WHITECROSS staff and pupils have been busy celebrating the 50th anniversary of the school’s move to Selby Street.

This month, July, marks 50 years since Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School moved from behind the church to its present building.

Lots of different celebrations were held to mark the milestone.

They began with children re-enacting past pupils walking to the school before circling around it with gold balloons.

Youngsters also decorated the school with bunting which they had made.

Each triangle of bunting included a piece of writing where the children explained what Sacred Heart means to them in just 50 words.

The hall displayed photographs from the last 50 years which allowed ex-pupils and staff to relive special times gone by.

A mass was then held outside to celebrate the day which even saw past pupils and staff attend as well as parishioners and parents.

Bishop Tom Neylon also celebrated the mass alongside Canon Christopher Cunningham and Fr Raymond.

In the afternoon a celebration was held on the field for youngsters who were treated to a visit from an ice cream van.

Head teacher Colleen Everett said: “Sacred Heart School is such a special place and so much more than a school.

“We feel it is a second family.

“I count myself very blessed to have been head teacher for 13 years and being given the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff members who go over and above to ensure that our children are safe and happy.

“It was wonderful for faces past and present to come together to celebrate 50 years since we moved to our school building on Selby Street.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and reminisce about their time at Sacred Heart.

“A good time was had by all!”