Milestone: Kindergarten pupils Bronwyn and Laura Zapirain and year 6 pupil Michael Martin will celebrate the Kentlyn Public School's 75th anniversary with principal Androula Kavallaris. Picture: Simon Bennett
SOME say if you spot a koala from the resident colony at Kentlyn Public School on the first day of term, it's going to be a good year.
The primary school will have cause to celebrate many good years during its 75th anniversary festivities later this month.
Principal Androula Kavallaris said the school was known for its koala population and the good luck the animals brought.
"I started at the beginning of this year and on my first day here we had a beautiful koala pay a visit," she said. "It's a small school so it's needed a lot of luck to keep it going."
Past and current students and teachers will celebrate the school's 75th anniversary on Friday, October 26.
The primary school began with one classroom and a principal's residence in 1937 and had retained its small, community feel, Ms Kavallaris said.
Its history has been documented in a 100-page book put together by members of the school P&C that includes photographs, notes and mementoes.
"We will also bury a time capsule that will be opened up on the 100th anniversary," Ms Kavallaris said.
"We asked the children to put in anything they could fit in an envelope, so they could include photos, write where they wanted to be in 25 years' time.
"Then we'll invite them to come back when it's opened."
The school community has also organised a raffle that will coincide with the anniversary to help raise $5000 for a covered outdoor learning area. They are looking for a local business who is willing to match the money raised to help pay for the structure.
Details: Visit kentlyn-p.schools.nsw.edu.au or email Nicole Gerrard at nicadam@tpg.com.au.