CAMPIE Primary School has been highlighted in the House of Commons as it prepares to celebrate its centenary.

At Business Questions at Westminster, East Lothian’s MP Martin Whitfield highlighted the Musselburgh school’s upcoming 100th birthday and asked Andrea Leadsom MP, the Leader of the House of Commons, if MPs could have time to discuss the important community role played by schools like Campie.

He told the Courier: “I want to say a huge congratulations to all of the pupils and staff at Campie Primary, who are celebrating the school’s centenary this year.

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the official celebrations, so I was really pleased to have the opportunity to help mark them by mentioning the centenary on the floor of the House of Commons.

“I also asked the Leader of the House if we could set aside time to talk about the role schools such as Campie serve in teaching empathy, kindness and knowledge across local communities.”

The school opened on May 26, 1919, with 229 pupils under the stewardship of headteacher Thomas Brown.

Today, the school of 504 pupils is led by Pauline McKay and her team.

The building at Stoneyhill Farm Road has been extended over the years, most recently in 2001, to accommodate the growing school community.

To mark the centenary, two days of celebrations are planned next Thursday and Friday (May 30 and 31).

This includes the opportunity for people from the community to tour the school from 1pm until 4pm next Friday, enjoy an exhibition of photos and memorabilia, and share their Campie memories.

A team from Edinburgh University’s Oral History Project will be in the school recording memories as they work to create historical transcripts for East Lothian.

Ahead of the celebrations, children are exploring Campie Primary past, present and future in their learning, with the number 100 featuring in work around science, technology, engineering and maths.

The festivities will get under way next Thursday with a party in the playground, while teachers and children will be able to dress up in costume from any decade in the last century next Friday.

Alison Elgin, the school’s depute headteacher, has been leading the celebration plans.

She said: “This is a really significant and important celebration for our school and our community. We’re doing all we can to make it meaningful for our children and are grateful for all the support we’ve had from across the community.

“We want the occasion to be full of chatter, laughter and song – just like a birthday party should be.”

Ward councillor Stuart Currie said: “I want to offer my congratulations for the Campie centenary.

“As a former pupil, it is such a privilege to go along to various events at the school.

“Of course the faces have changed but every time I walk through the gates all the really happy memories just flood back.

“I know that the pupils of past, present and future will have that same experience in the years ahead too.”

Fellow ward councillor John Williamson added: “The centenary is a great cause for celebration.

“The pupils have been working hard on the exhibition. I am sure the whole Campie community, past and present, will take the time to visit the exhibition.

“I am sorry to not be able to be at the celebrations as I will be on holiday at the time.”

Ward colleague Councillor Katie Mackie added: “Congratulations to pupils and staff celebrating the 100 birthday of Campie Primary School.

“I’m looking forward to attending the celebrations, which will connect the past and the present and highlight the vital role the school has in the community, educating our young people and helping to ensure they have the appropriate skills for their further school career and life.”

Irene Tait, chair of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, said: “Campie has been and will continue to be a great school.

“It has served and been a huge part of the community for 100 years and will be for a long time to come.

“Local people have happy memories of this school and it is testimony to the skill and dedication of all staff that have worked at Campie.”

Submissions of photographs or memorabilia for the exhibition are still welcomed. Contact Alison at Campie Primary School with any materials on 0131 665 2045 or at aelgin@campie.elcschool.org.uk