After a Mass and morning tea, assembled guests were treated to a fantastic exhibition, with a stroll down memory lane at St Paul’s with a display of old photos and memorabilia stretching back to 1964.

To finish the morning, a time capsule was planted onsite – with staff and students compiling items including hand-written letters which will be opened in 20 years at the school's 80th birthday celebrations.

Coins, money notes, an iPhone, a photo of the schools Aboriginal Dance Group, Undi Booran, two copies of Aurora magazine featuring pupils, a Newcastle Herald, a face mask and a picture of Bishop Michael Kennedy and Pope Francis were also put in the capsule.

Principal Greg Cumming said the idea of the capsule was to capture 'our story' for the next generation. "We hope the people present in 20 years at the St Paul's 80th birthday celebrations will enjoy taking a look at the time capsule."

"Hand-written letters from each grade to the same grade in 20 years, outlining 2024 favourite activities, songs, books, sports, past times. The letters are all signed by the students in that grade," he said.

To prepare for the celebration, students and staff gathered earlier in the week to create a big 60 in the middle of the school.

Mr Cumming said he was proud of the school's journey and thanked staff, students and families who have supported St Paul's along the way. "St Paul’s today is thanks to so many people, especially in the early years,"

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook.