With our Centenary celebrations now well under way, we continue to thank God for his provision over the past 100 years. Twenty-five years ago in 1997, Arden celebrated its 75th Anniversary with much fanfare, excitement and a range of commemorative events.

Just like this year, celebrations got under way in 1997 with a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Castle Hill. As the guest speaker, cartoonist Mr Graeme Wade delivered a message centred on the hope of Easter, whilst Arden Principals Miss Mavis Hudson, Miss Margaret Duckworth and Mr Colin May led the Community in thanksgiving through the book of Psalms. With the assistance of the Choir, alumna Miss Tanya Riches performed her song, Jesus What a Beautiful Name.

Perhaps the highlight of the year was Founders’ Day, celebrated on 22 April. The whole school, along with our past Principals and special guests, gathered on the lawn outside Arden House for musical items and a special presentation. Students enjoyed a delicious chocolate birthday cake and received a commemorative medallion as a memento of the special occasion. Most importantly, it was on this day that the 75th Anniversary time capsule was filled and buried. Felicity, a Year 5 student, reported in our school magazine:

Children from each class prepared some suitable school articles, photos, writing and many other things that would help the children to gain an understanding of what the School was like when the Capsule is opened in 25 years hence 2022. Mr May, our Principal, helped the nominated children place their treasured work into the enormous Capsule.

There was a sense of excitement and anticipation earlier this year when the Advancement and Facilities Teams set about unearthing this time capsule. What treasures awaited us! Many items suffered from water damage as a result of being under ground for 25 years, but fortunately nearly everything was able to be preserved. Tazos, game boys and micro machines were just some of the toys favoured by Year 1 students in 1997, whilst Year 3 wrote about their favourite subjects. Year 5 compiled a detailed summary of their daily activities and Year 6 wrote news articles featuring headlines of the day. Floppy discs, VHS and a cassette tape remind us just how far technology has come! To see some items from this time capsule, click here.

Celebrations continued in May with the Back to Arden Day. The Arden Community toured the campus, enjoyed a range of displays and devoured sausage sandwiches cooked by the P & F. Year 4 entertained visitors by dancing the Charleston and the Junior Campus Library was renamed the Margaret Duckworth Resource Centre. The Friends of Arden reported that “the afternoon slipped by too quickly for many, but all expressed their joy and appreciation for having been part of such a happy, successful and memorable occasion.”

Under the instruction of Visual Arts teacher, Mrs Libby Owen, every student contributed to the 75th Anniversary mural by creating a clay tile. The mural depicts aspects of learning from the HSIE and Science and Technology syllabuses across the junior years. Mounted on the external wall of the Margaret Duckworth Resource Centre, the mural is still enjoyed by all today.

Of course, no anniversary is complete without a party! Parents celebrated at a 1920s themed ball held at The Epping Club, whilst students had a green and white Fun Day. Featuring a jumping castle, bush dancing, games and a talent quest, the day saw students from every grade come together and celebrate.

Do you have memories or memorabilia relating to Arden’s 75th Anniversary? During our Centenary year, the Archives welcomes donations of relevant memorabilia and reminisces from members of our School Community. This includes contemporary items as these will become tomorrow’s history. If you feel you have something that may be of interest, the Archives would appreciate hearing from you. Please get in touch by email: archives@arden.nsw.edu.au