By Lorna Gordon

Schofields Public School is turning 100 years old this month, and there will be celebrations galore taking place. The school originally operated in the local church hall in 1918 and it continued there for several years before getting its own building, which is still standing and used as the school library, in 1923.

The timber building was opened by the Minister of Education on 10 November 1923. The new school was split into two class rooms, which shared a fire and were divided by a folding partition. In 1945 a tree was planted to the front of the school to commemorate Prime Minister John Curtain Land, and the tree is still standing today.

With the growth in the community, land was purchased to extend the school in the 1950’s, but construction was delayed. One new building housing two classrooms was opened in 1960 and the remaining buildings were built throughout the 60’s.

A school hall was finally built in 2010, and the old school buildings from the 60’s were knocked down and the school was rebuilt to accommodate the growing suburb and the 1,000 students who now attend. While the majority of the school is modern, the original school building is still taking pride of place and now houses the school library, so all children who attend the school get to visit its original building.

On 11^th October the school was excited to unearth a time capsule which had been buried at the 80^th anniversary of the school. Penny who was a student at the school and sports captain of the Cockatoo’s was welcomed back to help with the capsule and share her memories of being at the school. The capsule included photos of all the classes and teachers who were at the school at the time along with artwork and writing from the students. The contents of the capsule will be displayed in the school library for all the students, teachers and visitors to the school to see.

The remaining Centenary Celebrations will take place on 10^th November where the school gates will be open from 4.30pm for a self-guided tour of the school and food trucks will be onsite for you to get snacks. From 6.30 pm it’s the official welcome to the school, performances by students and a raffle and at 8.30 pm there will be a fireworks display. On Saturday the 11^th the gates open at 12 pm for a self-guided tour of the school, with a BBQ and coffee van on site and seating available so past staff and students can take their time to chat to old friends.

The school is looking forward to welcoming past members of staff and students along with our local families and neighbours to celebrate this wonderful anniversary.