YAHL Primary School students will take a step back in time this year as they celebrate the school’s 150th anniversary.
Holding various events and activities throughout the year, including a week learning as they did in the 1890s and afternoon teas with old scholars, the celebrations will first begin with a Yahl Under the Stars next weekend.
With fairy lights decorating the premises, roasts, a cake and musical entertainment, principal Chris Morrison said it was a fantastic way to kick off the year-long party.
“We decided to hold a number of different events instead of just one so students could further connect with the community and learn about the history of the school,” she said.
“It also gives old scholars or people who have to travel the opportunity to attend at least one of the events.
“The kids are very excited, especially because we have our special uniforms for the year with a new logo – it ties everything together.”
Next week the school will also host the second of the celebrations with an afternoon tea for former scholars.
“The wonderful thing is we have also combined it into a learning activity for our students,” Ms Morrison said.
“Our Year 6 and 7 students have got together and will do tours for the old scholars, they have found anecdotes about what happened at the school over the years and what buildings were here.
“They will also ask them about any differences they have found so we can collect data.”
In term three the students will learn all about school life in the past with a week of learning as they did in the 1890s.
“A father-in-law of one of our teachers is an ex-principal and also an actor so he will come in and be the very tough headmaster,” Ms Morrison said.
“We will run it at the local hall so there is no technology, children will wear costumes and even eat food they did back then.”
To finish off the celebrations the school will join together with the Yahl Hall committee to host a street parade.
With steam engines, old model cars and the local community dressing in costumes, it will be a chance for everyone to take a step back in time.
Excited to begin the celebrations, Ms Morrison said it will be a fun and educational experience for students.
“Hopefully throughout the year students will learn about where we have come from, where we are going and what differences there are,” she said.
