It replaced several church and private schools that had been operating since the late 1850s.
Classes were initially held in the Church of England and Methodist school buildings.
The first head teacher was Mr Henry Thurlby and 300 students were enrolled.
The brick school building was opened by the Minister of Public Instruction, the Hon. Angus Mackay in 1875.
The State Treasurer, the Hon. James Service, was a guest at the opening.
Children at Maldon Primary School in around 1875 when it was called Maldon State School. (Source: Maldon Primary School)
1910 to 1920
Celebrating Coronation day at Maldon Primary School in 1911 when it was called Maldon State School. (Source: Maldon Primary School)
From 1910 to 1920 many deep gold mines were in operation.
The mines were very successful and the town boomed.
Attendance rose to 640.
1950s
Enrolments, which had reduced after the gold mining boom, increased in the 1950s.
A playground was added in 1953 and a teacher's house was bought in 1954.
Many families moved to the area during the Cairn Curran reservoir construction.
1962
The teacher's house was sold in 1962.
1970
The school's named changed to Maldon Primary School in 1970.
Attendance was about 120.
1973
Maldon marked its 100th anniversary.
A centenary publication was compiled by Col Gibson.
1980
Maldon Primary School building in 1980. Source: John T. Collins and the State Library of Victoria
2022
Maldon is still in operation.
Its brick school building is still the heart of the school.
Find more information about this school
The Public Record Office Victoria (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.
