The start of the new term in September will mark a very special anniversary in the life of St Pius X Primary School, Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough, as it completes 50 years as a centre of Catholic teaching in this area of the town. Having opened its doors to welcome pupils for the first time in September 1958, the school was subsequently dedicated in April 1959.

Celebrations are planned, and the first of these will be a Mass of Thanksgiving at the school, to be led by Bishop Terence on Thursday 9th October at 10.30 am. All present pupils will be in attendance, as well as staff and parents, and a special invitation is conveyed to all past members of staff who would be most welcome to share in the occasion. However, as space is limited, any past members of staff who wish to attend should call the school on (01642) 314453 and register their interest. Space is limited and places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

An appeal has also been launched for the loan of any photographs of past staff, pupils, events, in fact anything which will help chart the progress of the school over the past 50 years. All photographs will be returned after the celebration provided the lender’s name and address are on the reverse side.

Headteacher, Cath Percival, said, ‘We are really looking forward to this wonderful milestone in the life of the school. The Mass will be a tremendous start, and we have other celebrations planned, more details of which will be announced as the school year ensues. Apart from the exhibition of photographs, we are considering a Christmas card competition in which all the children can be involved, another major celebration in April of next year and a summer production, again involving the pupils. We will also take the opportunity after our Mass of Thanksgiving to take a photograph of the whole school’.