It would be almost too obvious to say that just about everything is going to change within 140 years, whether that be what we wear, how we speak, or how we act.
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However, some things, like the determination to educate our children, never change.
Mt Blowhard Primary School has always set out to do this, and still stands today, after numerous near shut downs.
The school will be celebrating its 140th birthday this coming Sunday, and will be holding an event for both past and current families from 11am.
The brick building that was erected by the Education Department in 1878 is the same building that teachers use today.
Mr W.H. James was the schools first Head Teacher, a role which he filled for 24 years.
He and his wife Mrs James raised their seven children in the school house over the years.
The school will be exhibiting historical displays, tours hosted by current students, and formalities at 2pm that will include reflections from former parents and students.
These may include stories like the one shared by Tom Ford, who was a student in the 1940’s.
Mr Ford spoke about how he use to walk three kilometers to the train line, and then hitching a ride on the back to make his trip a bit shorter.
Current student and teachers may be a bit better equipped at dealing with all the quirks of country schooling, which results in sometimes having to make due with disruptions from the local wildlife.
Current Principal Sue Knight told The Courier about her animal experiences while at the school.
“We have had possums, birds and bats inside, and the occasional lizard and snake outside, as well as farmers dogs, sheep, cows, and I have had to wrangle a ferret in my short time here too!” Mrs Knight said.
“You definitely need a range of skills to be a teacher in a country school.”
Mrs Knight also elaborated on the two time-capsules are set to be raised on Sunday that are 40 and 33 years old respectively.
“The contents were put together in the one capsule and these will be uncovered and put out on display this Sunday,”
“The students are incredibly excited to see what the capsules contain.”
The day is sure to be a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the history and heritage of the school.
