Red Beach School celebrates 25 years

Red Beach School has marked its 25th jubilee with a dinner and gala, which included the unveiling of a time capsule.

Watched a large crowd, the contents of the time capsule buried a quarter century ago in 1989 was opened by founding staff member Jill Logan and founding principal Denis Bridle.

Jill started on day one in 1989 and remains a member of school staff.

The first object out was art work by room three in 1989, as well as a newspaper from 1989 and a list of pupils and staff.

Memorabilia from more than 25 years is on display at the school, as well as messages from previous principals.

In among the crowd were sporting stalwarts Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford, Brian ‘Bluey’ McLennan and Clint Brown enjoyed the gala atmosphere.

The dinner was attended by previous school teachers and staff, board, community committee members and a number of foundation members from 1989.

The school began its first day with a significant influx of students far exceeding expectations, foundation principal Denis Bridle says.

‘‘We were expecting about 100 children and were overwhelmed with over 250 pupils on the first day.

‘‘Of course there was a lot of scrambling about trying to make room for everyone and securing extra classroom spaces.’’

Great weather helped the gala run smoothly.

‘‘I went down on Saturday night when it was stormy and we were quite worried,’’ community committee chairman Chris Shortt says.

‘‘But the next morning it was beautiful and calm, and the gala went really well,’’ he says.

He says figures are still being finalised but fundraising proceeds look to be on par with previous years.

Fundraising goes towards an upgrade of the senior playground, including drainage improvements and added equipment for the school’s senior students.