St John's Centenary celebrations

St. John's Catholic Primary School, Walkerston celebrated a significant occasion in July, marking 100 years since the school opened.

Celebrations commenced with a Centenary Mass on Friday (19 July) followed by the cutting of a ceremonial cake by the youngest current Prep student, Georgia, and the oldest former student, Mrs Pauline Stevens, together with Principal Nathaniel Rice.

At 100 years old herself, Mrs Stevens fondly remembered her time at St John’s recalling the kindness of the Sisters of Mercy and teachers who left a lasting impression on her.

A Centenary Dinner was also held with nearly 200 attending the night to celebrate and reminisce on days past.

On Sunday (21 July), a Centenary Community Celebration Day was open to all families and the wider community to visit the school and view the extensive memorabilia display which included past school photos from across the decades, uniforms and historical artefacts.

St John's was established in 1924 by the Sisters of Mercy with around 60 students. Such was the demand that enrolments almost doubled within six months.

Now, in 2024, the school accommodates 347 students across 14 classes with a focus on growing and expanding for the students of tomorrow.

Mr Rice reflected on the school's evolution, emphasising the importance of adapting to changing times while maintaining the school's core values and traditions.

“Schools are an ever changing and evolving system, so keeping up with the times is really important for us,” he said.

Mr Rice said those who joined in the celebrations had commented on how wonderful it was to spend time at the school and share their memories.

Photo:

(Front) Georgia, youngest prep student at St John’s Catholic Primary School, Walkerston and oldest past student, (second from right) centenarian, Mrs Pauline Stevens join Principal Nathaniel Rice and students for the cake cutting during St John’s Centenary celebrations.