It was a special occasion for the school on Monday when the 135th birthday was celebrated.

To mark the occasion, a formal assembly was held complete with a large birthday cake, which was shared among students, staff, special guests and canteen volunteers.

School captains Max Meares and Jasmine Hill had the honour of cutting the cake, with the assistance of the eldest student currently enrolled at the school, Lachlan Cameron and the youngest, Louise Faichney.

The assembly was attended by a number of special guests and former students dating back to 1923 when local lady Una Sides commenced kindergarten.

The assembly concluded with the singing of the School Song, which was written in 1975 as part of the school’s centenary celebrations.

Relieving school principal Larraine Saad, who had the honour of leading the school for this milestone, said it is a privileage to be part of a school which has provided 135 years of education to the local community.

Mrs Saad, who has been on staff at the Cootamundra Public School for eight years, admits she is probably one of the younger teachers in terms of years at the school, with some teachers having spent in excess of 30 years on staff.

“What is so special for me is to have the opportunity to meet and discuss changes with some former students who started at the school even before my parents were born which is amazing,” Mrs Saad said.

She said during her time as a teacher at Cootamundra Public she has seen many changes including structural, educational and the technology which is now available.

“I can only imagine how different things would have been in the way things were taught, with the facilities and assets in the school 135 years ago. This not only interests me but has created interest among the students and other staff,” Mrs Saad said.

Cootamundra Public School was established in 1875 and since its inception has been under the leadership of 39 principals, including current principal Kerry Barker.