A TIME capsule buried by a local school in the ’80s has been unearthed and will be opened late next week.
Barmera Primary School will open its time capsule, which was buried in 1982 at the new school’s official opening, next Saturday, May 29, at 11am on school grounds, as part of Barmera, Monash and Glossop’s centenary celebrations.
Staff, students and the school community will welcome Governor Hieu Van Le to the unveiling and encourage the wider community to join them.
Barmera Primary School centenary events co-ordinator Glenys Matthews said she was “excited” to see what the time capsule contained.
“I wasn’t around to see the time capsule go into the ground but I’ve asked some previous staff that were here at the time if they knew what was inside,” she said.
“From what I gather, the contents were done as a fundraiser, so as each item went in, a donation was required.
“Each class put together some sort of written material, pictures or some sort of art.
“Other than that, I’m assuming there are things in there like the Murray Pioneer from 1982 and school newsletters.
“It’ll be a surprise for everyone because that’s all we really know.”
Ms Matthews said the school will be open on the day for locals to visit.
“The school will be open from 11am to 3pm and there will be a display of old photos and materials in the school hall for people to view,” she said.
“We will put on tea and coffee and have biscuits for our guests.
“The school choir will sing a few songs and our school leaders will give a historical rundown of our school.
“Hopefully we will see a lot of older people come along so they can reminisce, sit around and have a chat.”
Ms Matthews said the school had received an “enthusiastic” response from past staff and students.
“One former teacher in particular is excited to see the time capsule open because her mother wrote a letter to her daughters, who were three at the time,” she said.
“She’s eager to read the letters and send them to her daughters, who now live overseas.
“It’ll be a special moment for many people.”
Ms Matthews said COVID-19 protocols would be in place.
“Because the event will happen on the oval we won’t be restricted for numbers,” she said.
“But everyone will need to sign in, social distance and ensure they sanitise.”
Another time capsule will be buried by the school later this year.