One of Toowoomba's oldest schools marks 150 years

WHEN the Toowoomba North State School opened on September 6, 1869, the city's population was just shy of 3000.

Students and teachers from North Toowoomba Boys School Queensland. The photo was taken in the early 1900s. Picture: John Oxley Library

ONE of the oldest Toowoomba state primary schools, Toowoomba North, will mark 150 years since its founding, at the weekend.

The celebrations start Friday evening, September 6, with a cocktail and canapes dinner at the school's library, where a time capsule will be opened.

It runs from 5.30-8.30pm.

Saturday events include a market day at Finchley Oval, with sideshows, food and craft vendors and classroom tours, from 9am.

Former students are invited to a roll call and reunion at 11.30am, followed by performances from current students and a maypole dance, from 1pm.

The celebrations close with special service at the St James Anglican Church and a morning tea, from 10am, Sunday.

Toowoomba North State School opened as the Mort Estate National School on September 6, 1869 on land donated by pastoralist and politician, James Taylor.

The population of Toowoomba at the time was 3000.

It opened in two sections, as a boys school with an enrolment of 141 boys, and a girls and infants school, with 113 pupils.

Over the past 150 years thousands of student have studied in its classrooms.

Later, on October 19, the Biddeston State School will  mark its 100 year anniversary.

It begins at 11am, with an official opening in the school grounds followed by a luncheon from 12.30pm, a roll call at 1.30pm and old fashioned games from 2pm.

There will be food stalls and displays, a photo booth, machinery and car displays, animal nursery, pony rides, face painting and school displays.

One of the highlights will be a formal cake cutting involving the oldest past student and the youngest current student.

The day will close with a barbecue and bush dance, from 6pm.

Originally published as One of Toowoomba's oldest schools marks 150 years