The school’s assistant principal Trish Ikin, who has worked at the school for 20 years, has been planning events to include the community in the celebration of five decades of teaching.

While digging through the archives she unearthed a handful of names of long-term teachers and former students who are now teaching at the school.

“It’s the relationships we have with the students and their families that make this school such a wonderful place to be,” she said.

“We are like an extension of their families.”

“I’m teaching the grandchildren of children who went to school here.”

Teacher Brad Payne is one of a handful of teachers who used to attend the school as a student.

Mr Payne said the school had always been very community oriented, “even when I was a student”.

“I remember back when I was a student here there were a lot of navy kids here then.

“It feels good to be giving back to the school and the community,” he said.

The official celebrations begin on Thursday at 1pm with an Aboriginal smoking ceremony.

The celebrations continue through August with a themed trivia night on Saturday, August 2 from 6.30pm. Phone 4421 3539 to book a table or a place.

On Tuesday, August 26, children and families are encouraged to attend a day of fun and entertainment at the school’s carnival from 10am.

Later that afternoon, families can enjoy musical performances by the students.

Money raised from all the celebration events will go toward a bus for the school.