By Jed Lanyon
Yering Primary School celebrated its 150th anniversary with an open day on Sunday 8 December.
The school celebrated with old style games, held tours for past students, featured memorabilia, school photos and lists of all known students who attended the school.
Those who visited the open day also had the opportunity to paint their handprint on a new cubby house to leave their mark at the school.
Principal Deanna Cole recalled some of the school’s memorable moments over the years, including its connection to the great Dame Nellie Melba, whose granddaughter, Pamela Vestey, was a favourite among past students.
Lady Vestey, as she was known, attended the school along with her two sons Sam and Mark.
Ms Cole said her students have been looking at local history and the school’s connection to Dame Nellie Melba.
Ms Cole said Lady Vestey would watch horse and carts go by with the children on the way to school.
“We invited her to different things we use to do, including our ANZAC ceremony that we hold down at Coombe Cottage,” she said.
“We try to keep the connection there as much as we can.”
The school’s history books feature writings from Lady Vestey recalling her experience with the school as a child.
“In the 1920’s the road from Coldstream to Yering was stony and rough; the dust rose in the clouds and the red clay ran in rivers when it rained,” the letter read.
“On this road, every morning and evening the sound of children’s voices could be heard above the clatter of ponies’ hooves… This daily pilgrimage fascinated me.
“I was always seen by a sharp eye, bringing upon myself derisive shouts and laughter as they rode off to school.”
Ms Cole said that Lady Vestey helped the school celebrate the opening of new classrooms before her passing in 2011.
Former student Bruce Adams came to the school in 1961 at the age of nine, when his family moved to a nearby farm.
“That’s where the connection began. I came here with my two sisters and my brother,” he said.
Mr Adams said there was only one classroom at the school during his days.
Mr Adams’ son Jeremy attended the school and next year his grandson Cruz will start prep to continue the third generation of Adams attending Yering Primary School.
“It’ll be good for him, he’s pretty excited about it,” Jeremy said.
Jeremy’s brother’s children are already attending the school.
“When I came here, we were the only people who could walk to school, because we lived so close.”
Ms Cole confirmed that the school’s oval is still named after the Adam’s family.
As for the future of the school, Ms Cole said, “I think we’d like to remain a really positive educational community. It’s a nice community of parents, kids and staff.
“We like to make connections with the community; we hope to maintain that community feel of the school while being an educational institution.”
