Some carried supply-filled backpacks, some waved at friends and others tightly clutched their parent's hand this morning while waiting for the doors of St. Andrew Catholic School to open.

It was the first day of school, Aug. 11, and Charles Llewellyn, the school’s president, held the door as the first groups of children charged through.

“The first day is always exciting,” he said. “We are actually celebrating our 60th year.”

Parents snapped photos of youngsters in front of a banner hanging across the side of the schoolhouse proclaiming the school’s 60th anniversary while a group of students held signs welcoming everyone back.

“Actually, a few others are probably going to be crying here in the front foyer,” Llewellyn said.

Brightly colored balloons placed near the doorway did their part to welcome everyone, and a message posted on the school website by Llewellyn did the same.

“Welcome to Saint Andrew Catholic School,” the message read, “where we combine spirituality, academics and service to prepare our students to live a faith-filled life.”