An old ‘punishment’ book, 50-year-old school recorders and hundreds of dog-eared photos are just some of the items Bathurst Public School P&C is discovering as it prepares for the school’s Back to BPS bicentenary celebrations in May.
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The P&C is collecting stories and school memorabilia for an exhibition called ‘Inkpots to iPads’, which will showcase the role the school has played in educating generations of Bathurst children. The exhibition will be a highlight of a weekend event being held on May 23-24.
“Established in 1853, Bathurst Public School is the city’s oldest public school, so we felt it fitting that we play a big part in the bicentenary celebrations,” event coordinator Deborah Munns said.
“This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the school’s move from Howick Street to its current George Street site.”
The Back to BPS celebrations will include a gala dinner at The Carrington Function Centre & Theatre on May 23 and an open day fair & markets on May 24. The event is open to the whole community, especially former staff and students keen to hold a reunion.
“Along with the exhibition, the fair will include vintage markets, food stalls, rides, raffles, Devonshire teas, trash and treasure, old-style schoolyard games and much more, so there is something for young and old,” Ms Munns said.
“Many former students are also keen to look around their old classrooms, so there will be school tours as well. Younger generations may not know that the school once had separate boys and girls’ classes, so for some people it will be the first time they have stepped foot in certain sections of the school.”
Social media is proving a powerful tool in spreading the word about the event, with former students from Cairns and Melbourne keen to attend. Visit Back to Bathurst Public School Facebook page www.facebook.com/
backtobps or email backtobps@outlook.com