Timor primary: A magnificent milestone

Timor Primary School may be small, but it’s this school’s big heart that has seen it weather 150 years of history.

Turning 150 years old this year, the small-but-mighty primary school in Timor, Victoria, has seen many students pass through the doors in its time.

And for parent and former student Brad Saul, the fact the original school building is still standing, with multiple generations of families enrolled, is a testament to the resilience of the institute and the community.

“It’s a hell of a milestone,” Brad said.

“To have a school this small in country Victoria still operating is a huge achievement, and that takes a huge amount of effort from past staff, families … there were periods such as the late 70s when the school nearly closed, but we’ve come through all that, and still have a school.”

Brad himself is part of three generations of his family to attend the school. He was a student, as was his father.

And now his own children – six year-old Ayla and 11 year-old Blakley – are among the 40-odd students enrolled today.

Brad Saul with his children Ayla Saul and Blakley Wieczorek. Timor Primary School is gearing up to celebrate its 150 year anniversary later this year. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Principal Andrew Tatchell said seeing children of past students contributed to the “community feel” of the school.

“The school is the hub of the community,” Andrew said.

“We’ve got a number of cases where the parents attended here, and they’ve chosen the school because they had a great experience going to a small rural primary school.”

The Timor Primary School 150 year anniversary celebrations will take place Saturday, October 21 from 10am to 2pm.