Avoca Public School celebrates 150 years of memories and history

There was cake, entertainment, speeches and a room full of memorabilia when the community marked the occasion at the school on March 25 - the same day APS opened its doors in 1872.

It was meant to take place in October, 2022, but was postponed due to wet weather conditions.

Although it was overcast and there was some rain in the afternoon, the weather did not dampen anybody's spirits.

Former student Nisha Reid, who went to APS from 1966 to the early 1970s, reminisced about classmates playing together and everyone getting along, because "that's who Avoca people are".

Read also: Brigadoon is one of nine things to pencil in your calendars this week

"It was a wonderful school, I loved it, I have such fond memories of being here," she said.

She was not the only former student who told her story.

Garry Virtue said he rode a pushbike to school, recalled practising barn and folk dancing, and was proud to attend.

When the current students put a time capsule in the garden, Mr Virtue unveiled the commemorative plaque marking 150 years.

Many also said generations of their families were taught there.

Narelle Schofield said her mother, nieces and nephews went to the school, and Brian Airey said his three children and grandchildren also studied at APS.

Another person who took a trip down memory lane and shared their experiences was former teacher Suzanne Allen.

Read also: Dance classes and more in this week's community noticeboard

She was asked by the inspector to teach at the school while she was at Moss Vale Public School in the 1970s.

When she got to Avoca in 1976, she asked to stay and taught there until 1979.

The school was a highlight in her teaching career, she said.

"My experiences at this school were the best I had, the community is supportive, the children were just gorgeous," she said.

Read also: Your guide to shuttle buses if you're going to A Day on the Green

Current students sang for attendees and performed some "old fashioned dancing", and the Southern Highlands Sing Australia choir got people singing along.

There were also stalls full of tasty treats and handmade products.

Many generations of students and teachers came together to recreate a school photo from 1918, where the same flag was used 105 years later.

APS student Max also rang the school's bell to celebrate the day.

The time capsule will be opened in 2047.

APS principal Lesley Kelly said the event was the perfect opportunity for the community to get together.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: