Wakefield School kicked off their 175th anniversary celebrations on Friday, November 9, with a ‘super showcase extravaganza’. Principal Peter Verstappen says preparations have built up tremendously during the last term. “The last three months, the celebrations have been a real focus for the school. Students have studied the mural on the Wakefield Pharmacy wall and used it as inspiration for their costumes. They have studied the train that used to run through the village, the sawmilling history and the Baigent family – from which of course, settler Mary Ann Baigent started the school originally – amongst other historic influences.” The students performed to a packed-out hall on Friday as they re-enacted the history of the school through letters and memoirs of past students and community members. Deputy principal Scott McKenzie was chuffed with the turnout, saying, “we had a really nice steady flow throughout the day, it was a great chance to meet new people and listen to their stories and how they have connected with people they haven’t seen for years. We have got quite an archived collection of stories now about the school’s history, all recorded as it was told, by the people.” Sonia Emerson, one of the organisers on the 175th committee, says it was an honour to be a part of and the event came together nicely. “Overall, the event was fantastic. It was a really great feeling to wake up on Saturday to fine weather! It was wonderful seeing young and old celebrating together and people rekindling their old friendships and connections.”