Primary school celebrates turning 150 with fundraiser

By Kelsey McCabe

A primary school held a celebration to commemorate its 150th anniversary this weekend.

On Saturday, Kender Primary School in Faulkner Street, New Cross, marked the anniversary with a celebration to raise funds for renovations to the grounds.

Throughout the afternoon, staff hosted guided tours of the school, filmed alumni being interviewed by current students for a budding film archive, and distributed infographics about the school’s history.

The celebration’s main event was the planting of a black gum tree on the school grounds, which school business manager Alice Luxmoore said would “shelter and shade many generations at our wonderful school.”

Lewisham councillor Jacq Paschoud stopped by the event to plant the tree during a brief ceremony.

Leading up to the celebration, the school raised funds for the black gum tree as well as some minor exterior renovations, including the construction of large double gates on the school grounds, which would move the school’s main entrance onto Faulkner Street.

The school also plans to build a ramp to level the playground with Faulkner Street, as well as to purchase mosaics designed by a local artist to decorate the school gates.

Following the celebration, the school’s online donations page has raised £4,260 of their £19,800 goal.

To donate, visit https://localgiving.org/charity/friends-of-kender/

Pictured top: Councillor Jacq Paschoud plants a black gum tree at Kender Primary School’s Jun 8 celebration (Picture: Alice Luxmoore)