Anagh Coar Primary School celebrated a milestone anniversary last week with a series of special events. Tuesday 26th April 2016 saw the opening of the school’s history display, 40 years to the day that the first pupils were registered at the school. The display was officially opened by the first, and longest serving headteacher of the school, Miss Norma Cowell, who headed the school for 24 years.

Current headteacher, Rob Coole, said: ‘Norma’s input into these celebrations has been invaluable. She helped me piece together the stories from the last 40 years for our assemblies and history display and gave the children a flavour of what life was like in the early days when she was interviewed by the classes. It has been lovely to welcome her into the school because she talks with the same pride in the school community that I feel every day - especially at special times like this.’

The celebrations on Tuesday 26th April started with a party in the school hall for the 144 pupils who currently attend the school. The children had party food, listened to the sounds of 1976 and watched slideshows of photographs from the last five decades that the school’s history spans. The party finished with the pupils singing ‘Happy Birthday Dear Anagh Coar’ before the official proceedings started in order to open the history display to the public. Bill Malarkey MHK, Douglas Mayor Sara Hackman and Mayoress Carol Malarkey were also in attendance as well as some of the pupils from the very first intake.

The children sang the Manx National Anthem, just like the pupils of 1976 did, to start this section of the afternoon off, followed by ‘Save All Your Kisses For Me’ by Brotherhood of Man, the song that was number one 40 years ago this week.

Miss Cowell’s opening speech included the following story: ‘The opening event in 1976 saw a group of parents, members of the Board of Education and other local dignitaries gather in the school hall for a special event. I really wanted to make sure the children could be involved too so organised that our teachers came in to throw a party for the children in the classroom area at the same time. It is lovely to be here today to be part of this party that sees the children being the centre of the celebrations. To hear the children’s laughter at the old photographs of themselves on the slideshow really reminds me what working with children is like and why I loved it so much. My years at Anagh Coar School really were the best years of my life and I thank you all for welcoming me back to be a part of these celebrations.’

The afternoon finished with the children singing a song called ‘My Teacher’ before the children went out to play giving visitors the opportunity to look around the displays from the 1960’s (the building of the estate) to the 2010’s (the time that Mr. Coole has headed the school).

The rest of the week has seen a number of ex-pupils, staff members and parents of the school visiting the display between 3.30pm and 5pm. Many of these visitors made more than one trip over the week and spread the word via social media in order to gain wider interest. There were many positive comments left in the visitors book including: ‘Fantastic displays - great memories.’ from Mandy Ellwood and ‘Brilliant display - 40 years a brilliant school.’ from Margaret Longden.

Two special assemblies took place on Friday 29th April to end the week long celebrations. These assemblies took the audiences on a musical tour of some number ones from each decade, told the story of the school’s history and Key Stage 1 sang a number of school based songs to remind everyone what being part of a school community is all about. The final song ‘We’re So Proud of Our School’ really did sum up the feelings of everyone involved in the week’s celebrations.

The wall based displays and QR code photograph slideshows will remain in the school hall until the summer holidays and if anyone who didn’t get the chance to visit the school would still like to see these they can get in touch with the school on anaghcoarenquiries@sch.im to arrange a suitable time to visit.

Photo - Miss Norma Cowell and Mr Rob Coole the first and current headteachers of Anagh Coar School with the 40th anniversary cake.