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Tuesday May 6 2014, 1:45pm

Children enjoying festivities at Port Douglas State School on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (Sam Cullen: The NewsPort)
Children enjoying festivities at Port Douglas State School on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (Sam Cullen: The NewsPort)

President of the Port Douglas State School's Parent and Citizens assocation, Ray Pittman reflects on the school's 25th anniversary celebrations held at the school on Saturday afternoon.

Hundreds of students, teachers and community members gathered over the weekend to mark an auspicious occasion in the history of Port Douglas, commemorating the opening of our primary school a quarter of a century ago.

Previous substantive principals (there have been only six since 1989), along with ex-staff, students and parents mixed with the current generation.

Foundation principal Jeff Connor travelled from Blackbutt to attend.

Matthew Smith, number one student on the register was with us and prep student Isla Wells , representing the student body came together to cut the beautifully decorated birthday cake.

Kids enjoyed the free rides, face painting, showing parents around the classrooms and school generally. 

The choir performed two songs, and a time capsule was prepared for burial, to be opened in 25 years.

Food stalls and the bar were well patronized, as were the snacks and drinks for the kids. 

The BBQ, and kinder cake stall were both very popular.

It was obvious that adults were content to sit around exchanging stories from the past and meeting past colleagues, friends and acquaintances

Thank you to the organizing committee led by past student Janice Ruffles, local businesses who assisted with donations of food, drink and raffle prizes as well as NEWSPORT and other local media who spread word of the event.

We do still have a range of memorabilia including can coolers, mugs and travel mugs, pens and coloured pencils available from the school.

And a sincere thank you to those who attended and made the day the huge success it was. 

 

Jeff Connor, Foundation Principle, rally's the kids for horse races
Jeff Connor, Foundation Principle, rally's the kids for horse races
This game was very popular in the day
This game was very popular in the day
Jumping castles, ice-cream vans and cake stalls all on hand
Jumping castles, ice-cream vans and cake stalls all on hand
A great turn out for the school event
A great turn out for the school event
Fun was the aim and fun was had
Fun was the aim and fun was had
Timber and Wood (minus one) played
Timber and Wood (minus one) played
The P&C did a great job of making the school a party atmosphere
The P&C did a great job of making the school a party atmosphere
Gerry the ice-cream man was popular
Gerry the ice-cream man was popular
Satisfied customer
Satisfied customer
Asher Shaw and his mate think that's good idea
Asher Shaw and his mate think that's good idea
Yep says Gerry
Yep says Gerry
Port Douglas Kindy was there raising money. Love your work Michelle!
Port Douglas Kindy was there raising money. Love your work Michelle!
Ditch the fireman off duty
Ditch the fireman off duty
Who's having fun?
Who's having fun?
Brumby's sponsored and giant cake
Brumby's sponsored and giant cake
P & C's Annie Crowson MC'd
P & C's Annie Crowson MC'd
Lots of willing cake testers
Lots of willing cake testers
Yep we're ready!
Yep we're ready!
Parents Jayson and Rachel enjoying the festivities
Parents Jayson and Rachel enjoying the festivities
First enrolled student Matthew Smith and First Principal Jeff Connor on hand help cut the cake
First enrolled student Matthew Smith and First Principal Jeff Connor on hand help cut the cake
Original student and event organiser Janice Ruffles with Jeff Connor
Original student and event organiser Janice Ruffles with Jeff Connor
Matthew Smith and his mum with the original enrollment paperwork
Matthew Smith and his mum with the original enrollment paperwork
Cooper the amazing!
Cooper the amazing!
Current Principal Ben Gaske with former teacher and P&C President Ray Pittman.
Current Principal Ben Gaske with former teacher and P&C President Ray Pittman.
The Choir sang two spectacular renditions. See below
The Choir sang two spectacular renditions. See below
Proud Mum's and Dad made up the audience
Proud Mum's and Dad made up the audience
Principal Gaske reminisced what the world was doing 25 years ago
Principal Gaske reminisced what the world was doing 25 years ago
The time capsule was loaded to be unearthed in 25 years
The time capsule was loaded to be unearthed in 25 years
Janice was recognised for her amazing contribution
Janice was recognised for her amazing contribution
The children looked on in amazement
The children looked on in amazement
Annie Crowson led one of the songs
Annie Crowson led one of the songs
An amazing day all round
An amazing day all round
Everyone should be proud
Everyone should be proud
Annie Crowson led one of the songs
Annie Crowson led one of the songs
Annie Crowson led one of the songs
Annie Crowson led one of the songs

 

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