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150 years: Bairnsdale Primary School

Learn about the history of Bairnsdale Primary School, one of Victoria's oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
324 Main Street, Bairnsdale, 3875
Opened:
15 September 1864
School type:
Primary
School number:
754
Other names:
Bairnsdale Common School, Bairnsdale State School

The history of Bairnsdale Primary School

  • 1864

    Bairnsdale became a common school in 1864 when the Government took over responsibility for a private school. Classes were held in a timber slab building with a shingle roof and earth floor.

    The first head teacher was Charles Radford and the school was located on Macleod Street.

  • 1868

    A new school building opened in 1868 at the present site of the school. Radford was still head teacher at the time. He was assisted by his wife, Rose Radford.

  • 1870s

    The school became a state school between 1873 and 1878.

  • 1880s

    As the population of Bairnsdale grew, additions were made to the school to accommodate more students.

  • 1895

    Radford stopped teaching at the school after 27 years.

  • 1910s

    Further additions were made to the buildings as more and more students enrolled.

  • 1950

    A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) hut was moved to the school in 1950 to be used as a classroom.

  • 1954

    The population of Bairnsdale continued to grow and it was decided that there was a need for a new school. Bairnsdale West State School (No. 4725) opened in 1954.

  • 1970

    The school was renamed Bairnsdale Primary School in 1970.

  • 2022

    Bairnsdale Primary School is still in operation.

Find more interesting facts about this school

The Public Records Office (PROV) is the archive of Victoria's State and local government. They look after some of our oldest school records, and we can use these records to help us understand what school life used to be like.

Now it is your turn to do some detective work. Take a look to see what information they have on this school.

Updated