Half century of teaching celebrated by Inverness Primary school
Pupils, parents and staff of Lochardil Primary School will be celebrating Lochardil Primary School’s 50th Anniversary with a series of events from Monday 25 August through to Saturday 30 August 2014.
Head Teacher, Audrey Kellacher said: “I would like to thank the Parent Council, all parents, pupils, teachers and many others who have helped to organise our 50th Anniversary celebrations. I am sure that we will have a fantastic week and everyone is welcome to join us at the open events and share in the fun to mark this occasion.”
She added: I would also like to thank staff at the Inverness Archive Centre, who helped us with the Exhibition which showcases Lochardil memorabilia and1964 inspired displays.”
Robert Rennie, Vice Chair of Lochardil Primary School Parent Council said: “The Official Opening Ceremony will take place on Monday 25 August 2014 at 1pm. This event is invite only for current school pupils, current and ex-staff and Members of Highland Council. This ceremony will consist of speeches, a 50th Anniversary dance, a tree planting ceremony and the cutting of the 50th Anniversary Cake. All members of the public are welcome to join the celebrations at 2pm when our Afternoon Tea begins in the hall. This signifies the opening of our exhibition and the school will be open from 2pm – 4pm.
Events planned at the school during August include:
- Opening Ceremony (invitees only) on Monday 25 August 1pm - 2pm;
- Afternoon Tea Party (all welcome) on Monday 25 August 2pm - 4pm;
- Tennis Festival for Lochardil pupils on Tuesday 26 August 2pm – 4pm;
- Open Evening and Exhibition (all welcome) on Wednesday 27 August: 7 - 9pm; Thursday 28 August
- Football Skills for Lochardil pupils with Lochardil Football Club on Friday 29 August 3 - 4:30 pm
- Pupils vs. Teachers vs. Parents netball in school grounds on Friday 29 August 2 – 4pm in the school grounds.
All are welcome to the Anniversary Fun Day which will include a wide variety of stalls, games, bouncy castle, and bungee run on Saturday 30 August: 11am - 2pm which will be held within the school grounds and on the grassed area between Dornie Place and Morven Road.
Audrey Kellacher added: “Our gates are open to present and past pupils, parents and staff - as well as members of the local and wider community. We’d like to make this event a day to remember.
As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebarations of Lochardil Primary School, pupils in the school’s ECO Group will be joining members of The Highland Council Inverness Ness-side Ward and Lochardil and Drummond Community Council to mark the completion of a £60,000 upgrade to the nearby MacDonald Park play area. Pupils planted bulbs in the park ahead of the play area project.
Head Teacher, Audrey Kellacher said: “Lochardil Primary was thrilled to take part in this community project, which will not only provide a safe place for pupils to play when at home – but also gives the school an additional location to deliver outdoor schooling as part of our curriculum for excellence. We were happy to help by planting bulbs which we are looking forward to seeing bloom each year.”
Members of The Highland Council’s Inverness Ness-side Ward Councillors Alasdair Christie, Norrie Donald, Fraser Parr and Jean Slater gave their support to the project with a £30,000 Ward discretionary budget award. Funding support was also provided by the Inverness Common Good Fund (£20,000) and the Council’s Community Services (£10,000).
The play area has been completely renewed with mainly wooden equipment which is sympathetic to the park environment. All pieces of equipment are installed on rubberised safe surfaces throughout and are guaranteed for 20 years. The design encompasses facilities for older children as well as providing a safe, fenced, area for toddlers and younger children to limit dog fouling within the play zones.
A footpath around the park perimeter has also been improved by the Council’s Community Services as well as renovations to both the basketball court and football pitch. Lochardil and Drummond Community Council were involved in the planning process for the newly-improved park.
Chairperson Maria de la Torre said: “We were delighted to help with the revamp of MacDonald Park both at the planning stages and also by making a contribution towards the cost of nets for the new goals. We hope families in the community will enjoy the newly improved play facilities.”
Access to MacDonald Park is from Balnakyle Road, Morven Road and behind Drummond School in Lochardil.
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