St. Mary School in Westlock is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend.
On Aug. 30-31, the school will host several activities meant to reflect on half a century of Catholic education in Westlock, as well as welcome back those for whom the school was a large part of their lives growing up.
“For many of us, St. Mary School has been a part of our lives, and it’s to celebrate what St. Mary School gave us and in some cases what we were able to give St. Mary School,” said principal Sheila Glebe.
The weekend kicks off with an $8 meet-and-greet continental breakfast at the school on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.
That’s followed by an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. that will touch on the history of the school, along with an open house.
In the afternoon, Glebe said there will be a penny carnival in the schoolyard to keep people occupied and have a little fun.
“We’re inviting everyone,” she said. “This is the last hurrah before school starts, so we’d love to have everyone come celebrate with us.”
A volleyball tournament is also planned for Saturday afternoon at the school, although if enough people come out to play, it may have to move, Glebe said.
In the evening, the celebrations move to the Westlock and District Community Hall for dinner and dancing.
Theresa Kallal, wife of William J. Kallal, who was instrumental in bringing St. Mary School to fruition, is slated to give a presentation during the evening activities. There will also be a photo slideshow of the past 50 years at the school.
Sunday will feature a morning mass followed by a brunch. In the afternoon, a golf tournament is planned at the Westlock Golf Course.
In addition to all the planned activities, Glebe said the school is also selling “leaves” for its Legacy Tree.
“We’re trying to build a family tree to recognize all the families who have been part of the school over the past 50 years,” she said.
Gold leaves are $300, silver leaves are $200 and copper are $50. All proceeds go towards the school’s new playground.
Family is a special theme at the school, Glebe said. Over the years there have been many people who attended the school who now have sent their children there. Or, who have seen multiple generations attend.
“We’re teaching the grandchildren of some of the first students now,” she said. “I think that’s kind of unique to rural Alberta where you really have that kind of investment in a school.”
In Glebe’s case, she was a student there, sent her kids there, taught there and is now the principal — she said she’s one of only two people to have been involved in those four capacities.
Not only is the weekend about celebrating 50 years of St. Mary School, it’s also about reconnecting with those with whom you share a common bond, she added.
“That’s part of the fun — running into people and finding out where they’ve been, what they’ve accomplished, how much life has changed for them and what’s stayed the same,” she said. “Reunions are so much fun to reconnect with old friends.”
For more information about the festivities, as well as to order up tickets for the Saturday evening dinner, visit the St. Mary School 50th Anniversary Celebration Facebook page at http://goo.gl/gSbFz2. The deadline for dinner tickets is Aug. 27.
