On 30th April 2005 Preston West Primary School celebrated its 90th birthday by inviting past and present pupils, parents, staff and School Councillors/Committee persons to attend. Invitations were also extended to, and accepted by Mr Martin Ferguson, Federal Member for Batman, and Mr Michael Leighton, State Member for Preston, as well as the Regional Director for Education, Mr Peter Mildenhall, and other Departmental dignitaries.

The reunion attendance exceeded our expectations, with over five hundred past and present pupils and staff attending. Many of the former pupils attended the school in the 1920s and 1930s, with a number coming from interstate to attend. Several apologies were also received. It was gratifying to observe many old friends catching up – some of whom had not been in contact for over fifty years. The School also received a letter from Mrs Clare Hughes (nee Bartlett), who was one of the original enrolees in 1915. She now resides in Western Australia, and her family played a prominent part in the early history of the Preston district. The Bartlett family operated a florist business next to the railway line in Spring Street for many years, and their presence was recalled by many of our older former pupils.

The enthusiasm of our past pupils and staff was peerless. Several were kind enough to provide us with loans of past photographs and other memorabilia, which enabled us to display these on the day. Many provided us with written memories, which we have collated into a suitable booklet – a number of which have been purchased by those who attended. The photographs have been copied onto a Compact Disc, with several also being purchased. Special thanks are extended to Robyn Schmid and Grant Tobin for their work towards the PowerPoint presentation of the photographs on the day – it proved to be quite popular.

Other items such as facsimiles of the original School Badge, commemorative pens, coffee cups and spoons were (and still are) available for purchase. Several of those in attendance purchased these memorabilia items on the day.

Our wonderful Parents’ Club assisted with the catering for the occasion, and several of our older present students acted as ‘tour guides’ for the day for our past pupils. Present staff also gave up their time to assist with setting up, enrolments and memorabilia sales – which were commented upon favourably by those who attended.

Fortunately the weather was favourable, and the official welcome ceremony was well received by all. The speakers reflected their admiration on the achievements of the School in the past, and were unanimous in their hopes that the School would continue to uphold the tradition.

Decade photographs of former pupils and staff were also taken on the day, with many taking the opportunity to purchase these as a memento of the day.

The positive feedback received from those who attended has been exceptional. Many have taken the time to communicate their pleasure by letter, and some have called at the School to compliment our efforts. All have been unanimous in their desire to attend the Centenary reunion. It is obvious that these people have fond memories of their childhood days spent at Preston West Primary School.