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It's 50 years and counting for Millerton School — "the little school with the big heart" — and committee members are busy preparing for reunion celebrations.

Scheduled for the weekend of August 15-17, school principal Muriel MacCullam, said she is hoping to see a great turn out to celebrate the milestone.

"We are looking forward to seeing everyone who attended Millerton over the last 50 years coming out and taking the time to catch up and remember the good times," said MacCullam.

She said the message they would like to get out to the community is that if anyone knows where former students or classmates are located and if they could pass on the information pertaining to the reunion, "... it would be very much appreciated."

To register in advance, go to the school's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21588660532, or register at the school on Friday, August 15, at 7 p.m. The cost of registration is $10. Students under the age of 14 being will be admitted free as long as they are accompanied by an adult, MacCullam said, adding the best way for anyone to register is through the Facebook site.

"What we have been trying to do is contact someone from each class in the hopes they will spread the word to others. If anyone out there knows of anyone who might be interested in attending please get the word out to them," she said.

Following the registration there will be a meet and greet.

Breakfast on Saturday morning will be available at the Renous Recreation Centre from 8-11 a.m. at a cost of $5 per person.

A tea to recognize the contributions of former and present staff members to the school and community will be held in the home economics room at the school from 12-1:30 p.m.

Other activities taking place on Saturday include a tour of the school, an opportunity to view photo displays and to enjoy a comedy presented by the drama club from 1-3 p.m.

"At the same time, there will be activities outdoors for everyone to enjoy. We will have a barbecue hosted by the home and school association running until 4:30 p.m.," said MacCullam, adding all are welcome to attend the barbecue as a community event.

A dance at the arena in Renous is planned for Saturday evening, beginning at 9 p.m. It will be open to those 19 and older, whether registered for the reunion or not, at a cost of $5 per person. Anyone interested in attending the dance can pick up their tickets when they register on Friday evening, at the breakfast on Saturday morning or at the school until 5 p.m. on the day of the event.

"The local area Girl Guides will be looking after the barbecue as part of their fundraising efforts and we also have the Miramichi River Cruisers taking part in the afternoon's activities," said MacCullam.

On Sunday, the committee will host a community homecoming day to mark the end of the reunion weekend.

The reunion committee asks anyone who can to please provide school memorabilia for the weekend of the reunion.

Built to accommodate an increasing school population, the school opened in January 1958 and saw students from Kirkwood, McKinleyville, Doyle's Brook, Quarryville, Upper Derby (Parks), Bryenton, Millerton, Williamstown, Lower Derby, Derby Junction, South Esk (Scotts) and White Rapids come together.

At the time of its official opening, the school housed grades 7-12, with the last graduating classes taking place in 1970. A total of 147 students graduated from the school from 1958-1970.

From June 1970 to 1986, Millerton was a junior high school and in 1987, the elementary children formerly housed in Quarryville, Millerton and Lower Derby were relocated to the school following an addition onto the facility.

Today the school offers classes to students from Kindergarten through Grade 8.