Westdene Primary School marked a significant milestone this past weekend, celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a heartfelt event that honored the school’s rich history and achievements.
Established in 1949, it has evolved from its origins as a church school into a beloved educational institution, shaping the lives of countless students over the decades.
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The anniversary celebration featured a special tribute to the school’s first students, Mrs Ursula Abdrabu (76) and Mr Bernard Abdrabu (79), who reminisced about their experiences attending the school in its early years.
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Reflecting on their journey, Ursula shared, “it was a tough journey taking the bus to school, but it is a very proud moment for us to be the first students of Westdene Primary.” Both she and Bernard expressed deep pride in witnessing the school’s transformation and growth over the years.
“At our age of 79 and 76, it is an honor to see how far this church school has developed into what it is today. What makes this moment even more special is that our daughter is now the principal,” Ursula added.
The couple fondly recalled how they and their peers from Noordgesig would walk to school together, emphasising the strong sense of community that has always characterised Westdene Primary. Bernard noted, “what stands out about this school is its commitment to Christian-based education. It began in a church and has now flourished into a vibrant school.”
He also highlighted the importance of spirituality in education, stating, “there is something missing in morality, and I believe that the spiritual aspect is essential.
“This school fills that gap in people’s lives, regardless of nationality or language.” Principal Edrei Brown, the daughter of the first students, expressed her pride in the school’s legacy. “It means a lot to see how far we’ve come. I was a learner here, and after teaching for over a year, I am honored to be part of this school’s journey,” she shared.
“My parents were part of it, and I was also part of it. Celebrating 75 years of existence is truly exciting.”
The anniversary celebration not only commemorated the school’s rich history but also set the stage for a bright future, filled with hope and promise for generations to come.
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