It’s our birthday year – Yeronga State School turns 150!
Foundation Day Assembly
Our 150th birthday celebrations began this year with a wonderful celebration on Friday 5th February with cutting a ribbon at the historical gated entry on Park Road, forming part of Foundation Day Assembly.
It was a very touching moment when our most senior alumni, Mr Leonard Ipson cut the ribbon with Stella, the most junior Prep student at our school. Stella at four years old is 92 years younger than Len who was a student at our school from approximately 1932 to 1939, although he is not completely sure of the dates!
Our school was honoured to have our past Principals join with us for the assembly, and to also participate in a Tree Planting Ceremony, reminiscent of our 125th anniversary.
Our newly appointed permanent Principal, Eunice Webb was joined by immediate-past Principal, Debbie Spanner and Retired Principals, John Johnson and Joan Bradbury, to plant trees at the historical entrance on Park Road. Unfortunately Harvey Radcliffe was unable to come on the day.
Short History of YSS
Carla Walker, immediate-past Deputy Principal of 25 years, had the difficult job of giving a short history of Yeronga State School to the mixed audience at Foundation Day Assembly. There was so much rich history to reflect on and mention, but with only 10 minutes in the program, it had to be short. Mrs Walker did a wonderful job taking us through that history, and finished her speech with this summation…
“The common thread seen in reports by all school inspectors and the local community alike over the past 150 years is that all 16 past principals of Yeronga SS had great pride in the school. They developed that pride amongst the students, promoted strong academic success, encouraged involvement and competition in sport, supported music programs and constantly sought ways to improve the physical setting. Yeronga SS was constantly as a good school. Its community from the beginning valued education for their children and this has been a strong quality throughout its history.
Yeronga State School, has a strong and ongoing association with the surrounding community. The school has provided connections for generations of students and families, been a source of social interaction, a shelter during natural disasters and a place for commemorative and celebratory events to occur.
As we celebrate Foundation Day and 150 years of public schooling on this site, the future is unknown but the value of education at YSS and its significance as a Heritage site is assured.”
Rhyl Hinwood
Our guest speaker at Foundation Day was a remarkable past student (1945-1954) Mrs Rhyl Hinwood AO, who as an artist has produced over seven hundred commissioned public artworks from her studio based in Brisbane. She has won many awards, and in 2006 became a Member of the Order of Australia. In 1987 she was chosen to create the Australian Coat of Arms for the House of Representatives Chamber, Parliament House Canberra, and has many sculptures that you can admire in Roma Street Parklands, the University of Queensland, and Anzac Square. You might have seen her sculpture of Mary Poppins in Maryborough. She brought a very inspiring message to our students at the assembly.
School Badge Keepsake
As a memento of our special year, the P&C gifted a special edition of the school badge to each student and staff member at the school on Foundation Day. There is also a retro version of the badge which refers to the historical school emblem. Both these designs are available to be purchased as a keepsake from our online store or can be purchased at a coming event. Check out: https://yss150shop.square.site
Yours in Celebration, Jennifer Bennett
Community Relations Officer | Yeronga 150 Committee