MACDONALD Valley Public School, its three staff, nine pupils, their parents and much larger alumni, will celebrate the school’s 170th anniversary this year.
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The school, in Central Macdonald, was first built in 1845.
‘‘It’s an amazing school; there are only nine kids so I’ve got really close to them and got to know their parents and even their grandparents,’’ the school’s relieving principal, Robert Hawkes, said.
‘‘I read with every kid every day and we know exactly where they are.’’
Mr Hawkes said the children were confident and their self-esteem high.
The school has three pupils in kindergarten, one in first year, two each in years two and three and one in year five.
All learn in one classroom, with each pupil participating in lessons at their own level.
‘‘Some things they can do together and some on their own, sometimes with older kids helping,’’ teacher Louky Gibb said.
Her fellow teacher, Suzie Startin, said the classroom was more like a community than a school.
‘‘Children who have been to this school learn to look after and support each other,’’ Ms Startin said.
‘‘Kids from this school have gone on to achieve things in sport and other fields.’’
There were more pupils, about 20, when the school, then known as Macdonald River School, first opened.
It was later upgraded under the NSW colony’s Public Education Act in 1882.
In 1929 new school rooms were built, but repeated flooding resulted in the school moving to its current high ground in 1952.
None of the original school remains, except for the old school bell which is only rung on ceremonial occasions, or for fun.
It changed its name to Macdonald Valley Public in 1981.
The school’s oldest surviving building dates to the early 20th century and used to be the single classroom for 40 pupils, but now houses the school’s library.
Retired teacher Lyn Streckfuss said it made sense to maintain a school for so few pupils, because the nearest other schools were about an hour away.
She also said things could change if Central Macdonald and nearby villages grew.
‘‘This is a beautiful environment to grow up in and there’s a lot of community support for the school,’’ Mrs Streckfuss said.
‘‘My own children loved it here because they were safe and allowed a lot of freedom.’’
Mrs Gibb said it was a privilege to teach in such a school.
‘‘We’ve got modern technology in the classroom and we get kangaroos in the school grounds,’’ she said. ‘‘We’ve got the best of both worlds.’’
The school’s 170th anniversary celebrations take place at Macdonald Valley Public School, 1331 St Albans Road, Central Macdonald on October 17.
Stories and recollections are welcome.
Details: 45682286 or 45682020.