Mitchells Island Public School will celebrate its sesquicentenary this year with an open day at the school on Saturday October 26.
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"One hundred and fifty years of quality public education is something to be celebrated," said principal, Michelle Wilson.
"We are hoping to see many former students, staff and community members joining us here on the day."
The school will open its time capsule from 1994 and replace it with items from the current year's students, ready to be opened again in 2044.
"We're celebrating our open day with a jumping castle, games, entertainment, cake stalls and open classrooms showcasing our history," said Michelle.
The committee will have souvenirs including a history book, recipe book, engraved glassware, keyrings and pens available for purchase as mementos of the school.
A raffle, with the first prize of a $1000 travel voucher, 2nd prize of a 55cm TV and many other prizes will be drawn on the day. Tickets are available from the school for $2 per ticket.
The school initially began in a hollow log, with the sons of sawmill workers having lessons in the evening under the instruction of Mr Harry Lestrange, a bullock driver's cook.
By 1867, a committee was formed with the view of having a school established.
In October 1868, a contract was signed for the construction of a schoolroom and teacher's residence.
The local committee raised £40 and the Council of Education granted £189, when parents guaranteed at least 50 children would attend the school.
In March 1869, the Department of Lands granted a two-acre site for the building of the school and in June 1869, Mr D Ritchie, accepted the position of teacher.
Now, 150 years later, Mitchells Island Public School has an enrolment of 28 students.
These students enjoy a wide range of educational experiences beyond just reading, writing and arithmetic, including music, dance, art and a level of technology the students of 1869 could never have dreamed of.
Mitchells Island Public School's Sesquicentenary Open Day will be on Saturday October 26, 2019 from 10am to 3pm.
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