The Department of Education and Training (DET) is celebrating 150 years of public education in Victoria, with the 2022 school year to be filled with activities and events to mark the major milestone.
Minister for Education, James Merlino visited Essendon Primary School, Melbourne’s oldest continuously-operating Government school, to announce the anniversary celebrations of the Education Act 1872, which was passed on 17 December 1872.
Mr Merlino said Victoria was the first State in Australia, and one of the first in the world, to make education free, secular and compulsory to all children aged six to 15.
“This is a really special milestone for Victorian education – celebrating 150 years of our pioneering education system, while looking towards the future to continue giving our students the very best opportunities in life,” he said.
“While many aspects of Victoria’s education may have changed, the idea that every child should have access to a free, secular, high-quality education, regardless of their background, will never change.
“I encourage all Victorians and Victorian schools to share their educational history via the 150 Years website, and help commemorate the integral role Government schools have played in the educational fabric of our State.”
Mr Merlino said the milestone would be marked with a range of activities across the year, designed to commemorate the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future of education.
The Minister said a dedicated website would feature the 483 original Government schools from 1872 alongside every other Government school established since, “displaying a selection of digitally preserved historical records from the past 150 years including school history summaries, enrolment registers and photos”.
“There are undoubtedly thousands more historical gems yet to be uncovered to tell Victoria’s long and proud education history – and anyone with photos, documents or other vintage school treasures that can be added to the website is encouraged to email them to [email protected] to help build this digital time capsule,” he said.
The State’s 150th education anniversary website can be accessed at this PS News link.
