HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 187 December 2025 | Seite 9

LOCAL LIFE

School celebrates 180th birthday by Greg Martin

When the recently appointed principal, Sarah Allen, first laid eyes on Macdonald Valley Public School four years ago, she described it as“ if I had died and gone to Heaven”.

On Friday, November 14, that little slice of Heaven celebrated its 180th anniversary – something which certainly should be acclaimed because it is the second oldest continuously operating public school in NSW.

Second only behind Newcastle East PS which was established in 1816 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie.

In fact, Macdonald Valley PS sits in fourth place as the oldest established school in Australia, preceded only by Newcastle East, Sydney Grammar( 1825) and The King’ s School Parramatta( 1831).

It was certainly a day to remember for all who attended the celebrations, including special guests, Hawkesbury Mayor, Les Sheather, the Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, and

All aboard – taking turns of course!

State Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston.

There was a cake-cutting ceremony, horse and carriage ride, vintage car display, a huge photograph and memorabilia display and a dress-up photo booth – just for the kids, of course! And the young students also wowed the guests in performing a play,“ Macdonald Valley”, written by deputy principal, Ben van Biljon.

Another highlight was the official opening of the spectacular Commemorative Garden which was sponsored by Bendigo Bank Galston.

Hungry work having fun, and that’ s where the historic Settlers Arms at St Albans provided a mouth-watering spit roast which sated the hunger for everyone.

Macdonald Valley PS sits nestled in a tranquil bush setting, and over the 18 decades since it opened, six or seven generations of locals have been taught their readin’,‘ ritin’ and‘ rithmetic.

The current student population is 13, and ensuring they are not only educated but enjoy their time at the school where they under the care of Ms Allen and four dedicated colleagues.

“ Our school is a place where children feel calm, inspired, and truly connected to their learning,” said Ms Allen.“ Our motto,‘ Inspiring Joyful Learning’, is more than just words – it’ s the heart of everything we do.

“ We are proud of our strong academic achievements, made possible by our small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio.

“ This allows our dedicated and skilled staff to give each child the individual attention they deserve, helping them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Don’ t for a moment believe the students are deprived of activities that students enjoy at metropolitan schools.

“ We offer a range of learning environments which help students stay engaged, build confidence and enjoy every part of their school day,” said Ms Allen.

The school’ s range of facilities include:

• native and vegetable gardens from which the students regularly prepare meals- there’ s a frog pond and a chicken run which is under the care of the students.

• bright, comfortable and wellresourced air-conditioned classrooms

• a well-stocked library in all classrooms for reading and research

• cricket nets, long jump pit, basketball / tennis court for fitness and fun, in-ground trampoline and climbing / play equipment( all covered with shade sails)

• sensory play gardens with fishponds and waterfalls

• high speed internet access to a range of computers, laptops and i-pads

• students make regular trips into the city to see plays and visit places such as the Opera House

Hawkesbury Mayor, Les Sheather( r) was among those honoured to cut the ribbon and officially open the school’ s fabulous Commemorative Garden.

Macdonald Valley PS also focuses on music under the expert guidance of Susan Walker who has been teaching at the school for 10 years.

“ We have a large musical instrument collection so students can be actively involved in music,” said Susan.

“ It is surreal teaching the children of students I taught years before.

“ It is my greatest joy seeing children pick up an instrument for the first time – the look on their faces when they realise they are making music is unbeatable.”

Sacre bleu! All the students also learn French under the guidance of Madam Catherine!

Yes, people – and schools – have to make their own kind of music and Macdonald Valley PS is certainly hitting the high notes!

Our Coffee Is The Best In Hawkesbury!

Expertly crafted Authentic taste Barista-made coffee

Best Café in Windsor Brunch, Breakfast & Coffee

OPEN 7 DAYS MON- THURS

7am to 3pm

FRI- SUN 7am to 3.30pm

Check out our menu!

Supporting local & Keepin’ it fresh

100 GEORGE STEET | WINDSOR MALL 0466 994 650 theteam @ simonscafe. com. au www. simonscafe. com. au

THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 187 // DECEMBER 2025 9 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!