P and C president Melissa Caulfield helped organise the day’s events and said it was about celebrating community, as well as the history of the school.

“The community gives a sense of belonging that all of our children feel being part of Canobolas Public and its what the parents feel,” she said. 

More than 250  people attended the official ceremony yesterday and took the opportunity to reminisce about their time at the school.

Current students showed their appreciation, with year 6 student leaders Emily Gould and Gabe Colla presenting a summary of their opinions during the official presentation.

“We go to a very good school and we know it,” Gabe said.

“We have a great playground and freedom to play, we love sport and having opportunities to play against other schools.”

Speeches were also made by principal Shaun Dixon, P&C representative Melissa Caulfield, Maree Angus from the Department of Education and Communities and member for Orange Andrew Gee.

There was also commemorative tree plantings, cake cutting and performances by the school bands, as well as class performances in period dress that brought a pioneering flavour to the celebrations.

Those with a connection to the school were also given a chance to sign a tile that will be glazed and displayed in a commemorative garden for future students to enjoy. 

The anniversary celebrations will continue tonight with a gala dinner at Nashdale Hall and there will be a vintage fair for the community at the school between noon and 5pm tomorrow.

By TANYA MARSCHKE

CANOBOLAS Public School will celebrate its 150th anniversary this weekend, with past and present students joining the celebration.

The state school was first proclaimed in September 1864 with the first classes held in the back room of a house set amid Canobolas orchards. However, Canobolas Public School P and C president Melissa Caulfield, who coordinated the 150 year celebrations, said the first principal Owen Kearney was only posted for a year and the first school building was not opened until 1878.

“The first four principals did one or two years because the school fluctuated,” Mrs Caulfield said.

“Sometimes the postmaster general was the teacher. It’s all about community. In 1864 it was community members who sent the application to the department saying we needed a school in Canobolas and in 1878 it was community members who were saying we need a permanent building here in Canobolas.”

Mrs Caulfield said between 1864 and 1879 classes were held in the church hall and at local houses during the fruit picking season when pickers brought their families to the area.

“The pickers would have been here three to four months of the year and when they left the school didn’t have enough students to keep it open,” she said.

Today the school has 101 students with multiple classes.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au