Former staff and pupils of Caledonia Primary attended a 50th anniversary celebration event at the school on 28th May 2019. The current crop of pupils put on a fantastic showcase in which the Primary 4s did a rendition of Take That’s “Shine”, the Primary 5s sang “Keep on Movin’” by Five, and the Primary 7s performed “We Go Together” from Grease. Finally, the whole school sang “Caledonia” while signing in Makaton, teaching the audience the signs to join in on the chorus. The guests were then served afternoon tea after getting the chance to explore the school grounds and spot themselves (and some hairstyles they wish had stayed forgotten!) in the photo gallery and old school albums.
Head teacher Douglas Chambers spoke about how Caledonia Primary is a special place which feels like a family, and many of the attendees echoed his sentiments. Leeann Stewart was a pupil from 1986-1993, and has been working as a Support for Learning Assistant in the school for the last 14 years; she has always thought of the school as a happy place with a nurturing environment and she is keeping the Caledonia spirit in the family as her son is currently in Primary 2 and her daughter also attended the school. A standout memory for Leeann is joining one of the school’s first girl’s football teams - when she started only the boys were allowed to play, but eventually the teachers were persuaded to let the girls join the fun! Also reflecting on how times have changed was Margaret Potter, a teacher at the school from 1972-2001; soon after she joined Caledonia, the head teacher wanted to send her home for wearing a trouser suit!
Who knows what changes the next fifty years will bring for Caledonia Primary? We can’t wait to see!