Former principal John Lehmann (1993 to July 2003) who was principal at the 100th anniversary celebrations, with current principal Mark Pennycuick, Marjorie Smith, 95; Yarraman P&C secretary Tamara Nunn, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and prep student Mackenzie Mowat, 5 … Marjorie and Mackenzie cut the anniversary cake
October 15, 2026
Here’s to the next 125 years! This is how P&C secretary Tamara Nunn launched the official proceedings at the Yarraman P-9 State School’s 125th celebrations on Saturday.
Tamara said the day was all about sharing the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The 125th celebration, organised by the P&C, attracted a big crowd of ex-students back to the school.
Tables of memorabilia were very popular, including the contents of the 2001 Centenary time capsule.
The old capsule has been repacked with new items for reburial.
And for the ex-students children and grandchildren – and current students! – there was a climbing wall, jumping castle and other rides to enjoy.
A large space in front of the main school building was turned into mini-market with local stalls selling items.
Yarraman principal Mark Pennycuick told the crowd that history gave communities their roots, but days like the 125th celebration provided the leaves and flowers.
Former principal John Lehmann, who presided over the centenary celebrations, said it was good to be back and see the changes over the past 25 years.
He said the school had 14 students at its first enrolment but this increased to 22 during that first year in 1901.
Mr Lehmann also had a message to the current students: “You are the future of this school. How will they remember you?”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington pointed out that it was also a birthday for Queensland which officially became an Australian State on January 1, 1901, with Federation.
And she drew a round of applause when she reminded the crowd that next year, P-9 (Prep to Year 9) would return to P-10 (Prep to Year 10).
The anniversary cake was cut by former student Marjorie Smith, 95, and current Prep student Mackenzie Mowat, 5.
Singer Lloyd Back was one of the singers who kept the music flowingThe time capsule was opened and the contents laid out on tables for the visitors to inspect (Photo: Yarraman P&C)The visitors pored over the documents, photographs and copies of the South Burnett Times and The ChampionYarraman P-9 P&C members Jaime-Lea Stimpson, Christie Orme and Delinah Rackley were greeting visitors to the 125th anniversary celebrationsEx-students Murray Steger (1975-85), from Kooralgin, and Len Barnes, from Crows Nest … Len said he started school at Yarraman in 1945Joe Stimpson, from Yarraman, had a stall selling his handmade woodcraft itemsYarraman P&C secretary Tamara Nunn compered the official openingYarraman P-9 – soon to be P-10 – principal Mark Pennycuick spoke at the openingPrep student Mackenzie Mowat, 5, and former student Marjorie Smith, 95, cut the 125th anniversary cakeThe 125th anniversary cakeMarjorie Smith with her proud family members at the school celebrationKaren Wall, from Stanwell (one of the sponsors of the event) with Yarraman Local Ambulance Committee member Rick Trevena and Kingaroy QAS acting officer-in-charge Chelsea BlincoHayley Stephens, from Nanango, was one of the students who put on a display from the La Crème Dance AcademyThree ex-students Alena Knaggs, from Nanango (started in 1963), Sheryl Franz, from Manumbar (1974-84) and Tania Andress, from Nanango (1975-85)Lorraine Kiem, from Kingaroy, with John and Merryl Corbett, from Bundaberg … John studied manual arts at the school and was a manual arts aide from 1984-96Visitors were busy checking old photographs and school recordsThe large crowd gathered for the official speeches and the cake cutting ceremony
