Giving shape to a community celebration. The Normandale School 40th Anniversary photo was taken by LC Scott, Lewis and Sandie, parents of students.
With Normandale School’s 40th anniversary fast approaching, locals are preparing to remember the days of chalkboards and community building. On November 7 the school will celebrate its opening in 1969. Normandale School principal Anne-Marie Gordon says the school grounds were carved out of the hill side, and ever since the site has formed a heart for the community. Located in a quiet area surrounded by the ambience of native bush, the school is cherished as an important centre for Normandale. “The school really is the heart of the community, the community spirit of the parents is just wonderful. “We have a unique culture and feel, as we are set right in the bush. “The anniversary will be for local people to reconnect with old friends and share stories,” says Mrs Gordon. One point of significance for the school was when the 1970s parents committee fundraised to construct a pool, which continues to be enjoyed by the students today. For the past six years the parents committee has been fundraising for a new playground, which Mrs Gordon says will be ready for next year. Students’ parents have been thumbing through old photos of the school in preparation of the event, says Mrs Gordon. Images have emerged of a gigantic playground higher than the school buildings, which for the children must have stretched like a castle up into the sky. “Parents have sorted through some old photos, and it’s interesting to see what has changed. “There are pictures of kids out under the sun with no hats on, the play equipment built on grass, and the earliest playground was higher than the school buildings,” Mrs Gordon says. Despite all the changes, some things remain have the same; such as school camps, productions, netball and soccer, and building forts in the grounds surrounding the school. “The children are allowed to play in the surrounding bush, they climb trees, build forts, its part of their playground,” she says. Mrs Gordon also praises the efforts of local resident Cheryl Salt, who has made signage for the anniversary.
