St John’s steps back in time for celebration

THERE is a very good reason why St John’s Primary School has survived from the mid-1800s to become Tasmania’s oldest Catholic school.

Principal Megan Richardson says the reason the school has been able to celebrate its 175th anniversary this year is because of the Richmond community.

Ms Richardson said the school had grown from 20 students and one teacher when it was founded in 1843, to 340 students and 50 staff.

“It’s such a communitybased and welcoming school and that’s what we’re known for,” she said.

“We have fourth and fifth generation students coming here. We take students not just from Richmond, but from Bothwell, Oatlands and Campania, and also around Seven Mile Beach.”

The school, which takes Kinder to Year 6 students, yesterday held an assembly and open day for past students and guests as part of its anniversary celebrations.

Students dressed in 1840s attire for a school photo at the Richmond Bridge and also took part in activities which included bonnet making, hopscotch, wood work, sewing and knitting.

Year 5 St John’s student Lily Jones said the boys in her class took part in woodwork, while the girls participated in sewing and finger knitting.

“We’ve had to dress up in what people 175 years ago wore,” she said.

Picture: LUKE BOWDEN PROUD RECORD: St. John's Catholic Primary School is celebrating its 175th birthday with students, including, front, Isla Farley, Archy Winen and Olivia Richardson and, rear, Brad Costello and Lily Jones, dressing in 19th century fashion.