The school — Queenstown’s first primary school — originally opened in 1863 at a site in Stanley St, but 50 years ago had to move to its current site as it needed more space.
Pupils marked the half-century milestone with a time capsule, which will be opened in 50 years’ time — for the school’s centenary.
The two head pupils, Tom Perry and Jasmin Obermoser, and the school’s youngest pupil, Leaksmey Chum, had the honour of burying the time capsule on the school grounds and planting a kowhai by it.
Inside the time capsule was a range of photos and writing the children had done, describing the primary school and life in Queenstown.
Junior school team leader Sean Mckenzie was in charge of organising the time capsule and said "it's jam-packed; it’s quite lucky that it all managed to fit inside".
Adding to the celebrations, all the pupils worked hard over four days to learn dances choreographed by Tai Mihaere, a break-dancer from group FloorBoyz, who flew over from Australia to help out.
The juniors, middle school, seniors and intermediate pupils all learnt a different dance, as well as a separate one by the whole school.
Principal Fiona Cavanagh, who has been in the role for 11 years, said "she loves the energy from kids and staff" and "the performances were wonderful".
The events continue this weekend, including a 50th jubilee celebration tonight welcoming past pupils, and open classrooms on Monday morning for anyone to observe.
Planning for the 50th — by Ms Cavanagh, Vanessa van Uden, Sarah Ferguson, Sean Mckenzie, Ella Wilson and Kate Mclean — has been under way since November.
Ms Mclean, a former Queenstown Primary School pupil, said she was "really excited and happy" to be part of the jubilee celebrations.
"I think we had six teachers in total when I was a student here, so we've got a heck of a lot more teachers here today. I think we're all very lucky to attend such a wonderful time at school with such dedicated teachers."
