Primary celebrates their Big 50 birthday

The green school uniforms will be a must on May 31 - as a drone will be sent up to capture the pupils forming the figure 50. The big green 50 in the playground marks exactly 50 years since the doors opened at Symington Primary. It was on May 31, 1968, that the first pupils and staff filed in. Headmistress Maria Galt said: “We hope the community and former pupils and staff can join us in our celebrations. “Most of the celebrations will take place on Thursday, May 31 itself. “Many people have contributed to the life of the school over the years and we are also looking to gather memories of the past.” The school has started a special Facebook page and the first entry in the log read: “Today we left the old school and staff and pupils walked across to the new premises. “At 2pm Mrs Jean Anderson turned the key in the lock and formally opened the building. The pupils assembled in the hall where Rev T Ritchie said a prayer of dedication. “Mrs Anderson, who was a pupil and the present Infant Mistress, was presented with a brooch and a bouquet by the youngest boy and youngest girl.” And ex- pupil Rab Heaney posted : “It was like a palace compared to the old place. ” Proper toilets. A dining hall and proper heating.” Present pupils have designed a 50th anniversary logo and a team are working on a newspaper. On the anniversary there will be a sponsored zumbathon, memories gallery and tea and coffee to the sound of songs from each decade from the school choir. Celebrations will draw to a close on Friday June 8 when everyone will be wearing clothes from the 60s.