CELEBRATIONS were in full swing at Good Shepherd College Junior Campus last Friday for the school’s much anticipated 60th anniversary.

The Primary School first opened its doors in 1962, welcoming 63 students under the leadership of founding Headmaster, Mr Bruno Matuschka.

To celebrate this milestone, a special anniversary event was held at the school, including a concert with performances from the Junior Chamber Choir, The Chapel Band, Strings Group, and a series of duets.

Songs such as ‘El Shaddai’, ‘Give Me Oil in My Lamp’, and ‘Dragonhunter’ filled the Hall as students took to the stage to showcase their talents.

The afternoon also consisted of open classrooms, an anniversary cake, as well as artwork and historical displays.

Good Shepherd College head of Junior Campus, Ali Wedding, said the students had been practising their performances with choir director, Beth Tonissen, and accompanist, Francine Bell, with attendees commenting on the students’ musical skills.

“The feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

“Many people commented on the beautiful music pieces, the student representation and the artwork.

“Amity and Emmanuel had been practising their duet for approximately four to five weeks (and) the children’s artwork had been completed and collected over the year with classroom teachers.

“A range of visitors were present including parents and grandparents as well as former teachers, students, and members of the local Lutheran Churches.”

Original student, Peter Speak, also participated in the anniversary event and was honoured to cut the anniversary cake with school principal, Shane Jurecky, and school captains, Eve and Tyler.

When addressing the crowd last Friday, Ms Wedding reflected on the differences that have taken place at the school over the course of its 60 years, including upgrades in technology, changes in playground games, and an increase in fun, collaborative learning.

However, despite the changes, Ms Wedding said the fundamentals of the school remained the same.

“What hasn’t changed in this time is our commitment to education, to teaching, to learning, and to sharing our faith,” she said.

“The College is a place of faith and learning - it’s part of our mission statement - but it’s more than that, it’s who we are.

“With a rich heritage, our Junior Campus has inspired and encouraged thousands of learners through their primary schooling, with a strong focus on faith, family, and forgiveness.

“For Good Shepherd College to be maintaining this direction in education after 60 years is testament to the staff and families who have chosen the college for their work and education.

“And we thank them - those who have gone before and those who are here now.”