She has an oak tree grown from an acorn from the oaks at Teschemakers, just south of Oamaru, which will be planted in the former school grounds to mark the centenary of the school's opening.
The tree, not quite 1m high, will be planted in the front lawn, visible from the veranda of the former homestead, during centenary celebrations late next month.
The school opened in February 1912 with five pupils after the homestead and land was donated to the Dominican Sisters by the McCarthy family in 1911.
The Dominican Sisters closed the school in 1977 but continued to own the property, using it as a retreat for conferences, camps, an art school and for other activities.
In the mid-1990s the order closed the school and offered the property for sale. It was bought by a Japanese businessman, the late Dr Hirotomo Ochi, and is now owned by a North Otago couple, John and Joy Murdoch.
Mrs Campbell, who lives in Mornington, said a closing ceremony was held when the Dominican Sisters decided to sell the property "We were invited to a symbolic closing. We went around the school and locked the doors, putting the keys into a basket, which were handed to a couple who would be caretakers of the property," she said.
Former pupils also walked through the oak grove behind the former homestead and collected acorns.
"I brought home two, planted them in pots and one took ... It is strong and healthy and has grown well," she said.
She was happy the tree would be returned to Teschemakers.
About 200 people have registered for the centenary celebrations, which start on Friday, March 23, with class reunions.
On Saturday, former pupils will gather at Teschemakers at 10.30am for morning tea and lunch, followed by visits to Oamaru's Forrester Gallery and North Otago Museum, which are both planning exhibitions.
A Mass at St Patrick's Basilica at 5pm will be followed by a dinner at The Homestead.
On Sunday, photographs will be taken at Teschemakers, with the tree-planting ceremony and a farewell liturgy in the chapel.
