“The irony of it, is that it was a pupil free day when principal set it all up,” Calrossy principal David Smith said, laughing.

On Sunday, February 2, the school celebrated the first time it opened the doors, 100 years ago to the day.

Students, teachers and alumni gathered at St John’s Anglican Church for a special service to mark the occasion. 

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Mr Smith said in some ways, it was a “very surreal” moment.

“When I was a student in Tamworth, it was just a little girls’ school,” he said.

“To see what it’s grown in to today, it’s amazing.

“One of the things I’m enjoying is beginning to learn the stories of the last 100 years, of what our alumni have been able to do in their adult lives.”

On Monday, students will mark the triple-figure milestone by opening a time capsule from 1989, buried in recognition of the school’s 70^th anniversary. 

There will be various events throughout the year to honour the occasion, including a 1920s themed centennial ball at Town Hall.

“We’re also getting students to record the history of some prominent alumni,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith admitted some of the stories had made him chuckle.

“I always say to the kids that the people in the old days were naughtier than they are now, kids are pretty tame these days,” he said, with a smile.

“Particularly when you listen to the stories from the old girls and what they use to get up to, our kids today are just sensational.”

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