A TALE OF CELEBRATION AND UNFORESEEN CHAOS AT ESK STATE SCHOOL’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

 

It was on Saturday November 1^st when the Esk State School staff, students past and present, parents, a noteworthy number of supporters and sponsors as well as state, federal and local dignitaries rallied to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of this little school with its 150^th anniversary. An occasion eagerly anticipated by the entire community. 

Amongst the many highlights was the participation of our Esk Community Choir who was invited to lend its voices to the anniversary celebrations with the singing of the Australian Anthem and the ‘old’ Esk State School song, composed by our own Alexis late last century; a song resonating with the history of the school. 

And so it was a morning, the November sky cloudless, when the covered areas and grounds of the school were abuzz with students, old and new, families and friends enjoying the welcoming speeches, stalls, historical displays, and the various activities planned to commemorate this wonderful milestone.  Early afternoon and festivities took a dramatic turn as dark clouds gathered and without much warning, a fierce hailstorm swept through the area.  Torrential rain, strong winds and large hail stones caused tents and displays to collapse, soaking and injuring many attendees, forcing the event’s abrupt ending with many people having to scramble for cover and safety.

While the day did not end as planned, the adversity did highlight the enduring spirit of the people of this community.  Such was the devastation that Queensland Premier, Hon. David Crisafulli was there the following day to witness first-hand the devastation at the school and within the town and to give his praise to the volunteers who so quickly pitched in to help with the clean-up and offer their support to those affected by the storm.    

The Esk State School’s 150^th anniversary will be remembered not just for the milestone it represented, but for the collective response to this unprecedented event and a powerful reminder of resilience and togetherness, a testament to this tight-knit community.

By: Sue Walker