A journey back in time has proved a hit for a Southern Highlands community.
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Past and present students and teachers celebrated 150 years of education at Kangaloon Public School in early August.
It was a day for all to reflect on August 1869 - a day when the school was officially opened.
In fact they marked this important occasion by stepping back in time to a day of school just like that which would have been experienced in the 19th century.
Classrooms were transformed, technology removed and ink wells placed on desks.
The girls wore pinnies and mop hats, the boys donned their shirts and boots. Meanwhile canes were at the ready on the teacher's desks should anyone step out of line.
Primary teacher Alissa Whatman was quick to admit there were challenges in channelling the school culture of the past.
"We usually have such a friendly rapport with our students so it was quite a challenge to be so gruff all day," she said.
With plenty of hidden giggles from the students, especially at the mock caning and the "dunce" sent to the corner, lots of fun was had by all involved.
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"It made the children really aware of how much has changed in education since those early days and gave them a wonderful appreciation of how lucky they are today," Ms Whatman said.
School principal Jenelle Lawrence revelled in the sense of history generated throughout the school of the anniversary celebration.
"It was very special to sit in the same classroom as those early students, and contemplate all that has happened in our little classroom over 150 years," she said.
The celebration continued on August 10 with a Kangaloon Community bush dance at the Kangaloon hall.
It was an occasion that resulted in three generations of students coming together to kick up their heels with the Paddy's River Bush Band.
Kangaloon School is a small rural school of around 30 students and is now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2020.
For enquiries, please contact the school on 4888 2215.
