General News
22 October, 2021
College celebrates school history
CAMPERDOWN College students, staff and the school community celebrated 100 Years of Higher Education last week.
CAMPERDOWN College students, staff and the school community celebrated 100 Years of Higher Education last week.
Thursday, October 14 marked 100 years since the very day the school was officially opened in 1921, as Camperdown Higher Elementary School (CHES).
Principal Cherie Kilpatrick proudly explained how the day’s events unfolded 100 years ago, based on newspaper reports of the time.
“The Camperdown Higher Elementary School building on the Wilson Street site was officially opened by Sir Alexander Peacock, and a large crowd of dignitaries and local well-wishers turned out to celebrate this very special occasion,” she said.
“The minister’s party travelled to Camperdown by train and was met at the station by the Shire Councillors and the school committee, and driven to the Leura Hotel, where an appetising lunch was enjoyed, the company being the guests of the shire president.
“They then proceeded to the school where the official opening had to be conducted indoors due to the inclemency of the weather.”
The newspaper reports also noted that “A very dainty afternoon tea provided by the ladies of the committee was partaken of and thoroughly enjoyed.”
One-hundred years later and on the very same site, a recreation of the luncheon at the Leura Hotel was held with a toast to the evolution of CHES into Camperdown College as the community know and love it today.
Ms Kilpatrick addressed the group with a message of thanks.
“Congratulations and thank-you for the very special part you have each played in realising the vision of the original Camperdown school committee, and continuing to provide excellence in education
to the young people of Camperdown and district,” she said.
“Special acknowledgement was made to Education Minister Sir Alexander Peacock who had the foresight to advocate for free and secular higher education for all.”
The vision of the original school committee in agitating for Camperdown as a suitable location for higher education was also noted and appreciated.
School vice principal Vicki Angus said on campus, celebration activities took place for students and teachers throughout the week including party games at lunch.
“The party games at lunch time were a source of excitement and brought out their younger sources of delight – most popular was musical chairs would you believe,” she said.
“We also played corn hole, quoits, big foot races and egg and spoon races.
“Our food technology classes baked cupcakes to share and all students watched a video of pictorial history about the evolution of Camperdown College which was narrated by students.”
Ms Angus said the students have all written letters to their future selves which are to be placed in a time capsule organised by a group of students to be buried later in the term” said Ms Angus.
Grand celebrations have been postponed as a result of COVID restrictions to October 2022 where two days of events and activities are planned to mark the 100 Year milestone.
“October 15 and 16 in 2022 are the new dates for our Campus Celebration which include an Open Day, Saturday night School Social and a Sunday morning walk and Breakfast,” Ms Kilpatrick said.
