That was until Saturday, when hundreds of people returned to Illowa for a long awaited reunion.

The Illowa State School opened 160 years ago and St Columba’s School opened a century ago in 1918. Both schools co-existed until their closure in 1968 due to dwindling numbers.

The reunion was held at the old school – now known as the Illowa Hall – on Saturday.

Attendees enjoyed a cake cutting ceremony, food and drinks, a cemetery walk and simply reminiscing on old times.

Koroit resident Helen Collins, who started at St Columba’s School in 1957, said she couldn’t sleep for six months because she was so excited about the event. 

“I thought the day would never come,” she said. 

Event organising committee member Wendy Lane said she was thrilled with the turn out with about 300 people attending the event over the two days.

“We’ve had people from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and all around Victoria, as well as locally,” she said.   

“We basically contacted one family member and they rallied the troops for us. 

“There has been a lot of people reconnecting and saying ‘oh my goodness I haven’t spoken to that person for 30 years’.

“Sometimes we just need a reason to slow down and catch up. It’s been great.”

Mrs Lane said the committee collected photos and memorabilia, all of which was displayed at the hall throughout the day.

Coburg’s Marie Toole wrote a short story of her time at St Columba’s, between 1933 and 1941. 

She said students didn’t have pens or pencils, but old slates. 

“The boys would delight in dragging their nails down the slate to make the girls grit their teeth at the horrible sound,” she said.

“One year a ball was planned, this was very exciting and we, in grade one, were to perform the Maypole dance. But unfortunately, one by one, the children went down with measles and I succumbed, so that was the end of balls.”