Newdegate Primary School set to celebrate its centenary with a day of festivities and fun for all the family

Newdegate Primary School has turned 100 and is celebrating its birthday with a jamboree on the premises on Friday.

Now with 49 pupils, the school had more than 100 students during its prime time in the 1960s and 1980s.

Even if the numbers have reduced, there are still descendants of the original pupils coming through its doors, according to principal Judy Garlick.

“There were 12 pupils when it started in 1926 and it grew to more than 100 but there are family names which were there when it started and are here now,” she said, listing Waddell, Lloyd, Hall, Shalders, Ness and Lee.

Ms Garlick has been the principal for the last seven years and has organised the festivities with Roz Lloyd, who has been the heart and soul of the school over five decades.

Ms Lloyd, who said she “married into the district” has been a teacher, principal and the manager of corporate services during her time there.

The pair are hoping 200-300 people will join the fun, which will include food vans and traditional children’s games like hopscotch and knucklebones, face painting and “elastics”.

There will also be a centenary photobook and themed merchandise for sale including stubby holders, T-shirts, magnets and tumblers.

The festivities will kick off at the school from 11am before moving to the recreation centre after 4pm.

The Mucky Duck Bush Band will provide the music from 6pm.