Newtongrange Primary School is set to celebrate its centenary with a week of music and memories

Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style. Preparations are already well under way to mark this momentous milestone through a series of events, culminating in an official ceremony on Friday 14^th November featuring music, memories and special guests from past and present. 

Celebratory activities will take place throughout the week commencing Monday 10th November, including a parade around the village and a full school photograph in Newtongrange Welfare Park. 

Wednesday 12^th November will see teachers and pupils come together to sing their traditional school song, as well as a new song composed especially for the 100-year anniversary. After the cutting of a birthday cake, all classes will enjoy a silent disco featuring songs from throughout the decades. 

On Friday 14th November, the corridors of this century-old school will be filled with music as the official ceremony commences with bagpipes, choir singing and traditional Scottish dancing, as well as a performance by Newtongrange Silver Band. A special commemorative plaque will then be unveiled by Councillor Ellen Scott.  

After the ceremony, the school will be open 2-3:30pm for former pupils and staff to join the celebrations. Here, visitors can admire the eye-catching artwork at the front entrance and the creative timeline displayed around the dinner hall, crafted by learners from ELC right through to P7. There will also be displays of learners' research from the decades, as well as historic photographs and memorabilia that members of the community have kindly collated and shared with the school. 

Commenting ahead of the week of celebrations, Head Teacher Mrs Cameron said; “It has been wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and excitement build ahead of our special centenary celebrations, not just within the school, but within the wider community too. 

“We have been working closely with the local reminiscence group, Newtongrange Village Voices, members of which have been sharing stories about the history and heritage of our school. Newtongrange Development Trust has been leading on our digital time capsule project, recording 100 interviews with pupils past and present. And Eskbank Rotary Club has helped us to create a ‘100’ themed floral display in our school garden, due to bloom next spring.

“It is clear that Newtongrange Primary School means a great deal to a great many people, and we’re honoured to welcome everyone to share these special celebrations with us.”

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• Newtongrange Primary School was founded in 1925 and today it provides a safe and caring learning environment for 365 pupils, each of whom is encouraged to “aspire, believe, achieve”. In every aspect of their learning, pupils are inspired to be kind, respectful, fair, responsible, confident and hardworking, and the school prides itself on valuing every learner as an individual and celebrating diversity.

  
  

• For more information head to www.newtongrange.midlothian.education, email newtongrange.ps@midlothian.gov.uk, or call 0131 271 4645. 

• Newtongrange Primary School, Sixth Street, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4LB.