Ahead of International Day of Families, St Pius Primary School, Banyo is looking back on the past as the school celebrates 75 years of Catholic education.
A family with a long history at St Pius Primary School, is the Wrafter family, with four generations passing through the school over the past 75 years, they have many fond memories and stories to share about the schools’ history.
Anthony Wrafter, known as Tony by his friends and family, was the first student in the family to attend St Pius Primary School as a Year 6 student when the school opened in 1947.
Tony was known by his family as an adventurous but kind-hearted young boy.
Tony’s son, David Wrafter, said his father held many fond memories of his time at St Pius Primary School.
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Anthony (Tony) Wrafter in the 2nd row, far side, holding the holy water.
“My father said his first classes were held under the Presbytery and he was thrilled to be going to St Pius, as it was close to home and meant he didn’t have to catch a train to get to school anymore,” David said.
“In those days students as young as 5 years old would catch the train to school independently.
"He served as one of the altar boys at the opening of St Pius by Archbishop Duhig, which he took great pride in.”
Anthony (Tony) Wrafter featured with his wife on their wedding day.
David said his father loved St Pius Primary School so much that he decided to send all four of his boys to the school.
“My twin brother Michael and I started in 1970,” David said.
“That year there were only 51 students, and our teacher was Sister Delarosa.
“Back then the sisters of St Joseph were strict and had us all under control!
2nd generation Wrafter children attending St Pius Primary School in the 1970s.
“Every year Dad was a checkpoint starter on the walkathons, and Mum volunteered in the tuckshop.
“My grade two teacher was Mrs Delphine Sawden and it was her first year at the school, she was one of my favourite teachers.
“Mrs Sawden later taught both of David’s sons, Jason in 1994, and Mathew in 1998.
“My last year at St Pius was Year 7 in 1976, the same year the old church was destroyed by fire.
“I married Jannine in 1988 and we bought a house in Nudgee.
“We have always loved the area, it’s close to family and friends, and it was a given to send our two boys to St Pius, with Jason attending in 1994 to 2000, and Mathew in 1998 to 2004.
Jason’s first communion 1996 with David Wrafter, Father McCarthy, Jason and Tony Wrafter.
3rd generation St Pius Primary School students, Jason Year 6, and Mathew Year 2 in 1999.
“When my sons eventually attended the school in the 90s, they were developing the front entrance where it is today, on Apperley St.
“I propagated about 70 plants to create the hedge at the front of the school office.
“The bottom two playgrounds were combined to make one big oval, which allowed the students to play cricket.
For St Pius Primary Schools’ 50th Jubilee, in 1997, the then Principal Robert Taylor asked David Wrafter to help bury the time capsule.
“Before we sealed the capsule, we thought we would sign our names on the inside of the lid for a bit of a laugh,” David said.
“Little did I know some 25 years later, I would be opening the time capsule with my two granddaughters, both fourth generation St Pius students, there to witness the grand reveal.”
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4th generation Wrafter children at St Pius Primary School, with Former Principal Robert Taylor and current Principal Peter Gordon (May 2022).
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Jason Wrafter (Son of David Wrafter, Grandson of Tony Wrafter) with his wife and two daughters, who are both currently enrolled at St Pius Primary School.
David Wrafter said he and his wife Jannine love collecting their granddaughters from school every Friday afternoon.
“I take great pride in my family and the long legacy we have with St Pius,” David said.
“The school today looks nothing like it used to back 25 years ago.
“St Pius now looks very impressive, having brand new contemporary classrooms with artificial grass playgrounds and sculptured gardens connecting this inviting learning environment.
“I know my father Tony would be looking down, seeing how far the school has come since 1947, and having great pride in the fact that his great granddaughters attend the school.”
St Pius Primary School Principal, Peter Gordon, said this International Day of Families is particularly special as St Pius Primary School celebrates 75 years.
“Knowing St Pius has had the same family attending our school since its opening in 1947 is truly incredible,” Principal Gordon said.
“I would like to thank the Wrafter family for their continued involvement in our school community over the past 75 years.”
For more information about St Pius Primary School, Banyo click here.
Founded by the United Nations (UN) in 1994, the International Day of Families is observed every year on the 15th May to honour the importance of families.