Daintree State School centenary celebration on this weekend

A little school overlooking a broad expanse of river was founded 100 years ago with 10 pupils and the same number of students will welcome families past and present for the centenary celebration.

Daintree State School opened in 1924 with just 10 pupils and 100 years later, the school has 10 kids ready to welcome past students for the school’s centenary weekend.

Principal Jacqui Osborne said it was not just a school event, but a community event.

She said over the years the school had up to 70 students.

Daintree State School prep students Tia Welham and Chase Mulley. Picture: Supplied

Ms Osborne said all vendors at the family fun day were not-for-profit organisations, as these were critical when the township was hammered in the December flood.

“We have so much to celebrate after these very difficult past six months,” Ms Osborne said.

A family fun day on June 22 kicks off at 9am with an ‘Anything Goes’ competition at 9.30am and an official welcome and time capsule reveal at 11am.

From 12.30pm there’s ‘old time games’ and the Daintree State School Centenary Ball starts at 6.30pm at the school.

Daintree State School students Tia Welham, Chase Mulley, Harlex Weier, Thea Mulley, Bailee Weier, Braxton Wilkins, Lara Mulley, Emily Torenbeek, Rayna Wilkins and Ayana Toth at the newly-painted centenary mural. Picture: Supplied

Sunday June 23 kicks off with a recovery barbecue before a cricket match.

Many generations of past students are expected.

On June 21, there’s an informal meet and greet at the Daintree Village Hotel in the afternoon.

Talented artist siblings Armin Von Keyserlingk and Sylvia Von Keyserlingk, lifetime Daintree residents, created a striking mural at the school to mark the 100th milestone. Picture: Supplied

Talented artist siblings Armin Von Keyserlingk and Sylvia Von Keyserlingk, lifetime Daintree residents, created a striking mural at the school to mark the milestone, depicting the region’s early dairy days, with the butter factory – which exists now as a cafe and gallery – featuring prominently.

Daintree State School students in 1971, including members of the pioneer Osborne family. Picture: Supplied

Boats on the wide Daintree River are a reminder that until 1933, when the road to Mossman opened, the only way to get to Daintree village was via the river, and traditional Eastern Kuku Yulanji people are pictured on the northern side of the river.

Originally published as Daintree State School centenary celebration on this weekend