The school wants to restore the old bell to its prime in the lead up to the 150th anniversary celebrations in October.

It is believed the bell has stood in the same location for most of its life and over time its impact has been lessened by a growing school.

The bell will be moved to the centre of the playground as part of its rejuvenation to ensure it stays a focal point of the school.

Principal Peter Edmonds has called on the community to help restore the bell, which is expected to cost $3500.

The school applied for a $1000 heritage grant from Maitland City Council and hoped tradesmen might be able to assist in restoring the bell to its former glory.

“We’re not sure exactly how old it is, but we would love to restore it and make it a central part of our school,” Mr Edmonds said.

“Morpeth is a historic place and we are a historic school so it is very appropriate to have such a significant item as the centrepiece of the playground.”

Mr Edmonds thought a time capsule was buried under the bell as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations and it will be unveiled when the bell is moved.

The bell will be a key piece in the school’s celebrations in October and Mr Edmonds would like to combine this with an archive of memorabilia.

He encouraged past students and teachers to bring in any memorabilia they have to help create the display at their major celebration scheduled for Saturday, October 27.

“Photographs, old uniforms, anything they have that is part of the history of the school would be welcomed,” he said.