Hundreds of pupils and staff past and present have kicked off birthday celebrations in style as Danestone School turned 40.
Fittingly for a school which opened in 1986, pupils dressed in 1980s styled clothing to mark the occasion which included a special assembly in which P7 pupils took the audience, including Danestone’s first head teacher, Jean Corser on a journey looking at the last 40-year impact in the community.
Mrs Corser spoke about her time at Danestone School before the special event ended with the presentation of a birthday cake made by pupils which was cut by George Roberts and Elaine Page, the other two permanent head teachers in Danestone's history along with the school’s longest serving staff member Sandra Stephen.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services convener, said: “It is such an honour to join pupils and current and former staff in such a wonderful anniversary celebration of their school which is clearly held in great affection by everyone here today.
“Danestone School has been an integral part of primary education in Aberdeen for 40 years. This special anniversary will, I’m sure, spark fond memories across the entire community.”
It was a double celebration for Danestone School with pupils unveiling a banner awarded by Unicef UK for achieving the Gold Rights Respecting School Award.
Councillor Lee Fairfull, Education and Children’s Services vice-convener, said: “Today has been a wonderful occasion, not only in celebrating this milestone for Danestone, but also in marking the magnificent achievement in fully integrating the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child into the school curriculum and philosophy.”
Head teacher, Angela Johnston said: “Working with colleagues to plan Danestone School’s 40th anniversary as a newly appointed head teacher has been a fantastic opportunity to learn about the school’s rich history and the deep sense of community that surrounds it. I am excited and proud to be leading Danestone into its next chapter.”
Danestone School’s 40th anniversary celebrations will continue over the coming weeks with events such as a sponsored school run, a whole school anniversary photograph, whole school picnic and a memory museum display open to the community, ex-pupils and parents from 25-29 May.