Generations mark big day at St Arnaud Primary's 150th

And it’s those amazing years that make Colin Forster so proud to see his children and grand children following in his footsteps.

Erin, Colin and Judy Forster and Harlow and Knox Newton. NCN PHOTOS

COLIN Forster only has fond memories of his time at St Arnaud Primary School.

“So much has changed, but it’s all for the better,” he said.

“We got up to a lot of mischief in my day, but it was some of the best years.”

And it’s those amazing years that make him so proud to see his children and grand children following in his footsteps.

Because it’s the Forster/Newton family that is one of many who have been through the doors of the school across its 150 years.

Plenty of stories like theirs were shared last Friday when the school commemorated this milestone.

Past and present students, families and staff were invited to take in the school’s rich history and see what had changed over the years.

Before the formal festivities, older students hosted “old-timey” games on the Air Field while adults took in the buildings on self-guided tours.

Once the party started in the shade, speakers like former principal Mark McLay outlined his favourite parts of his 11 years at the school.

Leonie MacTaggart, who is currently the school council president and has a daughter, Georgie, attending the school, said she has seen a lot of positive change in the time since her school days.

“Our kids have so many amazing opportunities now,” she said.

Principal Melissa Mitchell said she was proud to be a part of such a “successful” celebration and school community.

“Our school observes many long standing traditions and customs which have endured through decades and generations, but none more important than the genuine culture of kindness, respect and friendship.

“All of these were at the fore of the stories, memories and magic that was shared.

During afternoon tea, long-term staff member Jean was invited to cut the birthday cake.