More than 100 years on from Elmore Primary School's first 'Back to Elmore', the community is invited to a 150-year celebration on Saturday, March 29. Photo: Supplied.
If walls could talk, the 150-year-old walls at Elmore Primary School would have plenty of stories to tell.
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Since 1875, the school has educated thousands of students, having been established to service the growing farming community in the region.
Over its 150-year history, the size of the school has fluctuated, with more than 100 students at some points, principal Aaron Taylor said.
“Even as recently as the 90s, there was quite a larger student population.
“We’re currently sitting at around 26 students, which has been fairly steady really, across the past eight to 10 years.”
Mr Taylor stepped into the position of principal about five years ago, and has enjoyed seeing the closeness of the school and wider community.
“It’s been a great little community that I’ve been fortunate to come and work in,” he said.
“I’ve found the families are really connected to the school.
“They’ve been really invested in helping the school prosper and contributed heavily to a lot of the improvement in the learning environment that we offer the kids.”
In his role as principal, commencing in April 2020, Mr Taylor has overseen extensive renovations at the school.
This includes the redevelopment of the original school building, as well as upgrades to the playground and basketball courts.
“The basketball court was finished probably just 12 months ago,” Mr Taylor said.
“We’ve had some outdoor learning areas go in and a general improvement of the grounds.”
In 2024, the Elmore Education Colour Run was a hugely popular collaborative effort between Elmore Primary School, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School Elmore and Shine Bright Kindergarten. Photo: Jenny Chapman
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Being a small school, there is a strong connection with the other schools in the region, especially through the Campaspe Small Schools Cluster.
They hold many events together to foster connections across the area.
“We work really closely with the Campaspe Cluster of Small Schools, so that includes Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Colbinabbin Primary School, Raywood Primary School, Goornong Primary School and Nanneella,” Mr Taylor said.
“We do shared camps, swimming sports, cross-country, and we bring our Year 3 to 6 students together for a few other events like winter sports and summer sports.
“It helps them build their friendships, and they all transition to Rochy Secondary for their high school.”
After the October 2022 floods, Elmore Primary also hosted Rochester Primary School on-site.
“They established their school on our oval area, and they brought their kids down for probably a month of learning on our site.
“It was great to actually share that experience with them.”
A commemorative tea towel is available for purchase for the anniversary. Photo: Supplied.
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To celebrate its sesquicentenary, the school is hosting a community fair and family day, on Saturday, March 29.
The event will feature displays, rides, market stalls and entertainment, and is open for the wider community to enjoy.
There will be showcases of student art and exhibits showcasing the past 150 years.
“(It) is open to anyone and everyone that wants to come along,” Mr Taylor said.
“Whether they’re former students, future students or connected to the school or the area in some way.”
From 10am to 3pm, the school will be open for guests.
Commemorative items, including a tea towel and wine, will be available, along with custom pavers to make a mark on the campus.
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