“One dollar goes a long way in 1976,” said St Peter’s Primary School student!

On their last day of Term 2, students from St Peter’s Primary School, Rochedale only needed one dollar for lunch. That’s because for one day only, students stepped back in time to see what school was like in 1976, the same year their school first opened.

Donning brown paper bags and big smiles, students lined up as they received their sausage, bread, and popper in exchange for their one-dollar coin, tapped proudly to their lunch order written by mum.

Behind that one dollar tuck shop order was a much bigger story, a story of 50 years of Catholic education for the community of Rochedale

The St Peter’s Primary School legacy

Half a century ago, St Peter’s Primary School didn’t look anything like it does today.

Born out of a need within a growing Catholic community in Rochdale, the school first opened its doors to just 44 students who filled two modest classrooms, known still today as A Block.

On any given day, you could find Foundation Principal Sister Vicki Hills and teacher Monica O’Leary, who both taught the students out of that one building.

It was a simple beginning for Catholic students of Rochedale, but one that would turn into a thriving Catholic school community of 508 students by 2026.

Then and now

Today, student numbers have changed significantly and so has the infrastructure available to students.

Teacher Teresa Krabbe has been working at the primary school since 1998 and said when she first started, farms stretched across the area, with the school hosting chickens, nearby horses, and even a mischievous goat who would frequently escape its paddock.

“I had three children attend the school in the 90s and early 2000s, one of whom is a current teacher at the school,” she said. 

“Back then, students played in creeks and built mud dams on their lunch breaks.

“Playing in playground creeks at lunchtime may be a thing of the past, but the joy of outdoor play remains for our students even today.

“In 2026, students still enjoy expansive grounds, including two large ovals, playgrounds and outdoor learning areas.

“The recent renovation of B Block has added modern features such as an amphitheatre, veranda for outdoor learning, and flexible learning spaces designed to bring students together, just as students did 50 years ago.”

Teresa adds that in the 1970s, the excursions included visits to the local shops, Coochie Mudlo Island, and historic houses.

“Students were even taught swimming lessons by Laurie Lawrence,” she said.

“Now students enjoy our Sydney and Canberra trips, visits to Tallebudgera Creek, surf skills, high ropes courses, and water safety lessons.”

Learning through time

In 2026, students were also given the unique opportunity to experience these stories firsthand. 

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the school surfaced a time capsule revealing a snapshot of school life 25 years ago. 

Inside the time capsule were handwritten reflections from students, artworks, and a cassette tape capturing what a school day once looked like. The video showed students receiving awards at assembly, playing and talking with their friends, and learning in their classrooms.

St Peter’s Primary School Assistant Principal Religious Education Thomas Kirby said for many students, the cassette itself was a curiosity, a reminder of how quickly technology changes. 

“What also fascinated students were the predictions from the past,” he said.

“Children had imagined a future filled with flying cars and no mobile phones in 25 years’ time, believing everything would instead happen through watches. 

“For anyone with an Apple Watch, this might be somewhat true!” 

“Inspired by this, students have created a new time capsule which we will be buried in Term 3.”

Celebrating 50 years

As part of St Peter’s Primary School’s 50-year celebrations, a special Anniversary Mass was held in Term 2 bringing families, past, present and future together for a celebration of community.

Foundation Principal Sister Vicki Hills also made a visit to the school alongside former staff member Raylee Burns.

“Although much has changed, the heart of the school is still the same,” she said.

Later in the year students will also take part in their annual tug of war game, a much-loved event dating back to the 1970s!

There is also a timeline book, inviting past and present members of the community to contribute their memories. Former students, staff and families can submit their stories and photos via this email PROC50thAnniversary@bne.catholic.edu.au 

For more information about St Peter’s Primary School, Rochedale or to enrol click here.

Did you know?

Catholic education has been part of the Logan community since 1954. Find a Catholic school near you today, click here.

About Catholic Education Week (CEW) 2026 

CEW (26 July to 1 August) celebrations will centre around a new theme, ‘Share your light, inspire others.’ Calling for students, staff and school communities to recognise their gifts and share them generously. 

It captures both the personal and communal dimension of Catholic education: nurturing individual talents and faith, and inspiring others through service, compassion and example.

Image caption: (From left to right) Current Principal Michael McInerney, Foundation Principal Sister Vicki Hill, and Assistant Principal Religious Education Thomas Kirby with St Peter's Primary School Year 6 leaders. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Peter's Primary School, Rochedale (2026).