La Verendrye School celebrated 50 years of learning on Thursday with dancing and merrymaking.

Former staff, students, and guests joined the current staff and students in the school gym for an hour and a half of entertainment to celebrate the school's 50 year anniversary.

The grade 2/3 choir performed 'O Canada' followed by On the Back of an Eagle. Opening remarks were then given by principal Chuck Naish, former principal Morris Boychuk, and chairman of the school board Preston Meier.

Performances then followed by members of the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, Portage Vesna Dancers, the Aboriginal School of Dance, and the Prairie Steppers. The ceremony was closed out with a fiddle performance by former student and staff Melissa St. Goddard accompanied by her cousin Rene Jobin on guitar.

Current and former students that too the stage included Eric and Anthony Nash, Mariah Lukey-Walder, Paige Bulachowski, Noah Berens, Arthur Gladue, Brittany Sainsbury, Clayton McKay, Calista Sainsbury, Jenna Delorme, and Sasha Thorsteinson.

Once the students were dismissed there was coffee and dainties offered as well as tours of the school for anyone who chose to stick around.

“It was surprising and pleasant to see so many faces from the history of LVS show up. It was great,” said principal Chuck Naish.

He added that this event was definitely a stepping stone to showing students how important engagement in your community is and how they are part of a bigger picture.

“It was very nice to see the former students come back and the pride they had and to see current students perform on our stage. When we invited them and when they came to school we could see the excitement. They’re just happy to be here and to be part of us again, it was nice to see that.” Said Naish.