Looking back on family history are Betty Powell, her son Leo and grandchildren Mark and Rachel. Mrs Powell’s parents, Arthur Martin and May Scott, went to Healesville State School, two of her brothers and two sisters went there, and her children Leo, Ken, Rod and Julie are also ex-students. Mark and Rachel are the fourth generation to go to the school on the hill.By Kath Gannaway
FAMILY and community connections were an over-riding theme of Healesville Primary School’s 140th birthday celebrations on Saturday.
“It’s nice to look back on the old days,” said Betty Powell (nee Martin), who went to the school in the 1940s.
“But it’s also good to see all the wonderful things that are here for today’s kids.”
Four generations of her family have been to Healesville Primary School, starting with her parents, Arthur Martin and May Scott.
Kersten Gentle, school council president, said she was amazed at the range of generations who enjoyed looking through the photographic and history display.
“It was great to see kids finding parents in the old photos and having a good look, and a good laugh too,” she said.
Another highlight was the Tall Tales in the evening with ex-students Robbie Heritage and his sister Annette Hill, Mick Donkin, Gordon Collis and Nancy Coster (Love) sharing their experiences of “the good old days” at the school.
There was a minute’s silence for former teacher Frank Foxcroft who died earlier this year.
Ms Gentle said it was the first big event at the school for decades without him.
“All our speakers at Tall Tales described Frank as the teacher who had the biggest effect on them,” Ms Gentle said.
She said the celebration was a huge team effort.
“People who normally don’t get involved in committees or the running of things put up their hand and we had tremendous support also from the business community with donations and prizes.
“It was very much a school and community event and a great reflection of what Healesville is all about and why we love it so much … because of the spirit,” Ms Gentle said.
The photo and history display will remain in place until Friday, 24 November between 9am and 3.30pm each day.
Visitors must report to the office.
