Warburton Primary School set to open 1975 time capsule

The capsule being buried at the school, including Minister for Education Lindsay Thompson (left). Picture: SUPPLIED

By Callum Ludwig

Warburton Primary School is set for a blast from the past when they open up a time capsule buried at the school in 1975.

All are welcome to join the school in opening it at the school on Sunday 29 October at midday.

Warburton Primary School Principal Nathan Van Der Monde said Warburton Primary School has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the founding of the school in 1875.

“The opening of the capsule gives students an opportunity to reflect on the students who came before them and feel a sense of belonging to something so much bigger than themselves,” he said.

“The students are all eager to see the contents of the capsule, and the occasion has been a springboard in classrooms to explore what life was like in the 1970s in Warburton and the world at that time.”

Warburton-born Minister for Education in 1975 Lindsay Thompson, who went on to become Premier of Victoria, was even in attendance for the burial of the capsule.

Mr Van Der Monde said he really has no idea what will be in the capsule.

“I feel like there could be a newspaper, student work – possibly some student writing samples about what they think the world would be like in 2023, and some iconic items from the era but I am not sure, so I am equally as excited as the students to find out what is in there,” he said.

“For all students who were there in 1975, please come and be part of this event. All students from Warburton Primary School since 1975 have looked at the plaque and wondered what was inside, so I know that many will be there to be part of the day,”

“There are some students and community members from 1975 who will be present, and it would be lovely to share the day with those who were part of that moment in history.”

All items will be displayed in the display cabinet at the front office for the rest of Term Four for anyone who can’t make it on the day.

Mr Van Der Monde said the school’s history is rooted deeply in community engagement

“Warburton Primary School was the first school in the Upper Yarra Valley area, and it was built by the community for the children within the community,” he said.

“Making the connection between the past and present gives current students a sense of place and helps them to feel part of something much larger than themselves. It gives the school a sense of heritage and pride, forming a link between what the school was, has been for over a century, and what it will continue to be in its thriving future.”

All who attend are encouraged to bring a few dollars for a sausage sizzle and a few treats from the school’s Harvest Cafe. Lawn games will also be played on the school oval after the ceremony.