s history to attend the open day on November 14, starting from 10am.
If you have something to share with the school for its open day or you would like more information on events, contact Liz Templeton on 0429 017 000 or liztempleton@ bigpond. com.
