By Lucy Waldron
Yangan State School is gearing up for a monumental milestone this weekend, as it celebrates 150 years of educating students and fostering community spirit.
The anniversary festivities, set to bring together past and present students, staff, and community members, promise to be a day of reflection, celebration, and looking ahead to the future.
Principal Steven Grogan shared how the 150th Committee, formed two years ago, has worked tirelessly to ensure the event honours the rich history of the school.
“We wanted to make sure we had ample time to plan a celebration that truly reflects the heart of Yangan Primary and its connection to the wider community,” Mr Grogan said.
“The committee includes staff, parents, past students, and community members, all contributing their perspectives.”
There is great importance in celebrating a milestone of this magnitude as Mr Grogan said its a chance to acknowledge the generations who have shaped Yangan Primary.
“These events remind us of the school’s enduring role in fostering community spirit, and they inspire current and future students by showing them that they are part of something much larger. Seeing how the school has evolved over time will be truly meaningful,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, several commemorative projects will be unveiled during the event. A time capsule filled with letters, profiles from students, photographs, and even a 3D printed object representing daily school life, will be prepared for future generations to discover. A special banner, designed to mark the 150th anniversary, will also be displayed in the school’s Big Shed.
In addition, a unique recipe book featuring favourite dishes from students, teachers, and families will be launched, ensuring that these much-loved meals are preserved for the future. During the celebration, a plaque commemorating the milestone will be unveiled by a long-term resident and past student, and the school choir is set to perform the school song, along with other classics, to add a musical touch to the day’s proceedings.
“Yangan Primary School has always been at the heart of the local community,“ Mr Grogan said.
“For generations, the school has not only educated students but brought people together through events, sport, and cultural initiatives.
“Our involvement in key community activities, such as the ANZAC Day parade and local sports carnivals, highlights the close bond between the school and the town.“
The weekend’s celebrations will not only focus on the school’s history but also its future.
“This event is about honouring the legacy built over the past 150 years, but also looking forward,“ Mr Grogan added.
“Yangan Primary has a long history of adapting to change, and we are excited about what lies ahead.
“We are confident that Yangan Primary will continue to be a cornerstone of our community for many years to come.“