So it is with Wanniassa School, a preschool to year 10 school, which this year is celebrating its 40th birthday. A fun day will be held on Sunday at the preschool to mark the event.

The school has had several teachers over the years who were former students and principal Shane Gorman said others also went on to teach at other schools.

"I think it's really interesting the number of people who have gone through Wanniassa and gone on to be teachers. I think that probably says something about the school. Teaching is a very giving profession," he said.

The preschool and primary school opened in 1976.

"My understanding is the primary school opened before the senior school but importantly for us, we are celebrating as one school because we are one school," Mr Gorman said.

"It's certainly something exciting to celebrate.

"It's a great reflection on the growth of the school over a huge period of time. It's also fantastic to see the number of people who have attended the school and gone on to be successful in their chosen field."

Wanniassa School has about 500 students, 11 per cent Indigenous and 18 per cent with a language background other than English.

"I think that builds acceptance," Mr Gorman said.

"It certainly is a school where diversity is embraced."

Mr Gorman said the future of the school was looking bright.

"It is relatively small but it's a growing school," he said.

"I think as people understand the changes we're making and the personalised learning approach to education, we're certainly getting people interested.

"It is becoming a school of choice in the community. Although we do want to grow, we don't want to become a huge school, we want to keep that community feel to it."

Wanniassa Preschool P and C president Jane Allen urged the whole community to attend Sunday's fun day which was about celebrating the school past and present.

"It's a school with a lot of spirit and we'd love anyone with any association with the school across the 40 years to stop by and enjoy the fun," she said.

"Preschool is such a special time for a child and their family. At Wanniassa Preschool, we really feel like part of the community and the friendships made are everlasting."

The 40th anniversary fun day will be held at the school campus in Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Attractions including Kenny Koala, Nomad the Magician, fire engine, showbags, craft stalls, reptiles display and more. A birthday cake will be cut at midday with the help of Canberra MP Gair Brodtmann. People can also pick up a form to buy a commemorative brick to help support the preschool.