The 97-year-old Birmingham Gardens resident started at Waratah Public School in 1923.

Back then the school occupied the DALE Christian School campus.

In 1933 a two-storey building was built on the current Lambton Road block, where girls would be taught separately to boys for several decades until co-educational classes were introduced.

Understandably, the school has changed quite considerably since Mrs Graham attended.

She revisited the school last week ahead of its 150th anniversary celebrations this weekend.

Mrs Graham said she was shocked by how different the school looked.

"Oh my word, it's changed," she said.

"I look around and it's really lovely, and there are so many children."

Mrs Graham will be among 250 former students to gather at the school this Friday, October 17, to celebrate the milestone.

As the oldest, she will have the honour of cutting the celebratory cake.

Year 5 and year 6 students will lead tours of the school and the museum, which contains historical documents such as attendance records, punishment registers and class photos.

The festivities will continue on Saturday, when the school is opened to the public for the P&C's Spring Fete.

It will run from 10am to 2pm and include stalls, rides and entertainment.