School’s 140th birthday

By Dion Teasdale
The school has appointed former long serving teachers John MacLeod and Frank Foxcroft as patrons of the anniversary, and is planning a feast of celebrations throughout the year.
“Throughout the year we will be holding a number of key events with a huge birthday celebration expected to be held in October,” Healesville Primary School council president Kersten Gentle said.
Ms Gentle said the school would invite past students such as Victorian barrister Lex Lasry QC and Herald Sun social and entertainment columnist Luke Dennehy and Brownlow Medallist Gordon Collis back to the school throughout the year.
“We want to invite past students who’ve gone on to succeed in society back to the school to talk to the students and show them where starting out life at Healesville Primary can lead you,” Ms Gentle said.
The school is also running a campaign to collect past class photographs, Ms Gentle said.
“We are asking past students to bring their class photos into either the school, the Timber Communities Australia Office or to Fletcher’s Photography,” she said.
“We will scan the photos and print them out for a huge photographic display at the end of the year.
“This is a great way for us to preserve our history and collect photos that, unfortunately, the school hasn’t kept over the years.”
Ms Gentle said the school, which was established on 1 October 1855 near the corner of Blannin Street and Badger Creek Road, opposite the site of the current skate park, had a rich and diverse history.
“The school originally had 41 students and today it has grown to over 400 students enrolled,” she said.
Ms Gentle said members of the community were welcome to join the committee responsible for organising the 140 year celebrations. “If you don’t want to be included on a committee but would like to volunteer some time or information, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 5962 4053,” she said.