General News
4 July, 2025
Clunes Primary School celebrates 150th
Clunes Primary School principal Sonia Jardine celebrated the school’s 150th anniversary on Tuesday alongside student leaders Alex Taylor, Elsie Clark, Isla Henderson-Drife, Jacus Henderson and Matt Campbell.
Clunes principal Sonia Jardine said it was a privilege to lead the school during the milestone.
“To be able to bring members of the Clunes Primary School No. 1552 family together to share this significant occasion is an honour. This school is held dear in the heart of past and present students, families, and staff,” she said.
The event was attended by Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King, Hepburn Shire councillors, many community members and dignities, and generations of Clunes Primary School alumni.
The school even received congratulatory letters from the Governor General of Australia and the Governor of Victoria, highlighting the school’s historical significance and community impact.
The school also received a native gum tree gifted by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett.
The event emphasised the school’s resilience, community connections, and future aspirations.
“In this semi-bright and crisp morning, there is something to be said about holding over these events to wait for fairer times, however, the weather is unpredictable here at any time,” Ms Jardine said in a speech on Tuesday.
“We have seen very little rain until recently, and it’s very welcome. Even if all of what we have received seems to have flowed into our time capsule hole. Nevertheless, we are a resilient lot, and we felt as a community to be authentic and celebrate the 150th on the actual date.”
The celebration was also attended by past principals Leslie Morrison, who celebrated 100 years, and June McDougall who celebrated the 125th anniversary.
“Les was principal here for two separate periods, and was the school principal in 1975 on these steps, for the centenary celebration,” Ms Jardine said.
Other events have followed throughout the week which according to Ms Jardine not only honour the past but celebrate what Clunes Primary represents, a vibrant, creative and inclusive place of learning.
“This week, our students will tell the story, that is 150 years of our school,” she said.
“Sincere thanks are extended to our 150th anniversary celebration committee, I also need to absolutely thank, every Clunes Primary School staff member, you have excelled in preparation.”
“The Clunes Museum and historical society has made an incredible window display, and our 150th is the feature of the Clunes Fire Brigade 2025 calender,” Ms Jardine said.
Alongside belongings from the school, both organisations placed items in the time capsule buried on the day, which will be opened in 2050.
As students, staff and community members gathered to reflect and celebrate, Ms Jardine said she was proud of the school’s legacy.
“The strong sense of community and small-town pride in this school cannot be measured. We love Clunes Primary School,” she said.