Classmates to reunite for centenary celebrations

If you have ever sat in the classrooms, taught, or dropped off your kids at Bribie Island State School, the school’s current principal would like to see you.

In honour of the school’s 100^th anniversary, Principal Leah Mullane is encouraging former students, teachers, parents and carers to return to the schoolyard and join in the celebrations on August 24.

“It’s not every day you get to celebrate a 100^th anniversary, so we have planned a really fun day for the Bribie Island community to enjoy,” Leah says.

“The day will be like taking a walk down memory lane, with lots of displays including old photographs, as well as old newspaper and magazine clippings for people to look at.

“We will also have several classrooms open, including an old-style classroom that we will create, so visitors can see the difference between how classrooms were back in the day and how they differ from today.

“On the stage there will be multiple performances to entertain the crowds, including our school band and strings, presentations by different classes, as well as a band featuring past students and family members.

“We will also have a separate area where anyone who attended the school in the past can share their stories and memories over the microphone under the trees.

“There will also be various market stalls like a trash and treasure stall, old-style treats, and someone selling centenary merchandise.

“For the kids, there will be little workshop stations set up where they can make things like headbands and colour in, or they can climb the rock-climbing wall, or take a ride on the teacups or pirate ship.

“If you get hungry, we will also have some food vendors, and a bar will be open from 12-3pm.”

The school also plans to erect a centenary wall, which will be a permanent reminder of this historical milestone.

“Bribie Island State School was the very first school on the island, and over the last 100 years there have been multiple generations of families who have walked through the doors,” Leah says.

“Today, we have third and fourth generation kids who are now receiving a quality education here.

“Because Bribie Island is the type of community where families love to stay, we are currently hosting a fundraiser which will allow them to be a permanent part of the school’s history.

“We will be installing a special centenary wall out the front of the school, and the wall will be made up of bricks that people can buy and then engrave their names on. People can buy a brick now, or you can purchase one on the day.

“We hope to unveil the wall shortly after the celebrations. This will be your opportunity to be remembered in history.”

State Member for Pumicestone Ali King says the school has been a wonderful asset to the region since it opened.

“Bribie Island State School is Pumicestone’s oldest school and for 100 years, has provided a nurturing environment for local students to learn and thrive,” she says.

“I am so proud of Bribie Island State School and every teacher, support staff member, P&C representative and student past and present for all they have contributed to make the school community a caring and inclusive environment.

“The past 100 years are a testament to the work and efforts of the wonderful school community. Congratulations to Bribie Island State School for the past 100 years, and here’s to an even brighter future!”

Above: A old school building. Supplied by Bribie Island State school. 

Event details

Date: August 24, 2024

Time: 10am-3pm

Address: 31-63 First Ave, Bongaree

Enquiries: For more information, email [email protected] or visit the website.

Above: Mavis Ormiston (Mrs Kling), her son Peter, and Peter's daughter Caroline. Supplied by Bribie Island State School.

Timeline of the school’s history

• On August 2, 1923, five local parents petitioned John Huxham, MLA and Minister for Public Instruction to open a provisional school for Bribie children.
• 13 school age children were living on or near the Island and 10 more were educated away from the Island.
• The Brisbane Tug & Steamship Company offered the use of the local hall until a suitable building was provided.
• On February 4, 1924, the first school on the island opened with 26 children aged between 5-14.
• The hall served as a schoolroom during the week, a dance hall on Saturday nights, and a place of worship on Sunday.
• On February 16, 1925, the local hall was replaced with the newly built Bribie State School at a cost of £650.
• During World War II the school was closed for a short period between April 26, 1942, and March 21, 1943.