By Callum Ludwig
Wandin Yallock Primary School’s (WYPS) 150th-anniversary celebration went ahead without a hitch and with wonderful weather.
After two years of waiting, a great turnout of past students, staff and parents attended to look back fondly on the school’s past.
WYPS Council President Nicole Hartley said the incredible turnout of people left her speechless.
“I was blown away by not only the amount of people but the amount of past students ranging from all different age groups, as well as past teachers like Mr Smith who I was excited to see,” she said.
“At one stage, you couldn’t move into the museum to see all the history and memorabilia, it was so packed.”
The day also marked the official opening of the school’s new and refurbished 150th Jubilee gates.
Ms Hartley said the three oldest living past students, Beryl, Edna and Joan are all in their 90s and managed to attend.
“For the gate opening ceremony, they cut the ribbon to open the restored gates which was a really special moment and for a lot of us, the most emotional of the day. Probably half of our current students attended dressed up in uniform and they sang the school song,” she said.
“One of the highlights of my day was just stopping for a minute just pausing for a minute and looking around the whole schoolyard in different sections of the whole school and seeing people reconnect those friendships from their school days. The younger generation was really surprised looking at the historical photos of the old schoolhouse and school grounds while the older generation were surprised about how it all looks now.”
Memorabilia was on sale at the event and there is still some available for those who want to hold to a cherished memory, and it can be purchased by calling the school number (03) 5964 4276.
