Late last year, pupils and teachers held a Victorian-themed day at the school, dressing up in historic garb and experiencing some of the school-room activities of that time.
The reunion will be held on April 8 and 9, and will include a get-together at Equinox Restaurant in Victoria Rd, with a chance to have photos taken, and a family picnic at Long Beach.
Reunion organising committee member Lorraine Wilson, herself a former pupil of the school, said about 70 people were already signed up to attend the reunion, and there was still time for people to register their interest.
"It will be a good chance to catch up with former classmates and remember our time at the school," she said.
"It will be good to get together and celebrate this historic milestone and colourful history."
Education in Purakaunui dates back to 1872, when local resident Joe Mawson established a Sunday School, teaching the basics of education, for local children.
A second private school was operated by Robert Horne from 1872 to 1874, when the first Education Board School was built, comprising a classroom and a one-room teacher’s residence.
With the rapidly growing number of children in the district, this school became inadequate, and another one-room school was built in 1879 on the road to Osborne — known as School Rd.
The school was closed in 1966 and a new school opened, which was destroyed by fire in 1995.
It was rebuilt, only to be destroyed by fire again just before its opening celebration.
Fortunately for the community, Purakaunui School was rebuilt again and remains a vital part of the community.
- Registrations for the reunion close on March 24. Please contact Lorraine by email on lynlorw77@gmail.com, or phone (03) 484-7998 and leaving a message.
