Hurstville Public School has celebrated its 150th anniversary, drawing an estimated 8,000 people to a community fair that doubled as a snapshot of just how much the area has changed.

Held under sunny skies and coinciding with the end of NSW Public Education Week, the milestone event brought together current students, alumni and families for a day of performances, market stalls, rides and food from across the local community.

In the lead up, the school had arranged a video link-up with 106-year-old former student, Florence McIlhagger, now living in Queensland.

The sprightly centurion joined current students for a conversation spanning her time at the school from 1927.

“There wasn’t a day I didn’t like school. They were very happy days for me,” she recalled.

The school's main hall was transformed into a museum-style exhibit, showcasing photographs and artefacts charting Hurstville Public School's evolution since it opened 150 years ago.

That history also mirrors the transformation of the surrounding suburb, from a largely Anglo community in its early decades to a hub for Eastern European and then Chinese migration, and today one of Sydney's most multicultural pockets.

Two stages ran throughout the day, with student performers joined by community dance and music groups for a program that engaged audiences of all ages.

The event was made possible by 150 volunteers, who supported every aspect of the fair to ensure a smooth day for attendees.

The celebration was attended by Georges River Mayor, Elise Borg, NSW Department of Education Deputy Secretary, Deb Summerhayes, Federal Member for Barton, Ash Ambihaipahar, school principal, Mark Steed and relieving Director Educational Leadership, Betty Romeo.

Mr Steed praised the school community for its role in the milestone.

"Saturday was a truly remarkable day for the school and local community and students," he said.