Notre Dame High School in Red Deer celebrated its 20th birthday bash with fun activities for students on Thursday.

“We’ve been in the community since 1996 and we’re really proud to be the strong and vibrant Catholic high school within Red Deer,” said Mandy Reed, vice principal of Notre Dame.

In the field students gathered to celebrate the occasion with a free hot dog, bouncy castles, gladiator battles and more.

As the vice principal for three years, Reed said the growth has been phenomenal.

“We are bursting at the seams. Next year we’re really excited to have a second high school come on board, St. Joseph, so next year when we have two Catholic high schools it’s going to be such an inspiration to our community to have that name for Catholic education in Red Deer,” she said.

Board Chair with Red Deer Catholic Schools Guy Pelletier said they’re very proud of Notre Dame and happy celebrate the 20 years.

“It’s obviously huge for Red Deer Catholic. It’s our only Catholic High School in Red Deer but soon to be one of two Catholic high schools,” he said.

He said the birthday bash was a way to try and build a bit more school spirit, helping the students blow off a little bit of steam at a time of year when everyone’s been working pretty hard.

“There’s 1,700 students here at the school so it’s a great way to get them to come out and show their spirit.”

He said the population next year will probably drop to 1,100 or so, as this year is the biggest group they’re going to have, as lots of the kids will move over to the new high school.

Reed said the number of students has grown every year by about 4%.

With strong athletics, academics and fine arts, she said it’s been a phenomenal school to be a part of.

Many of the students at Notre Dame said the teachers have been great along with the overall atmosphere of the school itself.

Grade 12 student Jacob Plamondon had nothing but good things to say about his time at Notre Dame.

“I absolutely love this school. I love the people I love the teachers. I’ve never had a bad experience at this school,” he said.

He said he was nervous at first coming to the school in his first year, but realized quickly that the teachers and older students were very accepting and friendly.

“There’s no reason to be shy when you come here.”

Coming up at Notre Dame are the Evening of the Fine Arts, Athletics Banquet and graduation.