Plenty has changed in the 150 years since Canowindra’s first public school opened its doors in 1875 – and the period costumes worn by students at a celebration assembly to mark the occasion were just one of the ways the story was told.
Canowindra High School hosted the gathering, and the launch of a book that shares the story of our schools since 1975, to compliment an earlier centenary edition.
It’s hard to imagine just how much has changed in what has been a dynamic 50 years in education, teachers reflected at the celebration assembly at Canowindra High School on Thursday, 1 May.
One of the driving forces behind 'The Past Fifty Years of Public Education in Canowindra 1975 – 2025', Mim Loomes, has been working on the book for 12 months.
The book is a companion to ‘Centenary of Public Education in Canowindra 1875-1975’, and the work of community members with the help of Canowindra Historical Society and Museum.
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With 30 years’ teaching experience at Canowindra Public School, Ms Loomes took on the role to document the history of public education in the area.
Local writers and researchers including Fran French worked together to compile the book, which focuses on the changes seen in public education over the last five decades.
Fran French said it was important to let people know how much things have changed in the system.
"The generation now have no idea what it was like when I started teaching, which was in 1970, how much change there has been in the system," Ms French said.
"No one could have foreseen when I started teaching what it would be like," she said.
"I do think this has been the most dynamic 50 years in history and I'm sure the next one will be even more so. It's just evolution."
Ms Loomes said it was important to release the book in time for the 150 year celebrations.
Director of the Cowra Network David Lloyd said 150 years of public education in Canowindra was an incredible milestone and a real cause for celebration.
"It's wonderful to see the students right from 150 years ago still learning in the same places as the kids of today," he said.
Mr Lloyd said he would like to congratulate the Historical Society as this initiative is quite an incredible undertaking.
He said to have the history of the last 150 years documented so comprehensively is really special.
Canowindra Public School will be also be hosting a celebration cocktail party for returned students aged over 18, and School open day to celebrate 150 years later in the year.
