By Tyler Wright
Menzies Creek Primary School is celebrating 140 years in the community in 2022, as Victoria celebrates its 150th year of public education.
Back in 1880, locals became concerned at the lack of educational facilities for their children and began agitating for the establishment of a school in their locality, according to current principal Dale McInerney.
“At the time there were 51 children of school age in the district who could not possibly attend the nearest school as it was some 6 miles away,” Mr McInerney said.
“Local pioneer George Hall offered to donate land as the site of the school. This offer was accepted by the Education Minister and in October 1881, the residents were informed that it was proposed to dispatch to Menzies Creek, a portable school-house and two roomed attached quarters. On the 15th of April in 1882, Menzies Creek State School No. 2457 was officially opened with Miss Sarah Collier as the resident Head Teacher.”
Now, Menzies Creek Primary School has 161 students who are now dressing up to reflect the past, sporting collared dresses and shirts, head pieces and checkered shirts on a dress up day on Thursday 17 November.
The Year 1/2 students have also been learning about the differences in their unit of ‘Then and Now,’ which included a day with their grandparents to talk about the differences in schooling in 2022 to at least back to the 1960s.
Mr McInerney said since the school was established in 1882, the establishment of the school at Menzies Creek gave settlers their first public building; which became the focal point of the community and was used in the early days for dances, meetings, Sunday services, flower shows and any other gathering involving the local community.
Menzies Creek Primary School students, staff and families are also invited to celebrate the school’s 140 year milestone with Christmas Carols on Friday 16 December.
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic rug and enjoy from 4.30pm to 8.00pm.
“The school motto is ‘we dream, believe and achieve…together’ and is emphasised in the positive attitudes and outcomes achieved by our students, staff and the wider community which includes the Menzies Creek Preschool,” Mr McInerney said.
