A glimpse into the past

Before the envelope was opened, Mr Sexton shared his predictions about the capsule’s contents.

“I think there were items like a newsletter of upcoming school events, perhaps a canteen list and photos of past students,” Mr Sexton said.

The capsule contained contributions from past Year 6 leaders, former staff and members of the local parish. The most special items were documents from 1973, staff photos and other memorabilia that tied the school’s past with the present.

Mr Hicks, a past student of St Mel’s, expressed his delight at the discovery.

“It was lovely to see photos of my sister, and surprising to see the contents from the previous capsule before that,” he said.

Students at St Mel’s also had the chance to reflect on the time capsule.

“It was interesting to see how different the students looked, especially with how their uniforms were worn and their hairstyles,” Sophia Beresford-Murray said.

Year 6 student Lily Munro expressed what she hoped would be included in the next capsule.

“Hopefully photos of us,” she said, with a smile.

Looking at the items from the capsule was a moment of reflection.

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” Mr Sexton said.

The school has grown significantly since the time capsule was first sealed, with the number of students increasing from just a few hundred to a much larger community.

For St Mel’s teacher Rosie Horridge, unsealing the capsule was a personal experience.

“I’ve had the privilege of teaching many of the past students featured in the capsule, as well as the students here today,” she said.

“It brings current time into perspective,” Mr Hicks said.

“It’s great to see the history of our past students who are now doing wonderful things in our community — I can’t wait to see a capsule in another 25 years.”