St Lawrence State School celebrates 150th anniversary

The school has survived a cyclone, white ants, sinking footings and even a fire burning it to the ground.

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga (centre) with students and staff at St Lawrence State School's 150th anniversary celebration. Picture: Grace Grace MP Facebook

The number of students at St Lawrence State School would fill half your average classroom but its size bears no resemblance to its spirit.

The Isaac region school recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, a remarkable feat in light of the natural disasters thrown its way.

The school was built in Wilangi St in December 1870, opening to students on May 28, 1871.

A cyclone tore it down three years later on January 22, 1874.

The admission register for St Lawrence State School, dated January 1 1906 to March 27, 1951. Picture: Queensland State Archives

Jeff Callaghan, former head of the Bureau of Meteorology's Severe Weather Unit, said the cyclone's "furious gale" destroyed numerous properties along the northern coast.

"At St Lawrence a new wharf disappeared, the Post Office and miles of telegraph lines were blown down and several stores were wholly or partially destroyed," Mr Callaghan wrote. "Trees for miles around were uprooted."

The extension added to St Lawrence State School in 1978. Picture: Grace Grace MP Facebook

Assistant Education Minister Brittany Lauga said the school was rebuilt to then endure challenges such as white ants, wood rot and sinking footings.

"The school was built on resilience," the Keppel MP said.

Students at St Lawrence State School. Picture: Isaac Regional Council

It has even survived a natural disaster, with a fire razing the school in 2007, the original school bell one of the only items salvaged from the wreckage.

But again, the school was rebuilt and this week principal Molly Bendle rang that same bell, in company of the 12 enrolled students and a crowd gathered for the anniversary celebrations.

St Lawrence State School Principal Molly Bendle ringing the original school bell at the 150th anniversary celebrations. Picture: Grace Grace MP Facebook

Joining them were teacher Rebecca Shaw, grounds officer Glenn Brotherton, business manager Wendy Counsell, school chaplain Kari Morphy as well as teacher aides Maryanne Dalglish, Stacey Pownall, Jody Torkington and Caitlin Ranki.

The community gathered to celebrate St Lawrence State School's 150th anniversary. Picture: Grace Grace MP Facebook

Adding to the festivities was a special unveiling of a painted mural.

Ms Lauga said the beautiful work was 97 hours in the making.

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Education Minister Grace Grace also congratulated the school community for its resilience and achievement.

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga (centre) with students and staff at St Lawrence State School's 150th anniversary celebration, standing in front of the unveiled mural. Picture: Grace Grace MP Facebook

"It's a tight-knit community with the P&C taking out the P&C of the Year Award in 2018," Ms Grace said.

"Congratulations to the whole school community on reaching 150 years.

"Here's to the next 150."

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Originally published as St Lawrence State School celebrates 150th anniversary