By Jesse Graham
RAINY weather wasn’t enough to keep crowds away from Healesville Primary School over the weekend, with the 150th birthday celebrations kicking on despite the drizzle.
The school held a day of celebrations, performances and historical displays on Saturday, 22 October, to mark its 150th year, drawing students, parents and teachers past and present through the gates.
Principal Cameron Heath said the rainy weather meant a “reshuffle” of the carnival day, but that the weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of visitors – particularly children, who embraced the rides regardless of the rain.
“They didn’t care – it was cold and wet, but the kids just wanted to be there, celebrating with each other and the teachers,” Mr Heath said.
“It was like the kids had jumped into a pool, they were that wet – it was fantastic.
“It didn’t matter, they just wanted to have fun.”
He said the day was an informal reunion for past students, with a group of 15 people, all from the same year level, meeting up unexpectedly on the day to reminisce.
“It sparked conversation and memories, which is what it was all about, really,” he said.
Mr Heath said the students performed musical numbers in the school hall, followed by a band performance and the launch of a book documenting the school’s 15 decades.
The book, sponsored by the Healesville Community Bank, features stories and photographs from the school’s history, written by former students, teachers and principals, as well as words from Mr Heath.
That history came to life on the day, with guided tours around the school and many visitors coming to see photos from their time at the school.
One of those visitors was Leola Hull, who attended the school with her sisters, part of the French family, in the 1940s.
Ms Hull, who lives in Wagga Wagga, said she had been away from the town for 54 years, and enjoyed revisiting the school with three of her four siblings.
“We thoroughly enjoyed it – we talked about it and we found it very informative,” she said.
“The only thing that spoiled it was the rain, but I was surprised about how many people were there, even with the rain.
“It was well worth it for all of us.”
Healesville Community Bank director Kath Holton said the book, which would be given to each student at the school, was like a yearbook, but reaching back through the school’s 150 years.
“The school’s played such a big role in the community for parents and families, and they’ve got a focus on being a part of their community and being invested in their community, and that’s the same ethos as the community bank,” she said.
“It’s about community – it’s about everyone supporting each other, so we all grow and foster a community.”
Ms Holton said the day was a success, and said a highlight for her was the “gorgeous” concert put on by the students.
“It was lovely to see them all singing and performing and playing instruments,” she said.
She said that on her way out of the event, she saw a view that summed up the day – a child in one of the rides, in the middle of the rain, having fun.
“There was a kid swinging in it, upside down, inside out, in the pouring rain,” she said.
“His mum was there, his friends were standing there, all drenched – that really epitomised what the day was about – soldiering on regardless, having fun, you know?”
Mr Heath paid tribute to the work of the Healesville Primary School 150th committee and the event’s sponsors, who turned the idea of a celebration day into reality.
To get a copy of the history book, visit Healesville Primary School on View Street, or call 5962 4053.
