GAVIN Presland was just six years old when he walked through the gates of Paterson Public School.

He didn't know it then, but it would become the school to educate three generations of his family.

The primary school is celebrating its 150 th anniversary this week and Mr Presland was honoured to be part of its history.

"My brother and sister were both captains of the school on the day when it first opened at the new site," he said.

The Paterson district was settled before 1820, and as the town grew, children were educated at a Church of England School. It wasn't until 1875 that a public school was established, and 60-70 students attended.

Today, the school operates from Webbers Creek Road and enrols 104 students from the area.

Mr Presland, now 70, said that while he didn't enjoy the

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