Since its inception in 1974, the Nebo State School and its hundreds of past, present and future students celebrated their school’s 150th anniversary on 13 and 14 September.
With 103 students from Kindy to Grade six and a dedicated team of 16 staff members, including seven teachers, six teacher aides, a business manager, a cleaner, and a groundsperson, the school has become a cornerstone of the Nebo community.
The celebration brought together families and friends, with 125 attendees at the Friday night dinner and around 350 joining the festivities on Saturday.
The two-day event featured a night of reminiscing, with Councillor Viv Coleman serving as MC, and culminated in an official ceremony led by Principal Leanne Noble, followed by a Fun Fair showcasing the school’s vibrant history and community spirit.
Attendees enjoyed displays that highlighted the current curriculum, as well as historical documents and photographs, with many visiting the local museum to explore the town’s rich heritage.
School teacher aid and librarian Louise Cook believes it’s important for the school community to recognise this significant milestone.
“The school gives our community a sense of pride and belonging that stretches back 150 years,” she said.
“This milestone shows how our school is not measured in just academic success but the strength of our community.”
The celebration also included the unveiling of a new time capsule, designed and fabricated by local businesses Maverick Welding and Salmon Earthmoving.
The capsule contains artwork and writings from current students, along with flags, uniforms, a 150th-anniversary book, and memorabilia from the celebration.
The original time capsule from 1999, filled with past students’ writings, pictures, handprints, and flags, was also showcased.
“I am proud of every person who shared their time, advice, photos, and memories,” Louise said.
“I am proud of every student who produced work to showcase, students who made speeches on the day, and every staff and P and C member who put their everything into making the last two days something that our school and community could be proud of.”
Looking back on the event, Louise said it was a fabulous success.
“Many people enjoyed the day filled with history, stalls, food, and entertainment,” she said.
“We have received lots of feedback already from those who attended and those who couldn’t make it but have heard from those who did.”
Looking to the future, the milestone celebration signifies the enduring impact of the school on the community.
“Celebrating this milestone shows the impact a school can have on a community,” Louise said.
“It highlights where we started and where we are headed for the next 25 years.”
While the planning and execution of such a significant event came with its challenges, Louise expressed gratitude for the dedicated members, sponsors, and donors who made it all possible. “Planning a community event like this always comes with challenges in a small town, but we are very thankful for those who have gone above and beyond,” she said.
As the community reflects on the past and looks forward to the future, Nebo State School stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of its people, a beacon of pride for the community as it embarks on the next chapter of its storied history.
Nebo State School History
On July 1, 1874, a provisional school opened in Nebo with 27 students enrolled.
By 1875, it had officially become a state school. During the period between 1875 and 1884, the school experienced several interruptions due to a lack of teachers, with some gaps lasting from 3 to 6 months. In 1875, the school’s first teacher, Mrs. Dwyer, was dismissed, leading to a temporary closure of the school.
In 1876, the school reopened under a new teacher, who expressed dissatisfaction with the existing facilities. Historical records describe the school as operating out of a cottage that lacked a floor, windows, and a water supply. By December 1881, the school had officially closed due to a drop in student numbers but was re-established as a provisional school in May 1882. As the local population grew, so did the enrollment numbers, prompting the construction of new demountable buildings.
On August 31, 1888, a letter was sent to the Board of Education requesting a new bell to replace the old, cracked bullock bell. The request was approved, and a new bell was shipped by steamer in October 1888. For nearly a century, the bell was a central feature of the school, even ringing to announce the end of World War II to the town.
Unfortunately, in 1964, the Department of Works sold the bell for one pound after discovering that the pole it was mounted on was rotting. It wasn’t until 1974 that Mr. Doherty, the then-principal, learned about the bell’s history. He tracked down the bell, which was then at Blenheim Station. With the support of Blenheim Station’s owners, the bell was returned to the school and was put back into service on October 1, 1974. Today, the historic bell continues to ring every school day to signal the start of classes.
