There are not many places where you can try a vigoro bat or get your hands on the headmaster's cane - unless you are a Mt Kembla Public School student.
Eager students inspected old photographs, ink pots and other historical memorabilia yesterday as the school marked its 150th anniversary.
The tolling of the old school bell kicked off a year of anniversary celebrations, which included a history lesson and tree planting and flag-raising ceremonies.
Principal Peter Houweling said the anniversary was an opportunity for students to learn about their school community.
"When you read the history of the school, (you realise) it was established by the community, run by the community and kept going by the community," he said.
"That is why it is really important for them to appreciate where they come from and their heritage."
Year 6 students Kira Riordan, Luke Trowbridge, Elizabeth Jacobs and Kieran Osborne were keen to share the school's history when the Mercury visited.
"When it first opened there was about 45 kids but only a few of them turned up each day, but (attendance) is a bit better now," Kieran said.
Elizabeth added: "I was surprised there were only 45 kids out of the whole area - it has grown a lot more now."
The school's major celebrations will take place in October.
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