As we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary at school on Saturday 7 September 2024, we are reminded of the countless students, teachers, and families who have contributed to our legacy. This momentous occasion offers us an opportunity to honor our past while looking forward to the future with optimism and enthusiasm.
The entire school community will be getting behind the celebrations, teachers and classes have organised some fun events such as “Pie the Teacher“, a photo booth, lots of displays of education history and photos from bygone eras. Several community groups will be in attendance with food vans available, souvenirs for the 150th and opportunities to have class reunion photos. Guided tours around the school will operate through the day, a scavenger hunt and a time capsule ceremony.
One of the shining jewels of our institution is our Prep program. Recognizing the critical importance of early childhood education, our Prep program is designed to offer a seamless transition from home or kindergarten to school, setting the stage for lifelong learning. The program is meticulously crafted by experienced Prep teachers, Ms Jenny Mann and Ms Rosa Berrios, to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in our youngest learners.
Through interactive and engaging activities, students develop foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, as well as essential social skills that prepare them for the challenges of formal education. The Prep program at Stanthorpe State School is not just about academic readiness; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are eager to learn and grow.
The 150th anniversary of Stanthorpe State School is more than just a celebration of our past; it is a promise to our future. A promise to continue nurturing young minds, to adapt and grow with the times, and to remain a beacon of excellence in education. Here’s to 150 years of Stanthorpe State School, and to many more years of learning, growing, and achieving together.
A timelined look back at the history of the school shows how far it has come in 125 years.
1873 – Present site gazetted as a School Reserve in August.
1874 – Stanthorpe National School starts on February 9, with a second group starting February 16.
1874-1876 – James Brunton-Stephens teaches at Stanthorpe School. After leaving Stanthorpe, Brunton-Stephens went on to become a well-known poet, whose verse was quoted by Sir Henry Parkes in his famous Federation speech.
1875 – Stanthorpe National School becomes Stanthorpe State School after the Government deems all schools State Schools. A second school building is erected.
1894 – Repairs included “taking away four fine chimneys which have been of such great service during winter months. Reason given – white ants get into woodwork through chimneys“. Two stoves are fitted instead of four chimneys, but as the Minister for Education refuses to have supplies of wood procured for the coming winter, parents will have to supply wood. During repairs, classes are held in Temperance Hall.
1925 – Stanthorpe State School Jubilee celebrations raise £4/18/6, of which £2/ll was donated to the Special Rural School Fund.
The old Stanthorpe State School is moved in two sections to its present position at the end of April. Students are given the day off, but many turn up to watch the spectacle as the buildings are relocated. During the relocation, classes are held in sheds on the school grounds. The boys’ shed is fitted as a gymnasium to give travelling students something to do while waiting for the train in the evening, and also give local boys good training.
1926 – On January 1, Stanthorpe State School becomes a Rural School, taking students from outlying schools for domestic science and wood and tin work.
1936 – After 37 years as Headmaster of the Stanthorpe State and Rural school, Mr Harry Wright retires. He was appointed in 1899 and had just two years off during his time there: 1901 and 1919.
1937 -Stanthorpe State High School starts its existence as the Secondary Department of the Rural School on January 26. During the year 15 students attended. The first classes were held at the Returned Soldiers Hall, where the Stanthorpe RSL Club now stands. Later in the year classrooms were extended to accommodate the secondary students at the State Rural School. Mr J. Gilcrest was headmaster for both Primary and Secondary, working from the State School.
1962 – Stanthorpe State High School is officially opened on May 19 and Stanthorpe Rural School once again caters for primary students only.
Early 1960s – Bell tower is moved to the school oval.
1974 – Stanthorpe State School Centenary. 1977 -Stanthorpe Pre-School opens
1981 – Special Education Unit opens.
1988 – The school residence is removed, with double teaching rooms erected in its place.
Late 1980s – Human Relationship Education is added to the curriculum, followed by Italian in 1993.
1997 – An Administration building is commissioned.
1998 – A School Council is elected, as part of the new Education Department strategy to encourage parents to participate in strategic, long term planning for the school’s future.
1998-1999 -The Sports and Recreation Stadium is commissioned and built.
1999 – Stanthorpe State Primary School turns 125
2009 – First prep class begins
2013 – New resource centre and library is built
2015 – Year 7 moves to high school
