The Papas family, sons George and Jamie with parents Jim and Mary Papas. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Former student Nici Cahill and Pam Young (nee Mackenzie) point to a photo showing their parents who were both teachers at San Remo primary. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Belinda, Gemma and Jill at the 150-year celebrations for San Remo Primary. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Nici Cahill (former student) with elder sisters Karen Cahill and Rhonda Churchill. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Former student Maddy May entertained the crowd. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Staying cool in the heat, Danielle Bayliss with Lisa and David Manning. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Teachers Justine Lethbridge and Dan Earle at the cake stall for the 150-year celebration of San Remo Primary. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Former student Tuppy Cleeland looks at school photos from the 1960s. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Ingrid and Karen Ingbritson look back at school photos from the 1930s. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Principal Karen Bowker with the cake to celebrate the school's 150 years. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Helen Manning (nee Cholsey), Tuppy Cleeland (nee Todd) and Heather at the 150 year celebrations. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Theresa Gifford-Cox cuts the cake at the 150-year celebrations. Photo: Nici Cahill, Snapshot Photography.
Even though the heat was challenging, San Remo Primary put on a fabulous event to celebrate 150 years in education on Saturday.
There was something for everyone, with past students and families looking at memorabilia dating from the 1800s to the present day in the original classrooms that they attended school in themselves.
"There were stories and laughter of the good old days flowing through the corridors mixed with children running and playing throughout the school," said Principal Karen Bowker.
"A true community event."
The school community enjoyed a fantastic barbeque, with sausages, hamburgers and fish.
There were old fashioned games in the junior school and the school band played on the oval to those who braved the heat.
After the band Maddy May, an alumni of San Remo Primary played as well.
"It was such a celebration of past students that have left San Remo Primary and followed their dreams and become successful adults," Ms Bowker said.
Up in the Rec Centre present students displayed their amazing artwork which was enjoyed by all the visitors. There was also a space to sit down, and enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake among friends that had not caught up in years.
It all came together at the end of the day with a speech by Principal Karen Bowker who spoke of the past, present and future of a vibrant school that continues to have high educational standards and caters to everyone in the local community.
Ms Bowker thanked everyone who played a part in the day.
She also spoke of three exceptional people who have contributed to San Remo Primary in her time as principal.
"Thank you to parent Jackie Butterfield, who is no longer with us, but was pivotal in supporting, designing and organising the buildings and grounds of the school.
"Also Sian Adnam, who dedicated an amazing sculpture in thanks for her daughter Sophie attending the school, and when vandalised, came back and rebuilt another amazing sculpture years later that stands proudly at the school entrance.
"And it is with a sad heart that the school dedicates the new sensory garden to past wellbeing counsellor and Into Blue therapist Jo Ablett, who passed away last year.
"The garden encourages exploration and curiosity, a place to chill out at, laugh in, play in and provides endless possibilities for us all.
"We thank Jo Ablett for her lasting legacy of love and devotion to everyone at San Remo Primary and know that she will forever inspire us."
