Published on:
19
May 2008
Pupils at St John's Primary School are celebrating their building's centenary next week with a range of activities.
St John's home is within the former Grange School on Alloa's Grange Road which was built in 1908 by the distinguished architect George Kerr.
The red sandstone building is in an Art Nouveau style and according to Adam Swan's 'Clackmannan and the Ochils', the quality of the building is comparable with Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Glasgow school buildings.
The celebrations begin on Monday 26th May and throughout the week each class will be working on a different topic in connection with the centenary. Some of the work created will be displayed in the school's gym hall.
The centenary celebrations culminate with an open day on Friday 30th May when the school will open it's doors to parents and carers to enjoy a huge birthday party.
Staff and pupils will be blowing out the candles on a special centenary birthday cake to mark this historic occasion. You are invited to send a photographer at 2pm.
The party will also include a tombola, pin the tie on the pupil, guess the teacher photos, treasure map, tours of the school, bouncy castle and beat the goalie.
The celebrations conclude with a balloon release at 2.30pm.
St John's Headteacher Ian McNicol said: "St. John's is a school that goes back a long way in time and is still going strong. We have a positive ethos and we value our place within our community. We enjoy a good reputation within the area, well deserved through the dedicated efforts of our staff, pupils and their parents, working together as a really good team.
"Our present building is 100 years old this year and to honour this beautiful and unique building we decided to hold a party in her honour.
"We will enjoy a week of celebrations, culminating in an open day, on Friday 30th May. Parents, carers and friends can tour our school and see the work produced by our pupils and enjoy some light refreshments. A birthday cake and balloon release are two of the many events to be held.
"We hope that the sun will shine on us and help further extend the party
atmosphere and we are sure that those who join in the birthday party will enjoy the experience."
St. John's Primary is 155 years old. It was established as an Episcopal school in 1853, initially in Broad Street. As the school grew and developed, it moved several times, to King Street, Castle Street, Grant Street and finally, in March 1992 to Grange Road. It is no longer linked to the Episcopal church and in consequence is non-denominational.