From humble beginnings in 1921, starting with only 12 students, Chevallum State School has grown to be a successful, vibrant school of nearly 500 learners attracting students and their families from all across the Sunshine Coast.

The school recently celebrated its Centenary year with a special parade, school tours, barbecue, the publication of a book, the creation of a Time Capsule and the unveiling of a specially commissioned artwork.

Students from 1941 and up to the 1970s and 1980s enjoyed a trip down memory lane and many amazing and humorous stories were shared while guests viewed historical displays, toured the grounds and visited classrooms. Seeing staff and students dressed in costume reflecting the Centenary & 1920’s theme, added to the occasion as did the centenary inspired student artwork decorating the hall.

Ken and Ann Dickson attended as Ken went to Chevallum in the 1940’s.  Ken was pleased to find himself mentioned on the Punishment Register in 1944, for “playing about in the creek in canoes on the way home from school”. It was good to see the canoe bandit had grown up to be a lovely man.

The Centenary Parade was an outstanding showcase of Chevallum State School - past and present. Memories to be included in our Centenary time capsule were presented via a narrated video clip and The Chevallum Community Choir performed a new school song, written especially for the occasion by teacher Jo Keates.

Dignitaries, guests and delegates were invited to attend the special parade including former Principal Lyn Winch and Jock and Denis Scott who were decedents of the 1921 founding student Arthur Scott.

The P&C’s specially-commissioned Centenary Art installation was also unveiled. The art piece “Our Reflection Circle” is a seating area decorated by hand made mosaics, telling the story of Chevallum. It was made by artists Kaye Spierings and Linley Boyle. 

One attendee, Jean Sawrey was our oldest guest at 97 years of age, she is a past Chevallum student, and a younger sister of a founding student from 1921!

We appreciate the past while looking to the future and thank all our staff, students and families over the decades for helping to create a caring and nurturing learning environment. Who knows what the next 100 years holds, exciting technological developments, perhaps even robot teachers? Whatever the technology human interaction, parents, teachers, students, will always be at the heart of teaching and building a community of learners

• The full colour 128-pages book, “Chevallum – The First 100 Years”, is now on sale. Enquires to chevallum100@chevallumss.eq.edu.au