Telopea Park School is turning 100—and this special exhibition is helping them celebrate

Posted on 23 August, 2023

On Monday 11 September this year, Telopea Park School is turning 100, making it Canberra’s oldest school—and thanks to a special exhibition you can go back in time to take a peek at their humble beginnings.

Partnering with the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Telopea Park School has created an exhibition showcasing a collection of objects from their archives to celebrate the school’s centenary. All Canberrans are invited to enjoy this free exhibition, open through to Saturday 30 September, and appreciate the history these artifacts hold (the history including original school registers from the 1920s!).

Back in 1923, when Telopea Park School opened, their first pupils were children of public servants, construction workers, and brickworks employees who were all working to build up our fledgling city. Over the last 100 years, the school has undergone several changes, including switching between being only a primary or a secondary school or teaching both (as they are currently). The original buildings—housing only 120 students by the end of 1923! —still stands, acting as the heart of the school. And some 60 years into their history, 1984, was when they became the French-English bilingual school that Canberrans now know and love

And with notable alumni of the historic school including the former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, as well as mountain climber Lincoln Hall OAM, and internationally acclaimed pianist Lisa Moore, it’s a big birthday worth celebrating.

Telopea Park School’s centenary celebrations continue at the school, with their open day on Saturday 9 September, and a community picnic on Sunday 10 September.

Fun fact – ‘Telopea’ is the botanical term for a waratah flower! You learn something new every day.

Image supplied.