Generations reunite for school’s 100th anniversary

There were plenty of laughs and stories about the “good old days” when former classmates and teachers reconnected at Bribie Island State School’s 100^th anniversary celebrations last month.

Around 1000 people made the journey back to the school yard for the historic milestone on August 24, which included lots of old photographs, class performances, market stalls, rides, and food trucks.

After months of planning, principal Leah Mullane said she was thrilled so many people from the tight-knit community came to join in the festivities.

“It was wonderful to see so many former and current students and their families be there for this historic moment in the school’s history,” Leah said.

“I would say close to 1000 people came, which gave old classmates the chance to reconnect, swap stories, and see how the school has evolved over the last few decades.

“On the day, we had what we called a wall of fame, which featured the names of every single student who has attended the school – there were thousands of names on that list.

“People were going up and putting a little start next to their name to confirm their attendance on the day, and by the end of the day there were so many stars.

“Another nice moment from the day was a class reunion, with the whole class of 1973 in attendance.”

Throughout the day the school also sold tiles which will be part of the school’s centenary wall, which they hope to unveil at the end of the year.

“People who have been involved with the school in one way or another could purchase a tile and have their name engraved on it, which will then be placed on our centenary wall as a permanent reminder of the 100^th anniversary,” Leah said.

“Initially, sales were slow, but following the event, we are at the point where we will probably need more space – so many people want to be part of history.

“We hope to have the wall completed sometime by the end of the year, and once it is done, we will bury our time capsule which will be dug up in 25 years.”

To see more photos from the day, click through the gallery below. 

Photos supplied by Bribie Island State School. 

School pride shines through in new song

The 100^th anniversary was also the perfect opportunity for the school to release its new school song, which was made in-conjunction with Toowoomba song writer, music producer, and film maker Josh Arnold from Small Town Culture.

Titled Bribie Island State School (From the Bush to the Beaches), the song and music clip features current students showing off the school and the island.

“Josh came in and worked with the students to write a song that best reflected our school and the island, which turned out beautifully,” Leah said.

“The students helped him write the lyrics, sing the song, and were involved in recording the video.

“We choose to release the song at the end of the celebrations, and when we did, there were a few parents in the audience crying because they were so proud of their kids.”