100 years of learning at Aitkenvale State School: celebrations gear up
Aitkenvale State School marks 100 years, celebrating its vital role in education and community, as alumni cherish memories and lasting friendships formed at the school.
Townsville
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As Aitkenvale State School gears up to celebrate its 100th anniversary, former students and school affiliates take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the school.
The upcoming 100th anniversary celebrations, held Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, promises to be a nostalgic reunion for alumni, present students and the community who hold Aitkenvale State school close to their hearts.
Among the school’s alumni is Cowboys star Kyle Feldt, who graced the hallways of Aitkenvale State School between 1997 and 2004.
He fondly recalls his time at the primary school, sharing insights into his school experiences and the impact it had on his life.
“I remember Mr Spanner who was a class teacher but was involved with school footy and inter-school sports,” Kyle reflected. “Mrs McKenzie was one of my teachers in 3-4 class, I remember her so well too.”
Recalling his sporting house days, Kyle says he was part of ‘Rowe House’, the yellow house, and was also the sporting house captain in Year 7.
Kyle was the second generation of Feldts to attend the school.
“My Dad, Shane also attended Aitkenvale school so we were keeping it in the family,” he says. “The location suited my parent’s due to where they were working.
“Mostly Mum dropped me off and picked me up from school.
“As I got older I used to catch the bus. There were lots of shops around when I was at primary school.”
Kyle is proud he is still friends with a lot of people he went to primary school with.
“I had lots of friends and we all hung out outside of school and had sleepovers,” says. “Primary school was the best years of my life. I loved school and can remember just always wanting to go and be there because we had such a great time.
Meanwhile, tennis sensation Lizette Cabrera reminisces about her formative years at Aitkenvale State School, where she attended from 2002 to 2009.
Her reflections shed light on the impact the school had on her journey to success.
Lizette and her sister and brother all attended the school as it was close to the family home.
“We walked to school most days. It was only a five-minute walk to get there.
“I loved primary school and I loved Aitkenvale State School.
“I remember just being really happy at school and wanting to go to school, loving all my teachers.”
Lizette says she had lots of friends at the school, and fondly remembers the teacher that taught her violin, Miss Young.
“We would have lots of fun during break times playing games. I also had violin lessons at the school which I loved, I just have so many positive memories.”
Lizette said Aitkenvale State School was a very diverse school with lots of different nationalities.
For former Cowboys player Aaron Payne, his years at the school were filled with “good memories”.
“I am grateful to the teachers that I had. I really enjoyed my upbringing as a kid and Aitkenvale State School played a huge role in that.”
Aaron said that following his football career, he became involved in grassroots coaching.
“And part of that messaging is the importance of primary school and that made me reflect on my schooling and that has helped me in my current role in coaching.”
Aaron attended the school between 1986 and 1993, also completing his preschool at Aitkenvale.
Aaron said he remembers some of his teachers.
“I was a bit of a sporty kid so I remember the PE teachers quite well. In particular Shayne Harrison. He was there for a long time while I was there. He was a lovely man and a good role model for me.
“He was probably one of my favourite teachers. I still see him now, he teaches at the school that my daughter goes to. He has taught a couple of generations of Payne kids.”
Eileen Milton (nee White) is believed to be the oldest Aitkenvale State School student still alive.
The 93-year-old was a student at the school in the late 1930s.
“I was in Grade Two when I transferred from Railway Estate School, one of Townsville’s largest, to Aitkenvale State School,” Mrs Milton said. “Aitkenvale school had only two rooms back then.”
One particular event at the school that stands out in Mrs Milton’s memory was the annual Sports Carnival, which all the State primary schools took part.
“The name of each year’s winning school was shown on a small silver shield, this being affixed to a larger handsome wooden shield.
“As we were such a small school, we never had much of a chance of winning until this one year when we scooped the pool.
“I remember three members of the Wellington Family…. Thelma, Billy and Richie, really fast runners who won all the races, and our girls won all the ball games. I can still see Mr Johnson striding around the area with this huge smile on his face. He was so proud of us.”
Mrs Milton said many of her family have been involved with Aitkenvale School over the years.
“One of whom was my mother Ellen, (Dolly White), who used to play the piano for assembly concerts and other events,” she recalled. “I wish the centenary much success, and hope that my old school will go on to bigger and brighter things in the years ahead.”
Besides past students, the school holds a special place in the hearts of other community members.
Karissa Chase from Renegade Handmade Markets is also looking forward to celebrating the school’s 100 year anniversary.
She says it is amazing to be involved in such a special Community Day celebrating the past 100 years.
Aitkenvale State School is where Karissa held the very first Renegade Market in 2013.
The Renegade Market has evolved into a hugely popular regular event in Townsville over the years.
“My oldest was a student at Aitkenvale, so it seemed like the logical choice,” she says. “We began as 16 stalls filling the hall, eventually spilling onto the grass and then the parking lot. We maxed out our capacity at around 60 stalls before requiring a larger venue. It was at the time, a perfect venue and location.
Karissa says she held about 20 markets at Aitkenvale State School before the hugely popular Renegade Handmade Markets outgrew the space and changed venues.
“We’re all so delighted to be able to participate in this incredible milestone.”
In preparation for the grand centenary celebration, school principal Lee Braney looks back at the school’s rich history, emphasising its role as a vital hub of education and community engagement.
Mr Braney says the community day and centenary opening ceremony will showcase not only the school’s achievements but also the enduring connections formed over the years.
“From nostalgic reunions to the gathering of memorabilia and the preparation for events showcasing Aitkenvale State School to the broader Townsville community. We thank all involved in the preparation of this event and look forward to celebrating with the community.”
Mr Braney reflects on the journey that has shaped generations of young learners.
“For a century, Aitkenvale State School has been a vibrant hub of learning, igniting curiosity and fostering the growth of young minds from across the Townsville community, shaping generations of young minds with knowledge, values, and a spirit of innovation,” Mr Braney tells NQ Weekend. “From its modest beginnings of 49 students in 1924, through its peak of 1264 students in 1980 and to its present-day population of 365 students, the school has been a cornerstone of the local area, nurturing students to become leaders, thinkers, and contributors to society.
“Over the past hundred years, the school has evolved, adapting to changing times while staying true to its core mission of providing quality education to all.”
Aitkenvale State School has a long list of principals/head teachers who helped drive the school in the direction of the time and all of whom have left an indelible mark on the school.
From Mr Lynam in 1924 (First Head of school); Mr Johnson in 1949; Mr Stuart in 1974; Ms Day in 1999; to Mr Frankling and Mr Braney in 2024.
Mr Braney says there have been many memories made and community connections established over the decades
“These include the RAAF who took over the Head Teachers residence in 1942 to feed the troops; Coca Cola Bottlers NQ who signed an agreement with the Education Department to draw clean drinking water from the school’s bore for use in their Bohle factory from 1987-1993; and Centrals ASA Junior Rugby League where a group of parents formed a committee in the late 1950s and the Aitkenvale Sporting Association was born.”
Originally published as 100 years of learning at Aitkenvale State School: celebrations gear up
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