Celebrating a 150-year milestone is momentous by anyone’s standards and Parkes Public School certainly hasn’t held back on marking the occasion either.
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Deputy principal Tracey Lickess is in charge of organising the sesquicentenary festivities, which officially begin this Friday.
Two full days of celebrations have been planned, with a smoking ceremony conducted by Wiradjuri elders and the official assembly kicking off the program at 11.30am on Friday.
Parents and friends are invited to attend the ceremony, where principal Ben Smith will accept the official 150 years certificate and Parkes Public School P&C president Spike Orr will unveil the 150th commemorative plaque.
State Member for Orange, Phil Donato will be attending the event, as will Parkes’ mayor and 1966 school captain Cr Ken Keith, who will be speaking about his schooling days.
A letter from the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott, will be read aloud by the school’s director of school leadership and former student Charles Dwyer.
“It’s getting really exciting now,” Tracey said.
“There’s an air around at the moment, we’ve all got our 150 year jumpers...It’s just really lifted us all, it’s just so much fun.”
The mayor will also have the honour of unveiling a time capsule the school has been planning and collecting for throughout the year.
Tracey described the capsule as looking more like a bollard and was made possible thanks to a cultural grant from Parkes Shire Council.
“It (the capsule) is quite stunning...it will be opened again in 50 years’ time when the school celebrates its 200th year,” she said.
“We have a 1968 school uniform from the centenary year going in the time capsule, Champion Post articles and a USB of school photos from the earliest we have in 1930 to the present day.
“It’s really going to encapsulate Parkes Public School of 2018.
“We’re trying to collect contributions from every child and family – anything that’s significant to us and our history.
“It will let us reflect on what we’ve done, where we’re going and the path that got us here.”
The capsule will be closed at the end of the year.
Following Friday’s formalities, families are invited to stay for a picnic lunch and at 3pm, Tracey said that’s when the celebrations really hit full swing with a free 150 year fair until 5pm.
“There will be jumping castles, face painting, games, and all sorts of activities for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
“It has been a long road from the tiny Currajong School that opened in 1868, and the Parkes Public School family are ready to kick up their heels to celebrate the last 150 years, and ring in the next 150.”
On Saturday people can relive their school days by taking a tour of the school and explore some memorabilia of years gone by, as well as attend a high tea in the library between 10am and 12pm.
Celebrations will conclude with a gala dinner for past and present staff, students and families at the Parkes Golf Club at 6pm.
“We’re really looking forward to it, it’s a fitting celebration for 150 years of quality education,” Tracey said.
In addition to the time capsule, the school is inviting the school community to purchase a paver, upon which their names will be engraved.
The pavers will be on sale until September 28. Order forms are available at the school, during the fair and on the school’s 150 years celebration Facebook page.
“It’s like your permanent footprint,” Tracey said.
