School goes down memory lane

Students Dylan Osmond and Chloe Lorgelly with Rebekah Clarke and principal Cameron Heath. 153456 Picture: ROB CAREW

By JESSE GRAHAM

HEALESVILLE Primary School families, past and present, are being asked to share their stories, photographs and reports from years gone by, with a 150th celebration slated for October.
The school will officially celebrate its 150th birthday in a carnival event on Saturday 22 October, with former and current students called on to visit and pay tribute to their alma mater.
Principal Cameron Heath and assistant principal Rebekah Clarke said Healesvillians should save the date, and come along to celebrate as a town.
Ms Clarke said the students would be studying a unit through the year, where they learn about the history of the school and the town.
“The kids will have some kind of performance element, based on the theme they learn about, that they’ll be presenting on that carnival day,” she said.
Ms Clarke said that some families in town had several generations of children come through the school, like the Jensen family, who have had students at the school over the last 80 years.
To mark the 150th, Ms Clarke said the school was looking for memorabilia from families that came through the school, including photos, records, or stories, for heritage displays.
“We really want to encourage people to come along and feel like they get to celebrate if they went here, even if it was a long time ago,” she said.
“There’s a lot of generations … we certainly want to encourage people to feel like all of those generations can celebrate, not just the students that are here now.”
Mr Heath said the students would perform on stage in the school hall at the carnival day, with rides available on the day, as well as stalls run by classes and external vendors.
“It’ll be like a big carnival feel, the majority based around that heritage, and the performances from each class,” he said.
Anyone who may have information or historical items to pass on to the school can call 5962 4053, email Healesville.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au, or visit the school office in View Street, Healesville.