A YEAR of special events is on the cards for pupils at a primary school celebrating its centenary. Our Lady Catholic Primary School in Old Hale Way, Hitchin, has already started its centenary events with a history week, which focussed on life in 1906. Tog

A YEAR of special events is on the cards for pupils at a primary school celebrating its centenary.

Our Lady Catholic Primary School in Old Hale Way, Hitchin, has already started its centenary events with a history week, which focussed on life in 1906.

Together the children took part in art, music and RE theme days, and the week culminated in an Edwardian music hall concert.

Next on the social calendar will be a centenary mass on February 10, celebrated by Bishop George Stack, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster.

This will be followed on July 1 with a ball in Hitchin Town Hall and on July 6 the whole school will take part in a fun day, with a festive lunch, celebratory cake, balloon race and plenty of fun and games.

The school was founded on February 11, 1906 by Sister Eleanor from the French order of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who had settled in York Road three years earlier.

It began life as the parish school, in the front of 16 Nightingale Road, a small cottage near the church.

The number of pupils increased over the years and the school was transferred to a corrugated iron hut which stood beside the church.

In 1924 the Sisters moved to a new convent in Verulam Road, which had the potential to be used for a school, parish hall and presbytery.

After the war, numbers rapidly increased and by 1960 there were five classes.

The present school in Old Hale Way opened after the Easter holidays in 1967 with 180 pupils on roll.

Headteacher Gaynor Eden said: "This is a really important year for our school and parish community.

"We are celebrating in style with a variety of events which will be enjoyed and remembered by everyone, especially the children.

"It's definitely going to be a year to remember."

Tickets to the centenary ball will cost £35 and are available on 01462 452700 or by emailing olscentenaryball@hotmail.co.uk