Community & Business
13 June, 2025
Emu Creek SS 150th: what a day it was
The outstanding success of Emu Creek State School’s 150th celebration and fete was testament to what the school is all about and how important it is to the community.
This is what Principal Mrs Tania Schmidt said on the day:
“It’s an incredible honour to stand here today, as Principal of Emu Creek State School, and to welcome you all to this historic occasion - 150 years strong.
From the moment you walk through our gates, you can feel it - Emu Creek is more than just a school.
It’s a place of connection.
A place where every student is known by name, where families cheer from the sidelines, where kids perform proudly at concerts, and where every event feels like a gathering of old friends.
It’s a place where generations of students have found friendship, kindness, and a place to belong.
This isn’t just a school with history, it’s a home to generations of families who’ve shared in its stories, celebrations, and spirit.
On the first day the school opened its doors in 1875, there were just 40 first day pupils, one of them being a boy named Arthur Hoey Davis, who would later become known to the world as Steele Rudd.
His pen captured the essence of life in the bush and in many ways like every pupil after him, his journey began here, at Emu Creek.
Over the past 150 years, Emu Creek has stood strong - adapting, growing, and continuing to offer something truly special.
In the past decade alone, we’ve gone from strength to strength.
We’ve been recognised as Triple M’s Best School on the Darling Downs, and more importantly, we’ve been described by parents as transformational - a school where children are not just taught, but truly seen, supported, and celebrated.
A place where every child feels they belong, where relationships flourish, and where a deep sense of care runs through everything we do.
That is the greatness of Emu Creek, and that is why, after 150 years, we’re still thriving.
We see it every day in our classrooms, in our playgrounds, and in our community.
The values that built this school - respect, perseverance, and community - still shape who we are.
Today is also a celebration of the people who make Emu Creek the place it is.
To the incredible 150th committee, especially Emma and Zoey, thank you for the hours of planning and heart you’ve poured into this day.
To our sponsors, your support has made today possible.
To Mrs Liz Donnelly, who once joked she’d retire before the 150th, thank you for once again putting your hand up when it mattered most, standing by me every step of the way, just as you have stood by this school through its toughest times.
And to the staff - past and present - who have kept the torch burning bright, thank you.
You are the reason this school continues to shine.
As our school song reminds us:
Friendship, kindness,
No one left behind,
There for each other,
Through good and hard times.
That’s why every student shines.
As we honour the past 150 years and look to the future, we celebrate what every Emu Creek kid knows deep in their heart:
This is a great place to grow - and we are one big family.
Thank you.”
