Having opened its doors to students on May, 6, 1963 the Sion Hill Government School (SHGS) is now 60 years old.

To commemorate the milestone, a list of events which will run for the remainder of this year will make up the celebrations of the school’s Diamond anniversary.

Among the activities earmarked are a sponsored walk, a fair, a meet and greet, as well as a fun day of sporting events.

The celebrations started with a Service of Thanksgiving on Monday, May 8, at the Arnos Vale Methodist Church, under the theme: “ Celebrating Our Jubilee, Building on our Legacy”.

The church service, saw current students and staff, past students, former principals, former teachers of the school, government officials, well wishers and benefactors over the years, in attendance.

Apart from the spiritual upliftment through songs and scripture readings, the service heard remarks from past principal Girlyn Miguel, Senior Education Officer Joycelyn Blake- Browne, Minister of Education Curtis King and the school’s current principal Verona Richards.

All speakers lauded the institution for making it thus far, while looking forward to more milestones.

Reflecting on her tenure as head of the school, Miguel highlighted the introduction of the breakfast programme during the latter part of the 1990s, which is still in place today.

She recalled that the Sunrise Supermarket at Arnos Vale was the first contributor to the programme, and was happy to note that they are still the main providers.

The former head teacher implored the students present, “ to love your teachers, respect them”. She also had a word for the teachers. “ I want to encourage you to continue to do well, because each child is important,” she urged.

Following Monday’s church service, the students, teachers, parents and other well-wishers, marched to the school, accompanied by the Lodge Village Government School’s marching band.

An ice cream treat on Wednesday, May 10, thanks to the contributions of the Sunrise Supermarket, Arnos Vale and Massy Stores, ensured that the students sampled another sweet taste of the school’s Diamond Jubilee.

Currently the school has a population of 171 students and a complement of 14 teachers.