The community can reflect on its heritage day – 87 years since the district was founded and the school opened.
The flag was first flown at the school on June 17, 1924, after the building was transported by horse-drawn wagons from Horse-Shoe Bush.
It was used for 31 years by the large bush-felling and gumdigging population and was left amidst the scrub and undergrowth when they moved on.
The school boasted 22 pupils when they first sat at their desks on April 22, 1924, guided by teacher Mrs Pascoe.
There was a two-month delay before the official opening.
The building also became the hub of the community with a variety of activities helping raise money for the school. Evening functions were well-lit by a benzine lamp.
A clay tennis court was the first local sporting amenity built by the "fathers and bigger boys" with fundraising supplying nets and rackets.
The adult members of the new tennis club helped spread up to five barrels of tar and sand on the courts, along with paths.
With no school pools available, students would trudge through the swampy paddock opposite the school to swim in the creek under the willows. The fun of splashing around dampened their fear of eels.
Church services, Sunday school and bible classes were regular features at the building with an occasional lantern slide show on a Sunday afternoon.
Up to 50 youth would attend from as far as upper Waiwera for special youth services where school desks provided the only seating.
As the highlight of the year, the school and community picnic was an exciting experience with participants transported on a "Shanks" or "Kings" lorry.
The destination of Long Bay, Red Beach or Waiwera hot pools kept everyone’s mind off the seating of wooden forms set out in rows.
A visiting dentist first provided treatment for students in 1929, setting up clinics on the school porch. In one day, which must have been unusually quieter, the dentist recorded 17 fillings, 11 extractions and nine polishings.