There’s cause for celebration at Nathalia Secondary College as it celebrates its 100th year anniversary this year.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
With just under 100 days until the official celebrations in October, the organising committee for the festivities is inviting all former students and staff to attend.
Organising committee member David McKenzie said there were two days of reunions and festivities.
‘‘The first part of the celebrations there will be a stand at the annual show where people can meet and greet on the Saturday followed by a dinner,’’ he said.
‘‘On the Sunday there’s a barbecue at the school with photo opportunities and we’ll be unveiling a plaque out the front, marking 100 years of secondary education in Nathalia.’’
The Higher Elementary School started teaching on May 2, 1919, in temporary premises.
The school went through a name change, becoming Nathalia High School from 1959 until 1989 and then to become Nathalia Secondary College in 1990.
Mr McKenzie said it was important to reflect of the many changes the school had experienced including moving locations about the time he left school in 1957.
‘‘The school site we’re on now is not where it was when I started, it was actually where the primary school is now.
‘‘At the end of my time the domestic science and woodwork room was built and we would come here for some classes, then after that it officially relocated in 1959.
‘‘Any event is important in a small town but this is an opportunity to celebrate 100 years of secondary education, which is good for the town.’’
Fellow committee member Ross Smith said many former students had been advocating for the event to go forward.
Principal John Sciacca said the 100th year anniversary was a reflection on the town’s community spirit.
‘‘Nathalia is very proud of its education hub. We have five schools in the town and education is a big part of the community, as it has been for a long time.
‘‘What has really hit me here in Nathalia is the sense of community and there’s been great examples of that such as education.
‘‘It doesn’t matter if it’s government, private or Catholic education, the community puts the students at the centre; you see it everywhere in this town. Nathalia welcomes you with open arms and I’ve been here for nine years because of that,’’ Mr Sciacca said.
The official celebrations are on October 5 and 6.
Former Nathalia Secondary College alumni and staff from any year are invited to return for the celebrations.
To RSVP, contact nathalia100th@nathaliasc. vic.edu.au orgo to www.nathalia100th. edublogs.org
30°C