By Jamie Salter
It was a momentous day for Hampton Park Primary School as it celebrated its 100th anniversary over the weekend.
The sun was shining as school tours were led throughout the day, showcasing the campus amenities and the secrets to its ongoing prosperity.
School principal Liz Davey said the event was an “outstanding success”.
“We were really pleased with the diversity of people who came – we had a good representation of people who have attended the school over the years,” Ms Davey said.
“People who attended in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s caught up and I know some of them had dinner afterwards, which shows this provided that community event to continue that linkage.
“This was our launch event and we’re going to hold more, smaller events for the students throughout the year.”
The Leonie King STEM Centre was officially named and opened by Leonie King herself, who was instrumental in its development.
The school’s centenary garden was also officially opened with plants found in the four corners of the garden representing native Australia, Pacific Isles and New Zealand, Middle Asia and East Asia.
The four quadrants of the garden were named after staff members who have had a significant impact on the school; Bromwyn Minihan Mews, Denise Morris Motorway, Lyn Perry Place, and Michael Long Lane.
In the centre of the garden is the same Peppercorn tree that was planted 100 years ago.
Once visitors worked up an appetite following the tours, they enjoyed a barbecue as well as scones and tea on campus.
And it wouldn’t be a birthday celebration without cake – an official cake cutting ceremony was held at 2pm as guests sang Happy Birthday.
Musician Fred Hess, former principal from Harkaway Primary School, added to the ambience as he played music from across the decades.
Another highlight of the event was the launch of the Student Voices book which had author Crispian Deacon meet with people who have been involved with the school since the very beginning.
The book is broken up into each decade and depicts what happened around that time and the memories of those who attended the school.
“The idea was to bring together the whole community, it was for anybody who had a connection along the way,” Ms Davey said.
Copies of the book were available to purchase on the day and those who would still like to buy a copy can get in contact with the school.
People also still have the chance to sign the guest book which will be buried in a time capsule.
The 100th anniversary celebration was held on Saturday 12 February from 11am to 3pm.
