St Joseph’s prepares for centenary

Tarana and Roly Cruice are organising the collection of memorabilia for the St Joseph’s Primary School which will have its centenary in 2013.

Sarah Harvey

WITH the fourth generation of their family now learning the “three Rs” within its walls, St Joseph’s Primary School holds a special significance for Roly and Tarana Cruice.

Mr Cruice has enjoyed a long association with the school.

It began when his mother Molly Donohue attended the school in the early 1920s and continued with himself in the mid-1950s, his five children from 1983 to 1994 and to the present day with his grandson Rody Cruice in Year One.

While the North Ipswich school and parish will celebrate its centenary in 2013, the couple, both members of the centenary committee, are encouraging past students, parents and people associated with the school to share their stories or old photos before they are lost forever.

“We want to make sure no one slips through the net,” Mr Cruice said.

“We hope that anyone with memories or photos will share them.”

A morning tea will be held in the St Joseph’s Hall on September 16 at 10am.

Mrs Cruice said the eventual aim was to compile the memorabilia into a commemorative book.

“We’re seeking anything of interest, particularly photos after the school opened in 1913 to post-World War II,” Mrs Cruice said.

“That would be really good.”

Mrs Cruice said any old school books or certificates of merit would also be welcomed.

“I think that is something grandparents hold onto,” she said.

“We hold onto our children’s things.

“Things like athletic certificates from the old days would be great to see.”

To attend the morning tea, people are encouraged to contact Mrs Cruice for catering purposes on 3281 4783.