150 years: Echuca Primary School

Echuca opened in 1858. There were 40 students enrolled when the school opened. Classes were held in a tent.

The tent was destroyed.

A new schoolhouse was built. It was big enough for 430 students. However the number of students enrolled was 999.

The school became a common school in 1862.

There were 39 students enrolled at the school (23 boys and 16 girls).

The school became a state school at some stage between 1873 and 1878.

A new school was opened in October 1874.

More classrooms were added to the school in 1877. It was now big enough for 632 students. However, the number of students enrolled was 1,339.

There was one head teacher, 6 assistant teachers and 6 pupil teachers. Pupil teachers were older students who helped to teach the younger students.

A large part of the school building was destroyed by fire on 27 February 1890. Eight classrooms, the bell-tower and the head teacher's office were destroyed.

In 1921 a home was obtained for the head teacher. This house became very run down and was demolished.

Around this time, another house was built by soldiers who had returned from the second world war. The house was part of the training they were doing at the local Technical College.

The number of students at the school had increased. A new 2-room block was built opposite the main school. It was called 'The Annexe'.

An event was held to recognise that the school had been open for 100 years.

Two more classrooms were added to ‘The Annexe'.

There were 555 students now enrolled at the school.

The school was renamed Echuca Primary School in 1970.

Echuca Primary School is still in operation.