MORE than 100 people turned out to the grounds of Manangatang P-12 College on Friday to celebrate a centenary of education in the town.
Students both past and present, former teachers and principals, parents and members of the wider community joined in the revelry and a special ceremony.
It has been 100 years since the first pupils gathered to learn, and a lot has changed since that first lesson in 1914.
As the community has changed, so has the school.
It was that versatility in the face of a change that was mentioned by those officiating and those attending the event throughout the day.
Former school principal and Department of Education senior advisor Gary Weir described his fond memories of the school. Mr Weir said the community had fought for the school a number of times during those 100 years.
In 1949, the government was lobbied by the Manangatang Progress Society successfully to allow for the establishment of a new school for the town.
In the 1950s, it expanded to allow for higher education and those aged 14 and over were able to study at home.
And in 1992, Manangatang P-12 College was created, once again on the back of lobbying by teachers and community members.
It was one of the first P-12 colleges in the state.
“It was a privilege and honour to be principal here.
“I was amazed at the creativity and ideas the students came up with,” Mr Weir said.
“The school has a record of high academic achievement.
“Everywhere I go I meet someone from Manangatang who is working in a different trade or profession.
Among those who shared in the memories was George Oliver, who finished his schooling at Manangatang in 1944 and is believed to be the eldest living alumni.
Mr Oliver cut the cake for the school after a round of Happy Birthday from everyone present.
“My twin brother and I used to ride our pushbikes 10 miles to go to school for two-and-a-half years,” Mr Oliver said.
“We learnt just the basics back then, it was war-time.
“I wasn’t a brilliant
student, but I managed.”
Louisa Gibson, a Manangatang resident who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, sent all three of her children to Manangatang for their schooling.
She said the school was a vital meeting place for the mothers in the community.
“It was terribly important for us mothers to be involved… it kept you in touch with the community,” she said.
“I met lots of people here.”
At the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled by school council president Lionel Price and current principal Dave Griffin. A time capsule from 1989 was opened, as instructed by those who had filled it 25 years ago.
More than 80 letters, photos and other items were found within.
Dallas Plant discovered a letter he wrote when he was 11 years old.
In it, the young Mr Plant had predicted where he would be in 25 years time.
“I am going to take over the farm when my dad is too old,” he wrote.
“I’m going to marry a nice lady and have four kids.”
Astonishingly, his prediction came true. Mr Plant today is married with four children, all enrolled at Manangatang P-12 College.
A new time capsule depicting the lives of students in 2014 has been put together.
Mr Griffin said it would be placed within the new surname silo, which includes all the surnames of those who have attended Manangatang School in its many forms.
“And in 25 years whoever is here can work out how to get it back out again,” he laughed.
