Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman fondly remembers hot dog lunches and overnight field trips as part of his eight-year elementary school experience at Allandale Heights Public School.
The school celebrates its 50th Anniversary this Thursday.
Lehman says, “It was a fantastic place to go to school. I walked to and from school from about three blocks away, every day, for eight years. The school was very unique with the round design and the domed roof on the former gym in the middle. In my day, that was the gym,which is now the library, but that was where three divisions used to line up on the ramps into the middle of the school for assemblies. That was the heart of the school and every major event happened there from Christmas assemblies to Canada Fitness to hot dog lunches. I was an awkward bookish kid and the school had athletic programs, science fairs and field trips all to make the school experience amazing.It certainly was for me!”
Another well known alum is MP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte Alex Nuttall who was a student there for five years.
“I place incredible value on the time I spent as a youth growing and learning as part of the Allandale Heights family. I know from first hand experience how dedicated their staff has always been to shaping and guiding bright young minds and preparing students for their next step in their educational careers. This school certainly has a lasting legacy in our community.”
That legacy will be celebrated on Thursday, with an open house, classroom tours and memorabilia displays.
Principal Pamela Hamilton says the event is being run mainly by the students.
“Technology over the decades is one of the biggest changes. The current students have been mesmerized by the exhibits of old telephones, tape recorders and overhead projectors we used to use.”
Hamilton says there will also be a student performance, graffiti wall and selfie photo booth as part of the festivities.
The event is set for April 19 from 4-7:30 p.m. with the official ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
