St Pat’s Primary to celebrate a century

STAFF, students, and past and present members of the St Patrick’s Primary School community will soon mark the institution’s centenary.

The anniversary is scheduled to be acknowledged with a cocktail event at Oscar’s Hotel and Cafe Bar later this month.

Acting principal Thea Hubble said the occasion will be a great opportunity to connect the school’s history with its future.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past, share memories, witness and learn about changes, in buildings and systems, and to remember and appreciate the people that have contributed to the life of St Patrick’s Primary School,” she said.

The event will also feature appetisers, live music, and a vintage photo booth.

Ms Hubble said the school has a storied history with the region that dates back to the 19th century.

“Our origins go back to 1858 when the Catholic Church established the first school for children during the gold rush era,” she said.

“It began as Soldiers Hill but was renamed St Patrick’s after relocating to the Cathedral grounds.

“The ancestry can be directly traced to the establishment of St Joseph’s Primary School by the Loreto Sisters in 1877 in Dawson Street and the founding one year earlier of St Patrick’s Christian Brothers Primary School in 1876.”

A celebration for current students will also be held on Friday 22 November with young attendees invited to dress in 1924-era school clothing.

A picnic, and time capsule creation will also feature as part of the event.

The celebration at Oscar’s Hotel and Cafe Bar will run from 7pm to 10.30pm on Friday 25 October.

Tickets are $50 and available at bit.ly/3ZWAC3Q.