Two full days of activities were organised to mark the milestone – from a smoking ceremony conducted by Wiradjuri member, teacher and former student Lionel Lovett and an official assembly to unveil the 150th plaque and time capsule, to a 150^th community fair and gala dinner.

The official assembly kicked off celebrations in the school hall on Friday, with the whole school, as well as teachers, parents, former staff and volunteers, and former students present.

Among the dignitaries were State Member for Orange, Phil Donato, mayor and 1966 school captain Cr Ken Keith OAM, Parkes Public School P&C president Spike Orr, director of school leadership and former student Charles Dwyer, Wiradjuri elder and former student Pat Oliver, and 1989-2006 principal Rhonda Brain.

The school choirs led the assembly with the Parkes Public School song, that was composed in 1989 by Jenny Freeman who was present on the day, before the Welcome to Country by Nicayden Greenwood.

Cr Keith was invited to speak, sharing some of his fondest memories of his days at the school in the 60s.

“We didn’t have a hall like this when I was in school,” he told the students.

“We sat on asphalt on the other side across the road in the sun, legs crossed, and that’s how it was every week.”

Cr Keith also praised the school’s culture and its successful initiatives over the years.

“You learn about caring for one another and caring for your community while you’re in primary school and that’s what Parkes Public School is all about,” he said.

“One of the most important things to come out of Parkes Public is the Birth to Kindergarten program, so I’m glad Rhonda Brain is here today.

“When I was in school the importance of reading started to drift away with the introduction of television.”

Mr Donato also shared a few words at the assembly, praising the return of former students to work as teachers, such as Mr Lovett.

“It just shows the fantastic spirit this school has,” he said.

“And the mayor sharing his memories as a student shows the magnificent role this school has in this community.”

Mr Donato told the gathering he loved the idea of a time capsule – the large bollard-like object later unveiled by school principal Ben Smith and Cr Keith before a stunned audience.

“In 50 years’ time you boys and girls will be up here at the 200-year reunion and who knows in 200 years’ time what will be happening in education,” Mr Donato said.

“Well done and enjoy the day.”

Mr Dwyer presented Mr Smith the official 150 years certificate before saying a few words.

He congratulated the school in a town named after a man who was instrumental in establishing public education, Sir Henry Parkes.

“When Currajong School began in 1868, Henry Parkes was yet to visit this area and it was 12 years away from the signing of the Public Education Act,” Mr Dwyer said.

Ms Brain was the last to speak, giving a one-line rendition of the song ‘Those were the Days My Friend’ as she approached the lectern.

“This is very déjà vu for me,” she said before sharing several colourful tales of her time at the school.

“As I ponder now, what a privilege it has been to relate, create, laugh and to love.

“Happy anniversary Parkes Public School, thanks for the memories.”

The assembly concluded with one of the eldest former students Margaret Morrison who attended Parkes Public from 1932-38, Elder and former student Pat Oliver, 1985-88 principal Kevin Pye, youngest student Teo Cornellison and Mr Smith cutting the 150^th cake on stage.

The community fair in the school grounds took place on Friday afternoon, with school tours, a high tea and a gala dinner held on Saturday.