Deputy Principal Syd Sanders looks back at his time in Carlisle PS.
Camera IconDeputy Principal Syd Sanders looks back at his time in Carlisle PS. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Primary school celebrates 100th birthday

Nadia BudihardjoSouthern Gazette

A LONG-standing teacher has witnessed the effect of technology and population boom at a southern suburbs primary school, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year.

Carlisle Primary School first opened as Bickford State School in 1919 and was renamed after the suburb in 1922.

Deputy principal Syd Sanders moved to Victoria Park and started his career as a teacher after living in the country for 16 years.

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Mr Sanders’ students have returned to visit during the school’s 75th and 90th celebrations. Andrew Ritchie
Camera IconMr Sanders’ students have returned to visit during the school’s 75th and 90th celebrations. Andrew Ritchie Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I came here in the beginning of 1986,” he said.

“The mere fact of the school being 100 years old, there’s a heritage value in that.”

Originally tucked away off the main road, Carlisle Primary School has since seen itself be in the middle of the busy Wright St and Surrey Rd intersection after the widening of Orrong Road.

Mr Sanders said the school’s relationship with its former students has been great, with many of them visiting the 75th and 90th anniversary celebrations.

“The population fluctuated since I’ve been here. It’s been as low as 250 – 350 students,” he said.

“This was one of the earliest schools to have a pre-primary centre, it was established when I got here but it was a half time centre.

“We had on site here, a language development centre which has since been demolished.”

The biggest change Mr Sanders have experienced was the rise in technology and the increased use of computers. Andrew Ritchie
Camera IconThe biggest change Mr Sanders have experienced was the rise in technology and the increased use of computers. Andrew Ritchie Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Sanders said the biggest change to education was the rise of technology and an increased use of computers.

“The library automated system was automated here, it would have been about 1993, I was acting principal at the time,” he said.

“They used typewriters in the admin section and all the bookwork for the school was done by hand.”

Carlisle Primary School will be setting up a display booth at Belmont Forum on October 14 – 18, including a concert with the choir and dance groups at 1.45pm on October 15.

The school’s centenary celebrations will be held on November 8.