Cooktown State School principal Leanne Rayner and students hold a photo of the original school from 150 years ago. Photo: Supplied.
The real students may have donned their backpacks and uniforms last week, but all of Cooktown will be going back to school for the state school’s 150th birthday this month.
From memorabilia in the library and old records of student behaviour to a special 2025 school leaders’ badging ceremony, old and new will come together for a nostalgia-filled celebration of Cooktown State School’s rich history on 22 February.
Principal Leanne Rayner, who has led the school since 2013, said it was an overwhelming yet exciting milestone to be a part of.
“I’m just so excited to be in this position and be part of this celebration, because it is a fantastic milestone,” she said.
“Some of the old photos and records that we’ve got, it’s quite incredible that they’ve survived so long.
“I was alerted to the event by chance, because the great-granddaughter of the very first principal contacted me and told me, so I believe she will be coming up, which is very exciting.”
The day will begin at 10am with the badging ceremony, before attendees get a chance to go back in time and reunite with old friends.
There will also be a vintage best-dressed competition, so community members are encouraged to have a dig through the back of their closets.
“It can be back in the day 150 years ago, or they may even have old school uniforms, so that would be fun,” Ms Rayner said.
She said there would also be several past principals, teachers and staff in town for the event, adding it would be a wonderful day of people getting back together.
“What I’m excited about is just the community all coming together, having lots of fun and talking about great experiences,” the principal said.
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate our school – you know, we do a really good job, our kids are forefront, and we have a real passion for teaching and a passion for education, and also a passion for making great outcomes for whatever kids choose to follow in their future and supporting them through that.”
