By Aneeka Simonis
GENERATIONS of students who had their basic education at St Patrick’s Primary School turned up at the school’s grand 150th anniversary celebrations over the weekend.
Up to 500 people attended the event on Sunday 23 October, including sisters Kate Paynter and Terri Atkins whose lives revolved enormously around the school.
Kate graduated in 1999, while her sister Terri finished up in the 1980s only to return as a casual relief teacher 10 years ago.
She followed in the footsteps of her mother, Joy Russo, who also worked as a teacher at the school.
Both Kate and Terri had three children of their own, all of whom attended the school.
Deputy principal Rosa Mitchell said their case was no exception, with many former students returning with family members who also attended.
“We had a number of students who came back with parents and grandparents who had also attended the school,” she said.
Historical student workbooks and a timeline were on display for all to see at the anniversary event which kicked off with a 10.30am Mass led by Sale Bishop Patrick O’Regan.
She said workbooks back then were a “work of art”, with much attention placed on handwriting and layout.
“Today’s children don’t necessarily organise their work in the same way. Each page had a date and a margin back then,” Ms Mitchell said.
The school opened in 1800s with less than 50 students. It now has more than 600.
St Patrick’s Primary School has been hosting 150th anniversary celebration events throughout the year.
