West End Primary to celebrate 150th anniversary with a year of community events
West End Primary School is getting ready for a very special birthday. This year marks 150 years since the school first opened its doors, and to celebrate, pupils, families and the whole community are being invited to join a year of events filled with fun, memories and togetherness.
The celebrations begin in style with an Afternoon Tea Party on Friday 19 September, from 3pm to 5pm in the school grounds. Visitors will be treated to homemade cakes and traditional refreshments. A special raffle will give people the chance to win a WES teddy bear – each one stitched from worn-out school uniforms, making them a unique keepsake that connects past and present. The tea party is free to attend and open to everyone, and the whole community is invited to go along and share in the occasion.
As autumn arrives, the school hall will be transformed into an exhibition space from Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 October, open daily from 3pm to 5.30pm. Displays will take visitors on a journey through the school’s 150 years of history, celebrating the achievements and memories of pupils, staff and families who have all been part of the school’s story.
The celebrations continue into November with something that will last long into the future. On Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November, pupils, parents and neighbours take part in tree and hedgerow planting in the school grounds. A living legacy will be created that is to be enjoyed by generations of West End pupils to come.
No anniversary year would be complete without some festive fun, and on Friday 5 December the school grounds will host a Christmas Fair from 5pm to 7pm. With stalls, games and plenty of seasonal treats, it promises to be a warm and lively evening that brings families together in the run-up to the holidays.
Reflecting on the anniversary, West End Primary’s Head Teacher, Stuart McQuaker, said: “Reaching 150 years is a fantastic milestone for our school and our community. We’re really excited to be celebrating with a whole year of events, bringing together pupils past and present, families and local residents. The current pupils have already been learning about the school’s history, with some memorable moments about former teachers catching their interest already. We hope as many people as possible, from former pupils and teachers to our neighbours will join us to mark this very special anniversary.”
Moray Council’s Head of Education, Vivienne Cross, added: “150 years is an amazing milestone! It’s fantastic to see the whole community coming together to celebrate the history and future of the school. West End Primary has played such an important role in the lives of so many, and it’s exciting to see how the spirit of the school continues to thrive.”
Further events are planned throughout the school year, with details for this year and next available here.