Narrandera Public School held some spectacular events to celebrate their 150-year anniversary last week.

The events attracted over 1000 people across the two days with a concert held on the Thursday followed by an open evening on Friday and finishing off with a fireworks display at the Marie Bashir Park that night.

Principal Brent Fennessy said the event was a success with the community coming out on both days to share in the celebrations.

“The Thursday concert wowed the crowds in front of a capacity crowd at the CRC Plaza. Our amazing school captains’ speeches and the whole school finale singing the song ‘This is Me’ were a huge highlight” he said.

“Friday saw hundreds turnout for our open afternoon with an incredible community feel and stories from past and present students filled all classrooms.

“The night then concluded with an spectacular fireworks display at Marie Bashir Park – a huge thank you to Halls Accounting for donating them as they were enjoyed by a massive crowd.”

The event highlighted the school’s past and present, with many former teachers and students attending the day to exchange stories and memories with current students.

The concert also emulated the theme by playing out how schooling has changed in Narrandera over the years while celebrating the students of today.

An assembly was also held on Thursday with Mayor Neville Kschenka, the Director of Education and former principal and current Narrandera Deputy Mayor Sue Ruffles, in attendance.

The Open Day also allowed for past students and teachers to take a walk down memory lane and witness how the school has changed over the years and enjoy coffee and a barbecue.

All the classrooms also had a 20 minute slideshow of photos of past students and of the school playing on a loop throughout the open afternoon while the school’s library and hall were full off work by the current students and their portraits.

The major raffle organised by the P and C Association was a huge success and 22 winners were drawn on the night, raising over $7000 for the school.

To further commemorate the milestone, a time capsule was sealed with artefacts from all current classes and school programs which will be unearthed in 50 years time. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 28 September 2023.