On Wednesday, children at Halfway Houses Primary School break up for half-term.

But there will be no going back. The gates of the 106-year-old building will be locked for the last time, and after a holiday extended until October 31, the 490-plus pupils will move into a state-of-the-art new school in nearby Danley Road.

The fate of the old building has not been determined, but the scores of former pupils and teachers at Saturday’s open day do not want it to be demolished, preferring it to be adapted as a centre for an ever-increasing Halfway community.

However, in the name of progress, it might be unrealistic to preserve it along with memories.

One way of leaving a lasting impression was to sign a huge canvas with names and years attended. In a very short while, there was little space left.

Visitors looked through old exercise books, logs, photographs and artwork, admiring many murals.

Meeting up with old friends unseen since school days was a chance to reminisce.

They did wonder why a full-size crocodile skin was displayed; the truth was that nobody knew.

It had been found in the loft of the old building’s recreation class and it was hoped its appearance would provide an answer.

It was good to know the unwanted items of furniture and fittings still in excellent condition will not be scrapped but sent to schools in Sierra Leone. Transportation plans are already in hand.

In its proud history, Halfway has always been a happy school for at least four generations.

Why else would teachers of Madge Borner’s calibre remain in situ for 41 years?

Small wonder she was surrounded by so many, old and young, at the open day.

Head teachers have also served for long periods – like Douglas Bourne, now in his 90s, who was in post for 26 years, and Lester Tombs, 17 years.

Present head Ryan Davies is proud of the May 2015 Ofsted report that his school is good in every way.

It has a “growth mindset” and pupils are keen learners.

They take the motto “together there are no limits to what we can achieve” to heart.

It is only the building that will change – not the ambitions.

There is an old saying “school days are the happiest days of your life”.

For Halfway Houses pupils it seems to be true.