Boggabri Public School celebrates 150 years

The Boggabri Public School was almost bursting at the seams as it celebrated 150 years of public education in Boggabri.

It was fabulous to see so many faces of past students and staff reminiscing and catching up with each other.

“Hello, do you remember me?” was a frequently heard question.

There was also the occasional, “I know the face, I know I should know, but I have no idea, what was your maiden name?”

The memories shared on the day, both good and bad, were wonderful to hear.

Many past students and teachers commented on how welcoming and bright the classrooms were.

The library came in for lots of compliments with its new location and furniture.

Makes you want to sit down and read a book doesn’t it, one fellow said.

In welcoming the crowd to the official proceedings and cake cutting, current principal of the Boggabri Public School Benjamin Carter said: “I am both honoured and humbled to stand before you and reflect on the remarkable journey of public education.

“For over a century and a half, this school has been a cornerstone of our community, a place where knowledge, opportunity, and dreams have intersected.

“From the very first day that its doors swung open, this school has been testament to the power of public education to uplift and transform lives.

“As we look back over the past 150 years, we are reminded of the sacrifices, the determination, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child that has driven us forward.”

He went on to say: “In a world that is constantly evolving, our school community has held firm to the values of education, resilience, and community support.

“We have weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs and embraced change while staying true to our roots.

“The teachers who have graced our classrooms, often going above and beyond, have not just taught subjects, but they have shaped character, nurtured curiosity, and sowed the seeds of lifelong learning.”

As the current principal of the Boggabri Public School, Mr Carter has had the privilege of witnessing the current generation of Boggabri Public students walk through the gates of the school daily.

“Each one, a testament to the enduring legacy of the public education in our community.

“Our alumni have gone on to become leaders, innovators, and compassionate individuals who carry with them the values they imbibed here,” he said.

Mr Carter also said that it was not just about looking back.

He said it’s about celebrating the present and embracing the future.

“As we mark this milestone, we renew our commitment to providing high quality education that prepares our students for the challenges that lie ahead.

“Our school may be small, but our impact resonates far beyond our walls.”

In conclusion, he said: “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every teacher, student, parent and community member who has contributed to the success of public education in our school community over the last 150 years and here’s to the journey that continues, to the minds we shape, and to the bright prospects that await us.”

Boggabri P & C Association president Camille Wannan thanked everyone for coming to celebrate the school reaching 150 years of education and said: “As a parent, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this historic milestone.

“Reflecting on the journey of our school, it’s incredible to witness the transformative impact it has had on generations of children and their families.

“Throughout the years our school has been a nurturing and empowering place where knowledge is imparted, friendships have been forged and dreams realised.

“We are lucky to have dedicated teachers that have inspired and guided our children instilling them with a love for learning and helping them reach their potential.”

Mrs Wannan also thanked her fellow P & C members and staff for their help and dedication towards the day’s event.

“Looking forward I cannot help but feel excited for Boggabri Public School.

“With a rich history as its foundation, I am confident that our school will continue to evolve, adapt and provide an exceptional education for generations to come”.

Former teacher Tony Johnstone spoke fondly of his time at Boggabri Public and said: “Even though I am enjoying teaching at Port Macquarie West I still say Boggabri is one of the best small schools in the north west”.

He was asking his past students heaps of questions and they were saying I remember …, so many memories for so many people.

The stunning cake was made by Nicole Rixon and cut by the current school captains and vice captains Mylie Oliver, Jack Bomford, Owen Rixon and George Wannan.

Each classroom was set up with memorabilia that had the crowd talking and taking photos.

Outside the children were catered for with face painting, scavenger hunt, balloon art, and outdoor games.

Lunch and morning tea was available from the canteen and the crowds were entertained by Caitlin Matthews.

One item that caught almost everyone’s interest was the ‘punishment book’.

Many children were checking out their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents’ behaviour at school.

One fellow telephoned his mate in Dubbo and said: “hey, your dad was a naughty boy at school”.

When asked how he knew that he said it’s here in the punishment book.

Visitors were also able to have a look at the recent renovations that have taken place at the school and learn of more planned upgrades that will take place over the coming months.

Probably the most noticeable change to the older past students was the technology that is now in place.

Ninety-three-year-old Eila Pratley taught sewing at the school in the early 1970s and was thrilled to speak to one of her students, Julie Fordham, who went on to become a costume designer.

“I was so happy that I had instilled the love of sewing in one of the students,” she said.

Mrs Pratley asked Julie how many sewing machines she had worn out and Julie replied, heaps.

Julie and her sister Jocelyn represented the Fordham family.

Their mother Norma Fordham taught at the school.

Julie was dux in 1971 and Jocelyn 1973.

The Bird family were well represented with six of the seven siblings reliving their school days with their brothers and sisters as well as husbands, wives, children and grandchildren.

Cliff, Dellis, David, Janise, Jennifer and Renlie had lots of memories to share.

Their brother Ross was the only one missing on the day.

The Dufty girls were keen to have a look at the changes in the school as they have had a family past through the school with Ruythe Dufty the director for public school, Tamworth network receiving her primary school education in Boggabri prior to becoming a teacher, principal and now director for public schools.

Their father Harold Dufty was made a life member of the P&C in 1976.

The honour boards received a lot of interest and reminiscing with who was school captains and dux each year as well as the P&C life members.

Susan and Terry Lennox and daughter Jane checked out the board showing Jane was school captain in 1989.

The Boehm family were also represented with Noreen being a life member of P&C since 1997.

Vanessa was school captain and dux in 1990, Christine school captain and dux in 1995 and Paul school captain in 1997.

Not to be left out, Kym was house captain in 1992.

The Boehm family moved to Boggabri in 1945.

Moyna, Allan, and Ken all attended Boggabri Public School.

Moyna went on to be a teacher and her first appointment was at Boggabri in 1958 based at Boggabri Public school.

She taught at Moree and Walgett, and her last teaching position was in Boggabri once more in December 1998.

Ken also became a teacher but through the TAFE system.

Another family looking through the records were the Chaffey family.

There were 12 siblings educated at Boggabri Public School.