For 40 years, Kim Thomas-Phillips wondered what had become of the students in her first class at West Pembroke Primary School.

Throughout the past four decades of teaching, in her native Bermuda and across the United States, the P4 class of 1986-87 has always been at the back of her mind

This week, she finally got to find out how those pupils, now middle-aged adults, are doing when, on a visit back to the island for a family wedding, she held a class reunion.

Dr Thomas-Phillips’s idea paid off as ten former pupils came to say hello to their former teacher as she greeted them by the flagpole on Front Street on Tuesday.

One managed a video call, while another from a separate P4 class at the time also stopped by, as well as two parents.

Dr Thomas-Phillips told The Royal Gazette that the experience was one she will “never forget”.

“The day turned out to be all I’d hoped it would be,” she said.

“I simply wanted to know that they were happy and productive with a supportive group of family and friends around them. For most, that is the case.

“I had each student who came take a picture with me as he or she pointed to the younger version of themselves.

“Also, I told them not to tell me their names. I wanted to study their faces then look at the class picture and guess who they were. I was correct for all but one.

“I received lots of hugs and kisses. Most stayed about 20 minutes but one stayed about three hours.

“He was the one I wanted to hear from the most for various reasons.

“I was overjoyed to hear he had manoeuvred the ups and downs of life to become the admirable man he is today.”

She added: “I saw pictures of kids, grandkids and spouses.

“It was a heart-warming day that I’ll never forget.”

A group chat has since been set up to continue the celebration of P4 West Pembroke 1986-87 by celebrating birthdays, births, graduations, anniversaries, promotions and life.

Dr Thomas-Phillips said: “We’ll reach out to those overseas and include them.

“Many of the students who came hadn’t seen each other in years or since primary school. So it is a good thing for everyone.”