Past students will return from around Australia to join present students in celebrating the 150th anniversary of a Sunshine Coast school this year.
Buderim Mountain State School was established in 1875 as Buderim Mountain Provisional School before moving to its current six-hectare site in the centre of town in 1887.
A Back to Buderim Mountain State School celebration is planned from 9am on Saturday, June 21, to mark the school’s milestone.
Principal Neil Jenkins said the school had changed markedly since it was established.
“Over the years, the school has grown from just dozens of students and a single building to almost 1200 students and the large campus of buildings and facilities we have today,” he said.
P&C Operations Manager Rachel O’Brien said the anniversary celebration would showcase the school’s history.
“We want to provide current students, and the community, insight into what school days were like for the generations gone by,” she said.
With the support of the Buderim Foundation, the P&C has commissioned a local video production company, Reflected Image Productions, to produce a documentary on the school days over the generations.
“From how students got to school, to classroom lessons, sports and activities, students have been sharing their memories of their school days and we can’t wait to see the documentary, which will be premiered as part of our celebrations,” Mrs O’Brien said.
She said the celebrations would include an opening ceremony, involving the unveiling of a new sculpture to commemorate the milestone, and the opening of a time capsule which was buried during the school’s 125th anniversary in 2000.
There will be school tours for past students and families, a display of photos and memorabilia, performances by the school’s musical groups and a special roll call of students past and present.
The celebrations will wrap up with a finale event during the afternoon and evening.
“We are really looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate, so if Buderim Mountain State School is part of your history, or you know someone who attended, please let them know about the celebration,” Mrs O’Brien said.
For more information on Buderim Mountain State School and plans for the 150th anniversary celebrations, see bmsspandc.org/150 or email 150@bmsspandc.org.
