The pupils, staff and families at St Peter’s R.C. School were joined today (Wednesday 3 May) by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, as they celebrated their school’s milestone birthday of 190 years in Aberdeen.
The Lord Provost was joined by Councillor Martin Greig the Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services committee at a special open afternoon where former pupils, families and members of the public were welcomed to a special exhibition space in the school.
The school linked up with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives team, which hosted the special exhibition of items in the archives linked to St Peter’s School.
Pupils have been relishing the chance to learn more about the school’s significant history which started in Constitution Street in April 1833, originally incorporating an orphanage. By August 1902, St Joseph's R.C. Girls' School amalgamated with St. Peter's R.C. Boys School and became known as St. Peter's Mixed School. The school then moved to Nelson Street in 1937 until relocating to Dunbar Street around 1982. The secondary department of the school closed in July 1975.
The Lord Provost said: “It was an honour to be asked to come along and celebrate this milestone anniversary with St Peter’s pupils past and present and to learn more about the school’s remarkable history from the marvellous exhibition they have created.”
Councillor Greig said: “It's great to celebrate the school's 190th birthday and a joy to be here on this special occasion. This anniversary is a splendid opportunity to come together and tell the story of the school.
“The displays and activities are really impressive to see and the pupils have worked hard to find out more about the history of their school. This has been a positive and enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved.“
Other activities planned by the school include parties and a show celebrating “Through the Decades”. As well as hosting the exhibition, the school are currently working on developing a Virtual Museum (to be hosted on their website) allowing former pupils who have moved away from the local area to still be part of the 190th birthday celebrations.
Classes are all focusing on going on a “trip in a time machine” to days from time gone by, learning about key historical events and eras.
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Pupils are relishing the chance to learn more about the school’s significant history. Nickolas Seskovs, Depute Head Boy from St Peter’s School said “I am looking forward to learning more about St Peter’s history, especially more about how the school began. I can’t wait to see our finished exhibition space in school!”.
Ahead of the event, Mr Liam Sturrock, Head Teacher at St Peter’s, recognises the efforts of the staff and pupils in preparing to celebrate the school’s 190th birthday. Mr Sturrock said “190 years of providing education in Aberdeen is a significant milestone for our entire school community. We are really looking forward to extending an invitation for former pupils and families to visit our school and the Archives to reminisce about times gone by at St Peter’s”.
The Virtual Museum will soon be launched on the school’s website https://www.st-peters.sch.uk and will be open for all to access.
Photo shows Cllr Martin Greig (left) and the Lord and Lady Provost at today’s anniversary event