Carla Johnson stepped into the Whalan Public Preschool and headed straight for the photo boards that were covered with pictures of students from across the preschool’s 50 years.

“The preschool is so different now,” she said as her daughters played nearby.

“I remember being here, and I liked my preschool teachers. But I have to say I love my kids' preschool teachers more.

Ms Johnson said all four of her children would attend the preschool, as she did 20 years ago.

Whalan Public School Preschool opened its doors on 30 July 1975; the same year colour television arrived in Australia, the Vietnam War ended, and Jaws made its debut at the cinema.

Around 75 people joined in the golden anniversary celebration, including past and present educators, Mt Druitt Director Educational Leadership, Tom Moth, teachers from the adjoining Whalan Primary School, and several families with intergenerational connection to the preschool.

All five members of the Dartnell “family gang” were in attendance shepherded by Rebecca Dartnell. Her youngest son, Arthur, graduated from Whalan preschool just last year, while eldest daughter Lilith, now in her senior years of high school, spoke of her aspiration to follow a career in forensic science.

The family eagerly searched through the photo displays and memorabilia to find pictures of themselves and other relatives who attended Whalan preschool.

The afternoon began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country performed by current preschoolers alongside educators

Principal Michelle Gallop later addressed the crowd, estimating that the preschool had supported the early education of between 3,000 and 4,000 students over the past 50 years.

“That’s a lot of stories read, songs sung, and shoelaces tied,” she said.

Lead educator Cathy Habib was delighted with the turnout on a cold and rainy day.

“The weather certainly did not keep anyone away.” she said.

Ms Habib said it was a beautiful afternoon filled with laughter, smiles, reminiscing and reunion.

“It was great to see all the previous students, educators and families sharing memories and hunting for photos of themselves in the display,” she said. “And we had several families with multiple generations who came along – there were some remarkable likenesses in the photos.”

The event finished up with the ceremonial cutting of a celebration cake and sweet green cupcakes for all.

Ms Gallop congratulated the team, praising the preschool for consistently “exceeding expectations”; a play on their exceeding National Quality Standard (NQS) which means going above and beyond what is expected.

“This is not just a preschool but a place where thousands of young lives have taken their first educational steps,” she said.

Ms Habib wholeheartedly agreed.

“We feel so lucky to have such an amazing and connected community, it really makes our preschool a family,” she said.