Bishop helps school mark their 125th anniversary
Children and staff at St Cuthbert’s Primary hosted a special celebration to mark the school’s 125th anniversary.
They were joined by families and friends, as well as former colleagues and pupils to celebrate the Burnbank school’s special milestone.
Bishop Toal was the main celebrant of a Mass, with Father Dornan and Father Bogan, current and previous parish priests, being concelebrants.
Head teacher Martina Hendry gave a vote of thanks, saying: “It is indeed an honour and pleasure to be head teacher as we gather to celebrate 125 years of the school community of St Cuthbert’s Primary.
“In this year when we mark 100 years of state-funded Catholic education, it is testament to the strength of faith in our community that 25 years prior, our school began.
“We have the original log book from that very first day when Miss Ada Callaghan, the first ‘certified mistress’ recorded the opening of the school with 250 pupils.
“In 1907 it was recorded that the school delivered Catholic education to 700 pupils in the Burnbank.”
And she added: “The log books of the school tell of very challenging times for our community with families having to endure two world wars and many very problematic health issues.
“We must admire and applaud the courage of early families who valued education and fought to keep St Cuthbert’s school as a vital part of the community.”
She continued: “The school has been located in three different buildings with the building here today opening in 2007 as part of South Lanarkshire Council schools’ modernisation programme and fittingly this summer we undertook major renovations to now have use of the whole building.
“Our rich history tells of a school that was highly valued by the people of Burnbank.
“Today, much has changed within the education system.
“However, we continue to have a strong, Catholic, welcoming ethos in our present school as was recorded in years gone by.
“Finally, a special thank you to our current school community.
“All pupils, staff and families who continue to work together to ensure St Cuthbert’s Primary remains a place of faith and learning within the community of Burnbank Hamilton.
“We look forward to together.” a bright future