Beating Millicent High School at football on their own ground was a highlight of his schooling for Kangaroo Inn Area School old scholar Kym Sutherland.
The sweet victory may have come over 50 years ago but it is still fresh in the mind of the successful businessman who founded and operates Beachport Liquid Minerals.
Mr Sutherland was invited to speak at a function at the school to mark its 60th birthday.
He said KIAS had a powerful football team in green and gold colours in the early 1970s including the likes of Ron Hateley who went on to a successful career with South Adelaide and South Australia.
Another vivid football-related memory for Mr Sutherland was kicking a football through the window of the headmaster’s office.
“I was the head prefect and then became the first president when the school transitioned to a student representative council,” Mr Sutherand said.
“Kangaroo Inn students back then wore a blazer and a tie with a badge.
“That set the tone and we were proud of our school.
“Before the hall was built, we would have our concerts at the Greenways Hall.
“Our parents and our teachers would pick stumps off the area we now know of as the oval.
“They would also catch and sell rabbits to raise funds for school projects.”
Mr Sutherland also had a direct message for current students.
“Realise your potential and be proud of Kangaroo Inn,” he said.
The celebrations comprised an assembly, a display of memorabilia and photographs, a barbecue lunch and school tours conducted by the Student Representative Council members.
Every student briefly held the microphone at the assembly to describe some of their learning activities.
Among the 150 parents, old scholars and former staff to be present was the school’s longest-serving teacher.
Tina Stanhope taught primary classes between 1969 and 2007.
Among the three-generation family groupings was foundation scholar Brian Kirkland.
He was joined by his son Byron and grandsons Stirling and Brae.
KIAS principal Annie Matthews spent 20 years working in the Child Parent Centre and has been the school principal for the past eight years.
Her husband Malcolm is an old scholar along with their three children.
“Our school receives great support from families and the community,” Ms Matthews said.
“Kangaroo Inn has produced three doctors within the past five years.
“Our motto is ‘strive for life’ and it underpins all we do.”
The area school was built to cater for the influx of the offspring of post-war soldier settlers.
Building commenced in 1962 after clearing the scrub land opposite the historic Kangaroo Inn ruins.
The school supported the educational needs of the communities of Bray, Reedy Creek, Conmurra, Furner, Greenways and Mount Bruce and 238 students were enrolled on the first day.
KIAS has a current enrolment of 115 from its Child Parent Centre to Year 12.
