Time Capsule

Over the years there have been a few time capsules buried around the school at both campuses.  A few years ago, we found a time capsule at the Scotsburn campus.  The capsule was encased in concrete and lying on the ground behind the buildings.  It appears the capsule had been uncovered when a concrete pad was installed approximately 20 years ago and had been put aside.  The contents were very wet, so were carefully dried and have been kept in a safe place in the old building.

We know of 2 time capsules that have been buried at the Buninyong Campus over the past 40 years, as shown in the attached photos and articles.  Unfortunately, we have been unable to find any of them.  There are many theories about where they were buried or moved to.  On one occasion we had a very strong lead and dug a bunker like hole at the location of the old flagpole on the west side of the old building.  We were full of confidence and found the foundations of the flagpole, but sadly there was no time capsule that we could find.

To mark the 150 anniversary, we will put together a new time capsule to be opened in 50 years…2073.  But this one won’t be buried and lost.  This version will be a secure timber box to be carefully labelled and put on display. 

The box will be unique, as it will be made out of timber milled from the 100+ year old cypress tree that was felled in 2019 after being condemned.  Gentlemen from the local Men’s Shed have collected the timber they require and will turn it into something special.  Once finished, filled, and locked, it will be placed high on a shelf in the office foyer.  The box will include a glass panel with printing to clearly indicate its significance.

At the assembly that will kick of the celebrations on September 1, there will be a ceremonial locking of the box before it being moved to the shelf where it will stay for 50 years.  Between now and then we will be gathering all sorts of interesting things to go in the box.  These will include:

·         Individual contributions from students – We’re aiming for every student to contribute at least one item, whether that be a written or art piece.  These will be completed in the classroom over the coming 6 weeks and may focus on topics like:

o   Reflections on school in 2023

o   Future aspirations

o   What they think school will be like in 2073

·         Interview Extracts – We’re interviewing a number of past students and staff as a means of capturing memories of our school.  These will be recorded in hard copy, including a photo of the person being interviewed, along with the interviewers.  We have a team of grade 6s conducting the interviews and they’re excited.  The first of those interviews took place this morning, with Jeremy and Nate interviewing Ian Wilson, who was a student at the school between 1932 and 1937.

·         Members of our grade 6 photography team are taking pictures of the school as it is today and placing them in a booklet comparing the current images to those taken in the past. 

·         Parents are invited to write a letter to their children.  These will be sealed in an envelope and clearly labelled, ready for their child/ren to collect when the time capsule is opened when the school celebrates 200 years in 2073.

No doubt we’ll think of other interesting items to pop in the time capsule.  If you have any ideas, please send them our way, as we’re keen to create a time capsule that will create a great deal of interest and excitement in 50 years time.