THE reunion of former students of Lautoka's St Thomas Primary School from the time it was started in 1925 has been pegged as a celebration of the past.
Walking through the grounds that he spent most of his early years in, former student Isi Cagica says the celebrations this Saturday will be a time to reminisce about the past.
"It'll be a chance for former students who are now in their 70s to tell us about their experiences at the school and how it has changed over the years," said Mr Cagica.
Now making his living as a senior psychologist in Sydney, Australia, Mr Cagica credits his success to his upbringing at St. Thomas Primary.
"My experience at the school was generally very good and the teachers encouraged an all-rounder education for their students.
"Students were not only taught to excel in the classroom but also outside of the classroom which is something I believe helped me a great deal in life," he said.
Mr Cagica is the head of Ex St Thomas Primary Sydney contingent.
He said 60 former students from Australia would be attending the reunion this weekend.
He says this is the first reunion in 87 years and people are expecting to come out in numbers.
"We have people coming from as far as Bermuda, United Kingdom, United States, Australia and New Zealand.
"So generally there'll be about 3000 people coming to the reunion."
He said the great response from the former students came down to their upbringing at the school.
"People who have become successful in lives like doctors, lawyers and teachers - most of them attribute their success to St Thomas Primary," said Mr Cagica.
"I'm looking forward to meeting with classmates that I haven't met in over 40 years," said Mr Cagica.
The former St Thomas High School head boy was accompanied by Mr Hartley Eastgate whose mother, Dorothy Ryder taught at the school.
Mr Eastgate, who also arrived from Australia, said he had been a very strong supporter of the school.
Tomorrow has been declared an ice-breaker night with the registration of participants and a kati and hymn practice to allow for people to socialise and get to know each other.
On Saturday, a march of unity will take place from Shirley Park to the school ground, followed by a reunion mass and soli. The day's program will culminate in a Gala Night at Hotel 2000. Nadi based Simi Rova and Fiji Fusion will provide the music for the night while a guest appearance will be made by DA Soul Sound, a finalist in Australia Got Talent 2011.
On Sunday visiting former pupils have signed up for a day trip to Savala Island. The evening will end at Northern Club where a Aussie barbecue style night will be held. The celebrations will end on Monday with the cleaning of the school ground. The school building is also expected to be brushed with a fresh coat of paint.