More than 200 past and present students and staff of Finley Public School, and their families, came together at the school on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate 130 years of public education in Finley.
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With perfect weather and a long weekend in NSW, it was the ideal opportunity for many to travel to Finley.
Several came from interstate for the occasion, and although the gates were scheduled to open at 10am on Saturday, some began arriving earlier.
Robert McMurray and John Taylor were among the first.
Both families have history in the community, with Robert’s mother Margaret being a Girl Guide captain for many years.
John’s daughter Casandra was the school captain at the time of the 100 years celebrations.
There were wonderful displays prepared by the teachers and students in many of the classrooms, which brought back happy memories ... and some sad - like the newspaper reports from when five teachers were killed in a crash in 1965.
Bringing smiles were the yearly school photos, and Judy Rourke (nee Tomlin) was delighted to find herself in one.
She was also happy to point out John Carr to his daughter Vanessa Kydd (nee Carr) in another.
It is not unusual for several generations of families to have attended the school, with Vanessa’s children continuing the connection.
The morning was spent in a relaxed atmosphere with music by former student Jade Camden (nee Braybon), with lunch and coffee available from Rub n Smoke and Odesi Coffee.
The official proceedings began at 2pm with principal Owen Gill welcoming everyone, and a Welcome to Country performed by Aunty Norma and Isaiah Gowans.
Former principal and now NSW Deparment of Education Deniliquin Education Network director of education leadership Derek Noffke was unable to attend, but sent a message to be shared.
He was principal in 2017-2018.
Cherilyn Taig then proceeded to explain the happenings in the school during the years she and Amanda Lyons have been teaching there.
Combined, their service to the school is 68 years - Cherilyn breaking the record with 35 years, and Amanda not far behind with 33 years.
She spoke of the immense changes such as blackboards to smart screens, exams to assessments, and of course workplace health and safety changes to name a few.
To bring the official proceedings to a conclusion, current school captains Thomas Cole and Lucy Loughridge cut the beautiful cake, made and decorated by Sharyn White of SJ White’s Delights.
Staff members and parents were at the school again early on Sunday morning to assist with the final program.
Breakfast was available with James Kennedy on the barbecue, ably assisted by Caz Congram and Jess Fuller.
Daylight saving didn’t deter John Clune, Alison Rourke and Scott Baker from catching up.
John was Allison’s teacher, and Scott travelled from Adelaide especially to attend the celebrations.
At 11am, the gates were closed, bringing to a conclusion a weekend many will remember for years to come.
Some are already looking forward to 150 years!
Caz Congram, James Kennedy and Jess Fuller.
Assistant principals Cherilyn Taig and Amanda Lyons, NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton and principal Owen Gill.
Former Finley Public student Jade Camden provided the entertainment.
