Nicole Kidman delivers message to former school on 150th anniversary

Lane Cove Public School marks 150 years with message from Nicole Kidman Fri 7 Aug 2026 at 5:50pm In short: Lane Cove Public School's 150 year anniversary celebrations culminated in an open day on Friday. Students had publicly invited their most famous alumna Nicole Kidman to join them. Kidman sent a message which was played during an assembly. Lane Cove Public School on Sydney's Lower North Shore has been celebrating its 150th anniversary, and among the former students invited to participate was Academy Award-winner Nicole Kidman. Birthday celebrations culminated in an open day on Friday during which former students and teachers were welcomed back to the school grounds to mark the occasion. Kidman responded with a message from her location in Santorini, Greece. ABC News was on the ground to hear her congratulate the school on 150 years in a recording played out in the hall. "I wish I could be with you," Kidman said. "I remember running around that playground. "I made friends that I'm still friends with now … and I'm so grateful that I went to such a great school." Kidman had previously told Network 10 she was going to try to make it to the celebrations after being invited there by students who posted a video encouraging her to turn up. "It's the sweetest thing ever," Kidman told Angela Bishop. Former teachers and alumni gather The event attracted hundreds of people including former teachers and alumni, among them Channel Nine presenter Peter Overton who was a school captain in 1977. "You know when I first came here? 55 years ago," Overton said. "I have so many happy memories of this school." Overton reeled off the names of teachers he remembered, saying he was lucky to have attended the primary school. Overton told the audience his good friend Kidman wanted to be there. "Happy birthday from Nicole," he said. Meredith Lucas, who was one of Kidman's classmates, returned to the school for the celebrations. Ms Lucas attended Lane Cove Public School from 1973–1979, from kindergarten to year six, alongside Kidman. "It was a very close knit school and community and we sang in the choir together," Ms Lucas said. "I applaud her for all her successes. "She's a natural talent, she's a hard worker, she came from a good family and a good community. "And I have watched her career from afar and I feel like she's done amazingly well in a very tough environment, being film and media." Lane Cove Public School principal Terry McKinnon said he was proud of current and former students, including Kidman. He said the birthday message she sent arrived just in time. "It came in very late today and we were very happy to play it," Mr McKinnon said. "It's great to hear from all our alumni, but particularly Nicole after we invited her to this event. "We're extremely proud of her, as we are of all our alumni." The school's official birthday fell on January 14. It has been around since 1876 and prides itself on its creative arts and music programs. [Image text:] LANE COVE PRIMARY SCHOOL YEAR 6-0