General News
11 October, 2022
College to mark 100 years
A SPECIAL milestone is being celebrated this weekend when Camperdown College celebrates 100 Years of providing Higher Education to the community.
A SPECIAL milestone is being celebrated this weekend when Camperdown College celebrates 100 Years of providing Higher Education to the community.
Described in the 1920’s as a rock-strewn site at the foot of the mount, the original timber building which housed the first students was destroyed by fire in 1940 and in its place the red brick building which is recognised today was erected.
Undergoing many additions and renovations, the school also went through name changes from the Camperdown Higher Elementary, Camperdown High School and eventually was combined as a P-12 as Camperdown College.
Acting principal Vicki Angus said event organisers had been working hard to deliver a celebration for the whole community to commemorate the milestone.
“The working committee has planned a wonderful day of celebrations, not just for past students and teachers, but for the whole community to enjoy,” she said.
“At its peak in the 1960’s, the school had more than 600 students enrolled and was a hub of state education for the town and surrounding communities.
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to a place they spent so much of their younger years and we think it will be such a lovely day remembering the first 100 years of the college.”
Event organisers began plans for the celebration in early 2021 before it was postponed due to COVID restrictions and say everyone from the community is welcome to attend.
“We’ve had confirmation from people travelling from Melbourne and Ballarat and even planning their travels from interstate to be here for the event,” Ms Angus said.
Saturday’s exciting list of events includes an Open Day from 10am – 3pm where the school grounds and buildings are open to tour, 20 market stalls to explore including fresh flowers, hand crafts, timber work and condiments, a formal assembly from 1pm including maypole dancing and marching displays and a sold-out High Tea from 2pm.
And to top off the day’s event, the celebration will close with a School Social from 7pm - late in the AG Daws Hall with both local acoustic act and teacher, Lewis Oborne and Melbourne band, Cop This, in a fun night with dancing, drinks at bar prices and supper.
“There’s still tickets available to the School Social so if you get in quick, you can wind back the clock and reminisce in the hall about events from your time on campus,” Ms Angus said.
Tickets can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/100YearSchoolSocial.