Broome Primary School unearths time capsule filled with memorabilia from more than a decade ago

Current and former students gathered at the Kimberley’s oldest school last week to unearth a time capsule buried over ten years ago, taking a trip down memory lane to discover the contents inside.

Established in 1901, Broome Primary School began a tradition in the early 2000’s to bury a time capsule filled with various items of memorabilia in the school grounds for students and alumni to dig up every decade.

The most recent time capsule was due to be opened in 2020 after being buried in 2010, but due to Covid-19 it was unearthed on October 20 after staff, alumni and students patiently waited to see what would emerge.

There was a buzz of excitement from those who attended the event as staff successfully excavated the big time capsule and unloaded its contents onto a long table for examination.

Items unearthed included photographs, newspapers, USBs, CDs money, and letters from former students dating back to 2010.

Broome Primary School alumni and teacher Linley Cilia said she found a letter she wrote and put in the time capsule, which discussed what she saw herself doing in 10-years time.

“I’m still doing the same thing! So that hasn’t changed,” she said.

“It’ll be interesting in 10 years time, or whenever we open the next one, if we see massive changes like we had this time or will much be the same.”

Broome Primary School principal Daryl Mansfield said it was a great opportunity for students and former students to get together to bond and appreciate what they have at the school.

“It’s one of those special opportunities to get students to stop and think about a moment in history, and for them to think about their aspirations and what it’s going to look like in 10 years time,” he said.

“It’s good for them to see how quickly life changes and as part of their education, understand the changes over the years and how we’ve evolved.”