Tradition passed down: School’s rich history celebrated with display

Athletics carnivals usually create lifelong memories for all families, but for the Ryans, it was particularly special this year.

Rangeville State School Year 2 student Diego Ryan wears the school house shirt for Dangatti that was made for his father Jason Ryan to wear in the early 80's as the history of the school is being collated for book week. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Athletics carnivals usually create lifelong memories for all families, but for the Ryans, it was particularly special this year.

When Rangeville State School student Diego Ryan, 7, took out first place in his age group’s 300m race recently, he was wearing the same shirt his father Jason wore in the 80s.

Rangeville State School Year 2 student Diego Ryan wears the school house shirt for Dangatti that was made for his father Jason Ryan to wear in the early 80's as the history of the school is being collated for book week. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Jason was the same age as his son is now, when his mother embroidered the name of his sporting house Dangatti onto the shirt, which he wore to his own athletics carnival.

Keeping the clothing item in a glory box for decades, it made a reappearance this year when Diego wore the shirt to the school’s athletics carnival.

“Being able to hand my shirt down to my son to wear is a pretty incredible feeling,” Mr Ryan said.

“It brings back all those memories of playing sport at school and my mother got a bit of a thrill out of it too.”

Jason Ryan was a Rangeville State School student in the 80's and his mum made him a Dangatti house shirt for sports day that is now worn by his son current Year 2 student Diego.

And while Mr Ryan admits the shirt has copped a fair bit of wear and tear over the years, he hopes one day Diego’s son will also be able to wear it.

As part of Book Week, e-learning library co-ordinator Gayle Stone has also created a display in the library to commemorate the school’s rich history.

“We have a number of parents who attended the school and now their children go to Rangeville too,” Ms Stone said.

“So we’ve opened the display up for members of the public who have a connection to the school to come and have a look.

“I've also created a memory book if anyone would like to share stories.”

Rangeville State School Year 2 student Diego Ryan wears the school house shirt for Dangatti that was made for his father Jason Ryan to wear in the early 80's, also pictured is his brother Marco, as the history and stories of the school are collated. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Following this year’s Book Week theme – old worlds, new worlds and other worlds, work from former and current students will also be showcased.

The display is open to the public between 8.30am and 9am and 3pm and 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday or all day Friday.