Community
7 June, 2023
Mossman State School celebrates
TO assimilate with the “Aussie” kids, 98-year-old Athena Vafeas was given a different name during her time at Mossman State School (MSS).
Australia was a different place for migrant families back in 1937! Athena, or Athlene Lamprose as she was known in the classroom, has been reflecting on her childhood as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Mrs Vafeas said her family did not have much when they left Greece and arrived in North Queensland but she did pick up an important life skill during her time at MSS.
“Once a week we had a lady teach us sewing and that’s how I learned how to sew. She (the sewing teacher) thought I was really good at it, and I was sewing from then on from home,” she said.
“I sewed all my life. My daughter Maria had five bridesmaids at her wedding and I sewed all their dresses.”
“I remember the people, the shops, the school; I still have lovely memories of Mossman.”
The Brisbane resident will not be the only former pupil taking a walk down memory lane this month.
Around 250 people from across Australia and the Far North will be converging on Mossman Shire Hall for a Birthday Banquet – Reunion Dinner on Friday, June 23.
The celebrations continue the following day (June 24) with a fete.
Mrs Vafeas is not as mobile as she once was and regrettably won’t be able to attend the school’s celebrations.
But she will be thinking of the MSS community and hopes their memories of the school are as special as hers.
“I wish them good health and all the best and hope they enjoy time with their family and friends,” she said.
For more information on the school’s 125-year celebrations, head to the Mossman State School Facebook page.
