Community gathers to celebrate milestone of beloved Boyanup school

Former students, community members and some names pivotal in the school’s history have come together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boyanup Primary School moving to its current site in town.

The school, home to about 140 students, moved to its current site on Thomas Street, after first being established on the western side of South Western Highway.

Principal Justin Grasso said the whole community came together for last Thursday’s event because the school was central to the town. “It is very exciting, it brings the community, which is a very close community, all together,” he said.

“I think the community likes things where they can catch up, particularly the oldies, because they can share their experiences with the younger generation, and this was a good opportunity to do so.

“The school is the hub of the community, it is a meeting place, and it is also a safe place for a lot of our families.”

Mr Grasso, his predecessor as principal, Guy Asser, and the first principal at the Thomas Street location, Malcolm Humphreys, were interviewed by Year 6 students in front of a school assembly, before souvenirs from the school were packed into a time capsule.

After a spate of South West schools losing time capsules, staff elected to pack this one away in a storage room, ready to be opened in 20 years time.

“Our kids just love parties, and this is a good excuse for one,” Mr Grasso said.

“They have been working really hard to prepare, so they have been involved in the whole thing.”