John Hogan was the sole teacher at the school when it was closed in 1989.
He had instructed his pupils to contribute to the time capsule to celebrate the school’s jubilee in 1980, which according to a plaque placed later is due to be opened this year.
On a recent trip back to Deniliquin to visit family, Mr Hogan said he was surprised to learn there had been so much interest in the long-forgotten time capsule.
He said he still fondly remembers his teaching days at Landale Public School.
‘‘I was in my 30s when I was teaching there,’’ he recalled.
‘‘We were a small school. I was the only teacher and looked after 11 children at that stage.
‘‘As a smaller school we worked in with Blighty, Conargo and Mayrung.
‘‘The capsule is full of student contributions. They each put in their writings and drawings.’’
Former student Paul Newman, who graduated from the primary school before the time capsule was interred, reached out in February this year seeking information about the time capsule.
He was unaware of its location, as well as its contents.
The first person to come forward with information was Mr Hogan’s uncle Pat Hogan, who was general assistant at the school and made and buried the time capsule on behalf of the school.
The query from Mr Newman prompted him to go out to the school’s site and confirm the capsule still sits along the Campbell’s Rd boundary of the Moonee Swamp Rd school grounds.
The discussion surrounding the school and its time capsule has inspired some local students to start planning a celebration, at which they hope they can unearth the capsule.
Former students and teachers are asked to send their contact details to Mark Elder, by emailing dudewithkids@yahoo.com.au, to start the process.
We’d also love to hear from any former students who contributed to the time capsule. Email zoe.mcmaugh@denipt.com.au.
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