The Valkyrie State School stands stronger and better than ever before after celebrating its 50th milestone with past, present and future students, teachers and its fiercely loyal local community.
Priding themselves on the school’s motto ‘strive to achieve’, the community contributed their heartfelt stories to the 50-year celebration book, artwork, new and old photographs, and memorabilia plastered throughout the school walls.
Principal Jason Butterworth said the anniversary was not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to providing a world-class education for its students.
“It’s a celebration of resilience and the spirit of continuous improvement that defines us and our school community,” he said.
“Let us look ahead, let us renew our education to continue nurturing our students and let us continue to hold the values – respect, integrity and compassion.”
Since opening in 1974, the school quickly became the heart of the community where multiple generations have fundraised to better the school’s facilities and supported each other through drought and difficult times.
On the school’s 25th anniversary in 1999, a time capsule containing student letters, an Australian flag and a newspaper was buried and preserved until it was uncovered on Saturday 22 June at the next milestone event.
Major supporters of the school, Hazel and Ken Jones were asked to dig and bury the new capsule that contained more student letters and similar objects.
P and C president Richard Bethel said seeing old and new faces back in the school community was a pleasure.
“For the last 50 years, people have crossed multiple generations of fundraising and commitment to the school,” he said.
“As you look around at the various buildings around you, there is hardly a building or structure that hasn’t had some sort of P and C involvement.
“We consider it our mission to continue this trend in bettering these facilities and our children’s educational experiences.”
The 10th Valkyrie Mini Olympics was named the school’s biggest fundraising event yet, raising $35,000 with the funds put towards the anniversary celebration.
“Our P and C have continuously shown that no job seems to be too big of a challenge,” Mr Butterworth said.
“They have worked tirelessly to get everything organised and running and I couldn’t thank them enough for all they have done.
“Thank you all for the hard work, blood, sweat and tears you have gone through to get everything done.”
With an enrolment of 14 students, soon to be 16, Mr Bethel said the school and its dedicated P and C had committed to continually improving its infrastructure and education.
Former councillor and a member of one of the region’s original families Geoff Bethel said the tight-knit Valkyrie community had worked collaboratively over the past five decades.
“The Valkyrie Road started off with a narrow gravel road until the community congregated together and got the minister to travel through Middlemount and to the school,” he said.
“Once he travelled on the road, it was at this school that he announced the Beef Road would be upgraded to a two-lane highway within 12 months.”
Assistant director-general and chief information officer and past Valkyrie State School president Michael O’Leary shared his first Valkyrie school experience.
“I remember the first day I arrived around lunchtime, and as I drove through the gates there were cars everywhere,” he said.
“People surrounded a shed-like structure, the power shed, and there were a bunch of mad dogs and Englishmen playing cricket in the heat of the day.
“I came to learn that this was a rotational event that happened between the communities and it was Valkyrie’s turn to host.
“Our financial assistant was a giant cash book with red and black pens and carbon paper, and our phone was hooked up to a backup battery.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the opening of the school became a beacon of hope and became the heart of the community, the backbone of education and Valkyrie’s crown jewel of connectedness.
“Through drought, cyclones, bushfires and even a pandemic, this school has maintained its spirit of resilience and humble beginnings,” she said.
“Here’s to 50 more years of resilience and community education and congratulations to everyone who has played a role in preserving the history of this area for future generations and who continues doing this.”
