Nel Reeve left teaching six years ago to become a civil celebrant, and after more than 30 years in the profession said her Bega Public School Kindergarten class of 2011 was the best she ever had.

With the pupils heading to high school in 2018, Ms Reeve reunited with them on Friday to reconnect and wish them well with their future.

“This [2011] was a significant year, being the final year before the amalgamation of Bega West and Bega Public Schools,’ she said.

“I miss the children, but still enjoy the fulfillment of working alongside people, offering assistance in a variety of life celebrations from weddings to funerals. I’m living proof you’re never too old to believe in yourself, be brave and pursue your dreams, and I’ve never been happier.

“They have reached an important milestone in their lives, having completed their primary education at Bega Valley Public School.”

With only four pupils missing from the original class, the pupils have a strong bond.

“Our class motto was ‘never settle for less than your best’, and it applies today. My message to these delightful children is to always dream big and have fun chasing them,” Ms Reeve said.

Pupils were full of praise for Ms Reeve, who left a lasting impression on them.

“It was fun, it seems like you grow up so fast but it doesn’t matter because you can still have fun with your Kindy,” 11-year-old Christian Allman said.

“When we had trouble reading she always helped us,” 12-year-old Lachlan Bassett said.

Tom Rixon said it was “awesome” to see Ms Reeve again.

“It’s good, it’s been a while,” he said.

Eleven-year-old Matilda Gauci’s favourite memories are of the class mascot “Blue Bear”, a stuffed animal which followed the class everywhere they went.

“I remember I was really upset at the end of Kindergarten because I didn’t want to let Blue Bear go, so she let me keep it,” Matilda said.