25 Years in the Making: St Peter’s Woodlands Time Capsule Unearthed

At this year’s Annual Staff Alumni Drinks, the St Peter’s Woodlands community came together to celebrate a unique milestone—the unearthing of a time capsule buried in the year 2000.

Earlier that afternoon, under a stormy sky, the capsule—located on the Nutter Thomas Oval marked by a commemorative plaque—was uncovered with the help of former students Craig Dand (SPW School Council Member), Sophie Laundy (SPW Parent), and Tamara Bowyer (SPW teacher), alongside current staff members Kate Gulliver, Tassie Mangos, Michelle Lewis, Angela Doan who were also teaching at the time of the burial. We also welcomed Kaylene Burgess,(staff alumni) and Viv Hand (previous Assistant Principal). With a jackhammer, mallet, and a good dose of elbow grease, Chris Jobson freed the capsule from the ground, and Viv Hand had the honour of opening it.

Inside was a treasure trove of student artwork, letters, and personal reflections, each capturing a snapshot of life and aspirations in the year 2000. Among the discoveries:

• Craig Dand, found the letter he wrote as a Year 4 student, in which he shared his excitement about attending the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
• Sophie Laundy, uncovered her own letter, reconnecting with the thoughts of her younger self.
• A letter from future AFL player Hamish Hartlett revealed his childhood dreams—to become a professional footballer and to have a girlfriend—both of which, remarkably, have come true.
• Sarah Lloyd wrote wishes of becoming a singer, which she did, appearing in The Voice as a contestant.

The capsule’s contents evoked laughter and nostalgia as old scholars and staff reflected on how much has changed—and how much remains the same in the school’s spirit.

The event was shared with the entire school at a special assembly, and the contents are now on display in the SPW Library, offering students a powerful link to the past and a reminder that dreams, once written on paper, can indeed become reality.

The capsule reminded everyone of the enduring connections that tie the St Peter’s Woodlands community together—across generations, through memories and those that are yet to be created.

Article shared by Paul Mesecke, Community Engagement Manager.