Two years later, their wish was granted, and 100 years on, Kitchener Public School is the still at the heart of the community, as was proven at the school's centenary celebrations on Friday.

Current and former students and staff, community members and dignitaries gathered at the school and shared many happy memories of their time at the school.

Former principals Bruce Sneddon (1993-2012), Todd Osland (2012-2015) and Luke Somerville (were among those in attendance).

Former student Lindsay Teasdale recalled his days as a Kitchener schoolboy in the 1950s, when his teacher wore a suit and rode his bike to the school after catching the train to Cessnock; students rarely wore shoes, and there was a strong focus on reading, writing and arithmetic.

Mr Teasdale joined administration manager Sue Richard (who coordinated the centenary celebrations) to cut the anniversary cake.

A bench seat was presented to the school as a gift for the 100^th anniversary and was unveiled as part of the celebrations by Ms Richard and fellow long-serving staff member Sue Firth.

"It's a wonderful, special day," Ms Richard said.

Ms Firth, who started teaching at Kitchener Public School in term four of 1999, six months before Ms Richard began working at the school.

Ms Firth said it had been "an honour and a privilege" to be a part of the school and community.