FREESTONE STATE SCHOOL P & C ASSN
In 1989 the executive positions were held by:
President Bruce Drysdale
Vice Presidents Charles Mauch and Ron Mauch
Secretary Vivian Hodgson
Treasurer Diane Coy
The highlights for that year were:
- a three day camp for the children at Alanda Point
- Purchase of a mobile phone enhanced administration of the school
In 1990 the executive positions were held by:
President Bruce Drysdale
Vice Presidents Charles Mauch and Ron Mauch
Secretary Cheryl Ruhle
Treasurer Barbara Mauch
A tennis shed was purchased (the purchase price being $1197.31), with a subsidy of 50% being paid by the Education Department. Another purchase was a BBQ which is in frequent use at Freestone Cabarets, sausage sizzles, school functions and P & C events. The Scrubber’s Cup was founded and the first one was held on Sunday 21 October. Scrubber’s cup days are social days with the fun of tennis, a BBQ lunch and a trophy for the winning team on the day. This is an annual event.
Above: Karla Eastwell and Merv Mauch receive the inaugural Scrubber’s Cup from Clayton Hansen, Principal (1990)
In 1991 the executive positions were held by:
President Bruce Drysdale
Vice Presidents Charles Mauch and Laurence Byrne
Secretary Cheryl Ruhle
Treasurer Barbara Mauch
The 1991 fundraising activities included replacement of a ride on mower and a billboard sign erected on the corner of Freestone Road and School Road for the purpose of highlighting school activities. By this means the wider community is kept in touch with the school’s social activities.
In 1992 the executive positions were held by:
President Marie Gillespie
Vice Presidents Sue Keong and Ron Mauch
Secretary Karen Gillespie
Treasurer Bruce Drysdale
1992 should be called "The year of the playground". This arose because the existing playground equipment was deemed unsafe and was subsequently disposed of.
The usual fundraising activities were held: Freestone Flings, Mother’s Day Cent Sale, Cabaret and old fashioned pie drives (which have usually been organised by past parents, whose help is always appreciated by the small body of current parents). We would also like to acknowledge the support given by Olwyn Mauch in donating Nutrimetics baskets as raffle prizes.
A toy library was established by the Freestone Playgroup which meets every fortnight so the pre-school children can interact with their peers.
Above: Jeannette Palmer, Marcus Beetham and Ben Ruhle with playgroup toys.
In 1993 the executive positions were held by:
President Cheryl Ruhle
Vice Presidents Bruce Drysdale and Sue Keong
Secretary Alison Payne
Treasurer Karen Gillespie
Achievements were:
- Playground equipment - the 29th May saw the long awaited installation of the playground equipment, much to everyone’s delight.
- Below: The Freestone children received an Apple Macintosh computer and software as a result of a competition run by Coles Supermarket, called "Apples for Students". Jennifer Mauch, Elyse Beetham, Ron Perquin and (front) Sam Ward with the new "Coles" computer.
- School uniforms were changed as a result of a growing awareness of the danger of over-exposure to the sun in younger years. The everyday uniform for girls had the addition of sleeves with a royal blue trim added. The sports uniform was altered with the addition of a royal blue collar on a red polo shirt, complimenting the royal blue pleated skirt for girls and royal blue shorts for boys, with royal blue socks replacing white. The girls could also wear royal blue bike pants under their sports skirts.
- Clustering of small schools was a current issue - a protest demonstration was held at the school and media coverage highlighted our concern to retain the unique qualities which only a small school can offer.
Above: The Freestone community spring into action to stop school clustering.
In 1994 the executive positions were held by:
President Cheryl Ruhle
Vice Presidents Ron Mauch and Bruce Drysdale
Secretary Fay Beetham
Treasurer Ross Palmer
The school children all enjoyed a four day camp at Mudjimba near Mooloolabah, a tennis umpire’s seat was designed and constructed and P & C funds contributed to the erection of the five poles supporting the shade sails over the sandpit and playground equipment.
The executives elected in 1995 were:
President Cheryl Ruhle
Vice President Bruce Drysdale and Debbie Steketee
Secretary Fay Beetham
Treasurer Ross Palmer
A watering system was installed with the intention of replanting approximately 40 trees lost since 1988. Due to the continuing drought and lack of water in the creek, it was decided to postpone the planting. A grove has been planted to commemorate those families whose children have attended the school since 1988.
The 125th committee is working constantly to organise our celebration day. Investigations into past pupils names and addresses were sometimes greatly successful and sometimes disappointing. Only approximately 40 ex-pupils were unable to be contacted. A great effort! A mammoth co-ordinating effort by Margaret Shelley and Pam Coy has resulted in a wonderful fruitcake to "feed the multitudes". The proof will be in the eating!
1995 the Jubilee Year! Freestone State School is now 125 years old with celebrations being held on Saturday 5th August.