And teachers weren't accepting any excuses for lateness; the former students had had more than 50 years to prepare.

During the weekend, graduates from 1947 to 1958 took part in activities that included a tour of the high school, dinners and barbecues.

Margaret Kennedy was one of the reunion's main organisers.

After graduating in 1958, she left Tenterfield to become a teacher. Although she lives in Coogee now, she returns Tenterfield regularly to visit family.

Mrs Kennedy said, "We opened the years up to include everyone from 1947 to 1958, and put ads in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Daily Telegraph, to get more people to come.

"Quite a few people replied to those ads; it was really good.

"Quite a variety of people attended. We came from Sydney, Narooma down near the Victorian border, Newcastle, Brisbane, the Central Coast and Tamborine."

Mrs Kennedy said the weekend was a great success, with the evening events attracting up to 40 former students and their partners.

"Most people hadn't seen or spoken to each other in 50 or more years until we started contacting them," she said.

Mrs Kennedy said she intended to stay in contact with some of the friends she had lost touch with over the years.

"I'll keep in touch with the people from my area, and people in other areas will do the same, I think."