This blog is no longer monitored but will remain available for those Alumni who chance upon it.
I have enjoyed working on this project and meeting so many Alumni.
Perhaps we will meet again at the 160th.
Robyn Floyd
For information about the 150th book or to share photos for our archive please ring the Glen Iris Primary School Office 98853624
Our students have enjoyed being read the emails and letters being sent by former students. The Discovering Ashburton Facebook Page commented ‘History is fun at Glen Iris.’
I was at Glen Iris Primary School during WW2 and I remember my father ( and other fathers) helping to build air raid shelters in the school grounds. And I remember that we had to line up and we were given cocoa to drink in the mornings. I remember having sports lessons in the street that runs behind the school. In the 5th grade we had to be transferred to Camberwell South Primary school because they built two new classes above the original ones. Helen Rethus (née Rodbard-Bean)
School Paper 1944
I am delighted to be part of the 150yr. celebrations of my first school. Having started in 1944 – a long time ago, I still have a few memories. In grade 3 I sat next to Lewis Wharington, father of the sailor – Grant Wharington During sewing class for the girls, with Miss Hugo we were allowed to sing, but not “Danny Boy”. Was there some friend involved in the 2nd World War we wondered? She drove a single-seater car to school each day. It was a fine car for those days. The Mothers’ Club was a very active group where my mother, Joan Bailey started a choir who dressed up and sang at various events. Many of the outfits were made in our home by some mums. Mrs. Dodman was the President of this group in the early days. My parents, Joan and Len Bailey also had made an electric train set with landscaping which was a great “hit” at the school fairs. Unfortunately I do not have photos of this marvellous project developed during wartime. Whilst the 2nd storey was being built, I remember spending that time at South Camberwell Primary School, which was a bus ride from my home. Judy
A fine morning allowed us to re-enact an Assembly at the flagpole, singing ‘God Save the Queen’, saying The Oath of Allegiance and marching back into school to the beat of the 1960s drums ably played by Grade 4 students. Many former staff, local Principals and parents looked on as we unveiled our Mosaic, launched our Book and practised standing ‘at ease’ and ‘at attention’. Visitors had a tour of the school and then sampled the homemade delights provided by current staff. A great start to our birthday week.
Our Iconic Mosaic created by students
Former Principal Sue Collins opens the 140th Timecapsule that she locked ten years ago and holds up Buddy Bear
Ms. Carracher addresses our 430 students.
A staff photo including Neville Franklyn a former Principal
It was great to meet so many of those I have ‘met’ via email on Friday in the Museum. Some of the students from the ‘GIPS History Team’ were there to talk with them and hear more ‘school stories’.
Miss Bell drew this picture perfectly sized to fit into an Autograph Book.
Although our book is complete I will continue to publish interesting photos and anecdotes. Wendy wrote to say that her dad will be coming and he may be our oldest pupil at 92. I wonder.
The History Documentary has been completed by the team of eight students working during school time and lunchtimes to interview and edit. I am so impressed with the skills of this team, their ability to work to a deadline and their willingness to share their expertise with other students.
Autograph book – teachers signatures in the left column
The World Premiere will be held at 5 pm on 30th August and you’ll have an opportunity to talk with the film makers.
Questions for students reading this blog:
What do grade 6s ask teachers to sign on their last day of school?
What kind of dress up days do we have at school now? Why?
3.00 pm
School open
Registration (Information Booth) Older ex-students from the 1930s to 1990s collect your Identity sticker from the booth
Collect a GIPS Scavenger Hunt entry form and tour the old buildings and Museum (Classrooms close at 6pm). Win a family prize.
Create a Then & Now Photo with your mobile phone. Collect and return images to the Info Booth.
3.15
BELL RINGING
Official opening
Cr. Chow on behalf of Mayor of Boroondara- opens the event and refers to the Sesquicentennial Mosaic
School Principal – Meredith Carracher
Choir – Sings the Anthem for our 150th by Dr. Colin Brumby (an ex-student)
Dance Group
Intro to Paper Planes
4.00
‘Roll call’ of all former students and staff Decade Class and group photographs. This will be via the Public Address System
GIPS gets wings (Paper Plane comp)
GIPS Scavenger Hunt – in the classrooms
4.45
FLASHMOB
5.00
Boroondara Symphonic Band
Old-fashioned Games (Oval)
World premiere of the GIPS History Documentary (Grade 56 students) & other movies
6.00
BELL RINGING
FLASHMOB reprisal
Closing Ceremony
Thank you from John Campbell on behalf of Alumni
Marg Gleadall leads the community in the school song
Fireworks
Visit The Classroom Photo Display, The Popcorn Stand, the Catch-Up Cafe, Sausage Sizzle, a range of Food Vans (oval) Lucky Jars stall, Cupcake stall, GIPS Tattoos, Drinks stand, Memorabilia stall and the opened 2004 Time Capsule (Art Room).
