Torquay State School

School photos are scheduled in Term 3.

Families welcome - next Tuesday.

Tomorrow night - come join us.

OUR PENNY TREE.
Torquay School is unique in Australia in having the only PENNY TREE!
Over 70 years ago, long before decimal currency was introduced in February 1966, our money consisted of pounds, shillings and pence. A penny, just a little larger than our 20 cent piece of today and made of copper was then worth about one cent!.

By a quirk of nature, the fig tree growing near the School fence in Tavistock Street, had a round hole in its trunk probably caused by a young branch breaking off.
One day over 70 years ago, one pupil, who will forever be unknown, pushed a penny into the hole. Much to his dismay, all attempts to recover the penny were unsuccessful and the penny has remained stuck in the tree trunk ever since! The tree grew around the penny ensuring its removal was not possible.
Literally tens of thousands of pupils who have attended Torquay School since that time, have all poked their finger in to touch the PENNY!.

Thus was the start of the legend that has become the “penny tree”! In 1950 I poked my finger in the hole, becoming a member of the Torquay School penny tree brigade!.

If you will be at the 125 Celebrations, and are unaware of our special attraction, just ask any current student and you will gladly be introduced to our legend. Attached to this story is a picture of a penny!

Please know that we need your story, pictures or items relating to Torquay School for the 125 Celebrations. Contact the organizing Committee on a new email address [email protected]

John Andersen, for and on behalf of the Organising Committee.

Everyone is welcome.