The 1960s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and 2000s will all be displayed on the walls of Glenwood Elementary as the school celebrates 50 years of learning - and memories.

Glenwood Elementary opened on Aug. 31, 1961, and this school year has been their big anniversary year.

Ann Morcom was in Grade 6 when Glenwood opened as a three-classroom school, as students spilled over from Fairview and Mount Crescent elementary schools.

Morcom only spent one year at the school and then moved on to Maple Ridge Junior High, which began with Grade 7.

Morcom's family lived at 4 1/2 Street and Stonehouse Avenue, and her younger siblings attended the school as well.

While education is the primary purpose of a school, Morcom said she doesn't remember the lessons that much; rather, she remembers the fun times had in the school yard.

"I don't remember anything what I learned," she said. "I remember recess and lunch." Those consisted of lots of games of marbles and hopscotch in the covered area of the school.

Morcom also remembered sports day - which was a real athletic event and not "fun days," she said.

"When I phoned people about this gathering, they had really good memories [from the school]," Morcom said.

Glenwood principal Jovo Bikic said it's typical that when people are asked to list their emotional and academic memories of their school years, the emotional list is much longer.

In preparation for the May 29 birthday bash, students have been decorating classrooms and hallways based on the five decades the school has been in existence.

"It's like doing a history, language arts, social studies lesson, but it's real to [the students]," said Bikic.

The school is still at its original location but the three classrooms have expanded to encompass 13 divisions, an after-school program, and a StrongStart program.

When Mount Crescent Elementary closed two years ago, Glenwood absorbed many of those students, and the school has been undergoing a transition period to amalgamate the two school's cultures.

There will be three big cakes at the school on May 29, but neither Bikic and Morcom have a sense of how many people will come to the birthday.

Morcom and others on the birthday committee have been contacting people through Facebook, Classmates, and the local retirement newsletter.

The party will be about remembering the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the future, Bikic said.

Past students will be at the event including Kathy Morse, the former mayor of Maple Ridge and Morcom's former classmate.

The first principal of Glenwood - who was also a full-time teacher - was Larry Davies, whom Morcom remembers with fondness as the Grade 5 and 6 teacher. His son, Ross Davies, program interpreter with Kanaka Environment and Education Partnership, will be at the event.

A speech will also be given by current Grade 5 student Hailey McIntosh.

Glenwood Elementary's 50th birthday takes place May 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. Past and present teachers, principals, and students are encouraged to come to reminisce.

A time capsule - to be opened in 25 years - will be filled at the party and will include a banner that anyone can write on.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com