That feeling is to the fore this weekend as the school celebrates its 50th jubilee.
Between them, current principal Garry Anderson and former principal Jack McNamara, of Oamaru, have been at the helm for 34 of those 50 years and they agree about the special atmosphere of the school.
''It's all about family; that's what gives you the school that you've got and we'll keep it going,'' Mr Anderson said at the powhiri welcoming jubilee guests to the school yesterday.
Mr McNamara served from 1981 to 1992, and when he retired Mr Anderson took over the role. During Mr McNamara's time, the school roll reached 280; now it was almost 400.
The powhiri from the children was ''quite inspiring'', Mr McNamara said.
''I was very impressed with that, but then our Terrace kids always rose to the occasion.''
He paid tribute to Mr Anderson's vision and the support of the teaching staff, parents and board.
Mr McNamara said the school had changed and improved over the years and was obviously continuing to thrive.
He was having no trouble picking out his former pupils, who came up to say hello yesterday, but the teachers were harder to recognise, he said.
''They look older ... am I allowed to say that?''
About 140 people will attend the weekend celebrations.
Today's activities include photographs and an ''assembly'' this evening.
A barbecue will round off the celebrations tomorrow.
