Pupils and staff at Dunearn Primary School in Kirkcaldy are preparing to say an emotional farewell to their school.
Fife Council’s education service last year decided to close the school because of serious structural concerns about the building.
With no money available to replace it, closure was seen as the only option a conclusion supported by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.
Despite a campaign to save Dunearn 75% of those who responded to a consultation on the school’s future wanted it to be saved the school will close on June 27.
Staff have organised a programme of events to celebrate more than half a century of Dunearn, which dates back to 1957.
It will open its doors to the community on June 11 and 12 from 1.30-3.30pm.
Head teacher Aileen North appealed to former pupils, staff and parents with old photographs or other mementos that could be used in displays to get in touch.
”We’re looking for photographs,” she said. ”Each class will be focusing on a decade and doing some work incorporating photographs that people have handed in.
”We will respect anything given to us and make sure we return them safely.”
There have only been four head teachers over the life of the school.
Mrs North said the low turnover reflected the happy working environment.
”For all the ups and downs, it is still a very happy place to work. You can’t walk far along the corridor without seeing a smile. It’s a lovely, friendly atmosphere.”
The majority of Dunearn pupils will go to Fair Isle Primary, with between 30 and 40 set to start at Valley. A handful will move to other schools in the vicinity.
Mrs North said some would inevitably find themselves separated from their friends and efforts had been made to help them settle in to their new surroundings.
She added that the huge support from parents in the run-up to the closure had boosted staff morale.
”The parents have always supported the school and hearing what they were saying was one of the things that kept staff going. What we want to do now is celebrate because the school has had such a good reputation since it opened in 1957.”