Community & Business
16 August, 2023
Remembering Elphinstone State School’s good old days
A reunion will be held in November for past students to commemorate 60 years since the closing of Elphinstone State School.
It will be held at Rudd’s Pub in Nobby on Saturday, 18 November from 10am.
One of the organisers, Ian Sobbe, said over the past four of five years former Elphinstone State School students have discussed holding a reunion of some sort.
With 2023 being the Diamond Jubilee year of the school closing, a group of past pupils, Ian Sobbe, Kerry Cranitch, Neville Wright and Tim Bourke, have formed a committee that will organise the reunion.
Elphinstone State School was first opened in May 1888 by Miss Kate Connolly in a barn owned by Mr Bourke of “Woody Camp”.
The school was moved to its final location in 1919 on the corner of Dungannon Road and Cranitch Road.
The final school building, used from 1927 to 1963, had originally belonged to the first Goomburra school.
The school was shut in 1963, with students transferring to schools in Clifton, including the then recently opened Clifton State High School.
The school building was moved to Allora, then to Talgai Homestead and then to the property of Sam Rodgers of Hendon.
Mr Sobbe said there have been preliminary discussions with the Education Department regarding erecting a sign in front of the old school site on the corner of Dungannon and Cranitch roads to memorialise the school.
The school’s second last principal, Mr Peter Cullen is still alive.
Although he is unable to attend the reunion, he has written about his memories which will be read out on the day.
Mr Sobbe said there are plans for boards to be in place for attendees to put up their old photos and any memorabilia, as well as ample opportunity to share stories.
Attendees are also welcome to bring their partners.
Lunch and beverages will be available for purchase individually.
Coffee is available at the local store for early attendees.
For further information and to facilitate catering, please advise any of the organising committee of your intention to attend:
Kerry Cranitch - 0427 663 450
Neville Wright - 0499 207 489
Tim Bourke - 0428 737 240
Ian Sobbe - 0448 274 045
If you are aware of other past students, please pass on this information as the committee does not have current contact details for all past students.
