Gembrook Primary School turned 140 in 2023. On the 20^th of October the school celebrated with a special assembly, a day of learning and games from past eras and an evening barbeque, jumping castle, games and an open-air cinema.

Assembly was attended by three past students, Harold Ramage, Elaine Pantorno and Evelyn Atkinson. School Captains Aiden and Lia interviewed our visitors about their memories of school life when they attended. Other past students Roger Armstrong and Lyn Begg provided written recollections that were read aloud by student leaders Max, Shaminka and Isla.

The school day was unusual with students dressed in costumes from previous eras, an extended play time with games from days gone by including marbles, quoits, elastics, hopscotch, card towers, paper planes, hoola hoops, an egg and spoon race, and more. Class time included learning styles of the past such as dictation, calligraphy, and reciting, while other activities focused on the number 140 such as creating sums equalling 140, using 140 sticks to make a tower and a 140 collage. Our students also added a handprint to a 140-year anniversary artwork which will hang in the school.

The School Council and PFA rounded out the day by hosting a lovely evening event which included the ever-popular sausage sizzle, popcorn and icy poles, a jumping castle and games run by the OSHClub team, followed by an open air showing of the Disney movie Elemental on the oval. Over 200 people were in attendance to celebrate this milestone birthday for the school.