A PRIMARY school in Appleton has celebrated its 50th birthday this month after opening in September 1971.

Children and staff of St Monica’s Catholic Primary School enjoyed a day of celebrations to mark the anniversary, including cake and an ice cream van.

The school originally opened on September 6, 1971, with 13 children and three members of staff.

 

 

 

St Monica’s now has almost 200 children today and the current pupils have been learning about how the school developed.

The school has grown into a ‘happy’ and ‘successful’ school – described by Ofsted and Diocesan inspectors as ‘a school where teachers love teaching and pupils love learning,’ and where ‘leaders are ambitious for all pupils to succeed.’

Deputy head teacher, Mrs Jessica Pearson, said: “It was so lovely to see the joy and fun the children of St Monica's showed in our 50th anniversary launch day activities and events.

 

 

 

"There's a lot of interest in what the school used to be like and we are looking forward to sharing that with them over the year, with the help of St Monica's alumni."

The school would love to hear from anyone who has played their part in the development of St. Monica’s, either as a member of staff or as a pupil.

A dedicated email address has been set up, alumni@stmons.co.uk, to receive pictures, memories and anecdotes that tell the story of the school over the decades.

Later in the year, the school will be inviting friends, past pupils and staff to a display and school reunion.