ST JOSEPH'S students and staff dressed up in historical clothes to celebrate the day of their patron saint on Tuesday, and kick off their centenary week.
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Principal Katie Hanes said along with celebrating 100 years of education, it was a big year for the school in another way, as it prepares for a multi-million-dollar upgrade.
The West Tamworth school received a $1.8-million grant from the NSW government, along with funds from the Catholic Schools Office, which will be used to completely renovate its facilities.
"Part of St Patrick's Hall will be demolished and replaced with four new classrooms, a library, canteen facilities and toilets," Ms Hanes said.
"Along with that, all the existing buildings are being renovated as well. So at the end of it we will have state-of-the-art facilities for our students.
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"The original building is going to be retained and renovated for the parish to use, so it will be handed back to them.
"It's starting this year, we're going through the tender process at the moment. Demolition may even start these holidays."
To get the centenary celebrations started, the school opened up a time capsule that was buried in 1995 in recognition of its 75th anniversary. Inside there were hand-written letters and prayers.
Students then released 10 balloons, one for every decade of the school's existence.
On Sunday, the school will celebrate its centenary with a 9am mass at St Patrick's parish, followed by a morning tea in front of the school.
A luncheon will be held at 12.30pm at West Leagues Club.