TO celebrate 175 years of Catholic education in Portland, All Saints Parish School is diving into history and hosting a few events for the community to attend.

And they are hoping the community might be able to help with some memorabilia.

The first Catholic school in Portland was established in May 1849, 175 years ago.

The school was initially located in a Parish Chapel on Bentinck Street, then housed in a rented premises on Gawler Street, before moving back to the chapel when All Saints Church opened in 1862.

In 1934, a brick extension was built because of the increasing number of students, and then in 1960, a brick building was demolished to make way for the infant school that was to be opened in 1961.

A double-story building was built to extend the school later in 1963 and the chapel was demolished in 1978. By this time, it was called the All Saints Catholic School.

In 1984, MacKillop Primary School was established south of Portland. The two schools amalgamated in 2003 and became All Saints Parish School, located on Fawthrop Street.

All Saints Parish School deputy principal and religious education leader Kerri-Anne O’Keefe said they have a exciting plans to celebrate the 175 years.

“In October, we plan on having a few different events, an open day, a special day with the kids, and they'll have a dress-up day. Then we plan on having a gala night,” she said.

“We're looking for any sort of memorabilia people have. We've got some school photos, but some people might have old school uniforms or anything like that. We'd love to get together and make a bit of a display.”

Memorabilia will only be borrowed and can be given to the front office. It will then be on display during the school’s open day on Friday, October 18 from 9am.

On that day at noon they will host a mass, followed by lunch and old-style games.

Saturday, October 19 will be another open day from 9am until 12pm. That evening will be a gala dinner hosted by the school at 7pm.

Past students, parents, staff and other school community members are invited to the event featuring nibbles, entertainment and shared memories.

Bookings for the gala can be made through the link, events.humanitix.com/175-years-of-catholic-education-in-portland-gala-dinner.