125 years of Education

Down the Flat memory lane

   Marking 125yrs of education, Captains Flat Public School held a special plaque unveiling and dinner dance on 27th of June 2009.  The plaque was unveiled at Captains Flat Public School during the day with the help of VIP guest speakers the Hon. Dr. Mike Kelly AM MP, the Hon. Steve Whan MP, and Mayor of Palerang Shire Council, Mr. Ian Marjason.

"This is a tremendous occasion for Captains Flat", said Mr. Marjason. "Not many towns and villages have this continuity in education.  It was lovely to see so many past students in attendance and reliving old memories.  It was also a great achievement to see all tiers of government represented at the official ceremony. This shows the affection that we all feel for the Flat".

   The current principal, Mr. Peter Cox spoke with great gratitude of the support, shown by our local members of government, for the event.  "All special guests spoke highly of Captains Flat and the school. They commented on the wonderful feel of the school and the community. They facilitated a marvellous celebration of 125 years of public education with style and dignity. It was a great pleasure to have guests of this magnitude at our celebration to assist us in unveiling our new commemorative garden and 125th anniversary plaque". 

   Also speaking on the day was past-principal Lewis Ellem (Principal 1957-60).  Mr Ellem spoke of the great memories he had as the headmaster some 52 years ago and the many major milestones he witnessed achieved whilst headmaster at the school.  "Congratulations for meeting this important milestone of a century and a quarter," said Mr Ellem.

   Around 220 people were present for the day's events including a sausage sizzle, photo gallery, and cake and coffee stall.  For many, this day was about catching up with old friends not seen, sometimes, for decades.

"I'm catching up on friends and neighbours.  It's great to mix with people you grew up with!" said Denise Kershaw (then Murphy), a student and Captain at Captains Flat Public School in 1956. 

Another past student and teacher, John Inshaw reminisced "I was amazed at the number of ex-students I knew who were present.  I am now thinking of questions I should have asked them at the time." 

   For many this day was a trip down memory lane walking through old buildings at the school and in the village itself.  "I saw the house I grew up in", said Shirley Downes. "It's still there!"  For a lot of people this little town and its school will always feel close to their hearts. "Whenever I return to The Flat I get a feeling that I am returning home", said Mr. Inshaw.

   Mr. Cox was delighted with the turnout and support for the event. "From the moment we first opened the gates to let the visitors in, the atmosphere was one of delight and merriment", said Mr Cox. "Those who were past teachers or previous principals of days gone by were really excited to catch up with friends and colleagues. They relived their good and bad days whilst at Captains Flat".

   Event Organisers Karen Mackintosh and Rowena Allen were thrilled with how smoothly the event took place.  "The whole day was a roaring success, Karen and I are immensely proud of how it all turned out," said Ms. Allen.

"All the work paid off", agreed Mrs. Mackintosh," when we could see all the people past and present enjoying each other's company, catching up and remembering the good old days."

   Festivities continued later that night with a dinner dance at Captains Flat Hall.  It was catered by Aussie Spit Roast, and entertained with the band Ampli5'd.  Patrons were also delighted to hear a rendition of "The Miners Song" sang by Peter MacFarlane and towards the end of the night, Ron Hush lead the gathering in a toast to Captains Flat Public School's birthday.  Door prizes were kindly donated by Artist Gunther Deix from Outsider Cafe, and Country singer and past teacher Geoff Williams. 

   130 people ate and danced their way through a fantastic night.  As the evening went on emotions and memories were strong.

"Tonight is everything!" said past student Peter Smith emotionally. "I wouldn't have missed this night.  Captains Flat school made a man out of me!"

   Daughter of Peter Smith, Stacey Hodgson, was fully aware of what the night meant to its participants, especially her father. "There were people here tonight he thought he'd never see again," said Stacey.   "I'll never forget it, he'll never forget it!" 

   Captains Flat Public School is in the hearts of many, so it's important that recently it was granted funds to improve certain aspects of the school.  With this help, and similar support, it will continue to educate many generations of Captains Flat children to come.  "As the school population continues to grow, it is timely that we are about to see some fitting and valuable improvements to the school, with $300,000 worth of refurbishments scheduled for 2009", said Mr. Cox. "This money is part of the Australian Government's ‘Building the Education Revolution' funding program, currently in progress in all schools across Australia."

   The town and school, with all their history, have certainly proven with this weekend of festivities that they may be small but certainly not forgotten.  It is a place full of fond memories for many past and present citizens and the future is bright for this vibrant community and its wonderful school. 

"Perhaps in 25 years time when the school reaches its 150th year I can return to be part of the celebrations," ponders Mr. Cox.  "I will be very interested to see the school and see the changes made. However, I really hope that things don't change too much, as the present school buildings and those who taught or attended this fabulous little school, will continue to tell wonderful tales for many years to come. "