It has been 56 years since former student Susan Stanbridge (nee Ellis) went through the gates of learning, up the lane from her house in Milburn Road.
But her memories of the old school days at Gymea High are as vivid as ever.
“Our first day was a little confusing as instead of grading as we were used to, our classes were assigned the names of famous Australians – Hinkler, Kingsford Smith, Patterson, Lawson, Wentworth, Oxley and Sturt,” she said.
“The school was literally being built around us.
“Many of us had our classes at the Gymea Technical College or in what we now call demountables
“The playing fields were always there. Sport was always a big part of growing up in Sutherland Shire.
“I don’t believe our parents questioned the quality of the school or teachers as they were all good in those days.”
She hopes to track down more students from the school’s foundation year of 1963, for a reunion at 6pm on October 20 at Gymea Bowling Club.
Details: Call Ian Norris on 0412 278 627 or email: ian.norris278@gmail.com
