“We are excited to celebrate 100 years of education on the current site,” she said.
“Although the school was officially proclaimed on July 1, 1923, it had a temporary home at Dimboola Primary School until moving into the memorial building in May, 1924. This is why the date for the celebration of this event was chosen.”
DMSC is one of two purpose-built memorial schools that are still in operation, the other at Mirboo North.
“We continue to have a strong relationship with the RSL,” Mrs Klinge said.
“Our memorial hall is used for the town’s Anzac Day services – we had 200 at the dawn service last year.”
At its peak, in the 1960s, the school had more than 300 students enrolled, and has seen 24 substantive and acting principals at the school over the years.
“Many staff and students have passed through the gates, with some going on to become members of our DMSC Hall of Fame,” Mrs Klinge said.
“These students have included people who have held positions of responsibility in a variety of fields including health, education, law, science, entertainment and sport.”
Costume designer Tim Shanahan, filmmaker and writer Tracey Rigney, Stawell Gift winner Bill McCann, Antarctic explorer Alan Hawker, police prosecutor Tom Coulson, footballer Tim Watson and Member of Parliament Jane Henderson are among Hall of Fame members.
“The most recent inductee is Ross Prior, who is a world-renown Emeritus Professor of Education in England,” Mrs Klinge said.
All former students and staff are invited to attend the event, which will include school tours and afternoon tea at 1.30pm, followed by a short commemorative service at 3.30pm, led by state RSL president Rob Webster, and a formal dinner in the assembly hall at 6pm.
People can register at viadmsc.vic.edu.au/centenary or by calling the school office on 5389 1460.
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