CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF WARRNAMBOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL

The time is approaching quickly. 2026 is a very special year for Warrnambool Primary School as we proudly celebrate 150 years of education, community and history.

Our celebrations will take place during the week of 12th–17th October, culminating in a very special 150th Celebration Day on Saturday 17th October 2026.

We are planning a wonderful day for current and former students, staff, families and members of the wider community to come together and celebrate the rich history of our school. The day will include an official welcome, opportunities to explore the school, historical displays, photographs, special guest speakers, food and plenty of activities for children.

It promises to be a memorable celebration of the generations of students, families and staff who have made Warrnambool Primary School such an important part of our community.

Saturday 17th October 2026 commencing 10:30am sharp. Please join us as we celebrate 150 wonderful years.

THE NEED FOR A LARGE CENTRAL STATE SCHOOL AT WARRNAMBOOL

As shown in our research notes on School 661 Warrnambool, authority (Ministerial Order) was given in July 1874 for the planning of a new State school to proceed. On 4 July 1874 the Inspector-General’s memo on this read:

“I have already recommended this is an urgent case”;

the memo of Departmental Architect, Henry Bastow, of 8 July 1874 is as follows: “I received authority under the M.O. a few days ago. The plans shall be pushed on with as little delay as possible.”

District Inspector Thomas Brodribb on 27 June 1874 had outlined the need for a large State school in these words:

“The present school accommodation for Warrnambool is inadequate and most inconvenient. I am of the opinion that the time has now arrived for the erection of a good central State school. At my recent visits I found about 600 children in three State schools, but the number was unduly low on account of the prevalence of whooping cough, etc. The ordinary aggregate attendance is 700 or about that . . . The population of Warrnambool is nearly 5,000, and it is rapidly increasing; it is, in fact, equal to the united population of Belfast and Portland. But, as the outlying families who send children to school are numerous, the actual school population will come from a total of scarcely less than 6,000 people. I therefore fear that provision for an attendance of 800 children only, may after the present year become insufficient in this rapidly growing town.”

HISTORICAL DRESS-UP DAY - FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER

To help celebrate our 150th Anniversary, students are invited to dress up in historical clothing for our special celebration.

There’s no need to buy anything new, we encourage families to look around home or borrow from friends and family to piece together an olden-day outfit.

Some easy everyday items that can help create a wonderful historical look include caps, vests, aprons, long socks, button-down shirts, shorts, ties, bonnets and long skirts.

You can even try creating a hair rag hairstyle for an extra touch of olden-day fun. Instructions are included on the flyer.

Have fun getting creative and travelling back in time as we celebrate 150 years of Warrnambool Primary School!

REGIONAL ATHLETICS - FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Congratulations to Bowie, Montana and Sylvie for qualifying for the Regional Atheltics meet to be held tomororw in Ballarat.

We are proud of your efforts so far and wish you all the best.

AFTERNOON PICK-UP TIMES – STUDENT SAFETY

A friendly reminder to all parents and carers that our afternoon bell rings at 3:20pm each day.

It is vital that parents and carers are on time to collect their children promptly at 3:20pm. We have recently had a number of instances where students have been waiting at the school office for up to an hour to be collected. This can be upsetting for students and places additional pressure on our staff who need to supervise children after the school day has finished.

We also ask that parents and carers remind their children each morning about their afternoon collection arrangements, particularly when there is a change to their usual routine. Knowing who is collecting them, where they are going and what the arrangements are helps children feel confident and secure.

Student safety is always our first priority. Thank you for your support in ensuring children are collected promptly and that they know their afternoon arrangements each day.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

YEAR 7 - WARRNAMBOOL COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT

Warrnambool College invites all 2027 Year 7 students to their information session about transitioning to secondary school on Monday 19th October at 6pm.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Lee

Principal

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