IT’S not long to go until Exeter Public School’s quasquicentennial celebrations.
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The school will host an open day on Saturday, October 22 to celebrate 125 years of education.
The first application for the establishment of the school in Exeter was dated May 23, 1890.
It was a handwritten letter to the Minister of Public Instruction.
The letter stated that the landowners and residents had a number of students of school age and respectfully begged there be a school established there.
The letter stated four reasons:
- The number of children are at present prevented from attending any school owing to distance
- That the population is rapidly increasing
- That Messrs Badgery Bros. will give a suitable site in the village, near the railway station and Post Office
- That there is no difference of opinion as to position, all are agreed and anxious for the establishment of this school
The school was opened on May 18, 1891.
At the end of the first week, 23 children were enrolled.
This number grew to 30 at the end of the first month and Exeter Public School principal Andrew Barnes said the school’s current enrolment was 114 and continued to grow.
“We are hoping to see as many past parents student and teachers as possible,” he said.
The school will be open from 3pm with photos and memorabilia on display in the library.
At 4pm there will be a short official ceremony with the Maypole performance, choir, speeches, burying of the time capsule and the launch of the Exeter community cookbook- Our Village Table.
Mr Barnes said the event had been planned as a community event with input from the Exeter Public School P and C, Exeter Village Association (EVA) and Exeter CWA.
There will be food available from 5pm for $10 per adult and $5 per child.
“We would love past students to share any photos or memories on our Facebook page- 'Exeter Public School Celebrates 125 Years’,” Mr Barnes said. Call 4883 4280 for more information.
