Bacchus Marsh Primary School marks 175 years

VICTORIA’S oldest still operating state school celebrated its one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary on Tuesday 13 May.

The students and staff at Bacchus Marsh Primary School No 28 spent the day in 1850s costumes, learning what school was like in that time. They played old-style games, had a go at bush dancing, enjoyed cake and ice cream, and contributed to a time capsule which will be opened in 25 years.

BMPS principal Melinda Williams said it was a privilege to mark the significant birthday.

“Bacchus Marsh Primary School is very proud of its history, and to be the oldest still operating government school in Victoria,” she said.

“We like to look at our history as living history, and continue to connect children to the past as much as we connect them to the present and support them to look enthusiastically to the future.

“We see it as a responsibility to carry on a proud history at Bacchus Marsh Primary School.”

During a morning assembly, students heard from past staff and students, including former assistant principal Chris Brown, who embodied first BMPS head teacher Henry Ball.

“For the very first time ever, we sang a song celebrating the history of Bacchus Marsh Primary School which was really exciting,” Ms Williams said.

“We were also welcomed to Country by Daniel Ross, a parent and Wurundjeri man, and the children have been engaging in a smoking ceremony, bush dancing, marbles, hopscotch, elastics, and knuckles.”

School captain Avery said learning about the school’s history was important.

“It’s good to understand what all the kids used to go through,” she said.

“Some of the biggest differences between the 1850s and now are the uniforms, and girls not being able to go to school and experience it all.

“We’re very proud of our school because it is the oldest school still running in Victoria.”

Margaret Love started working at BMPS in 1968 and retired in 2023. Her passion is teaching.

“It’s such a magnificent, fulfilling profession and this school has been such an integral part of the community and so many lives,” she said.

“It’s been like a second home to me and there are so many children you still meet up with who you’ve taught; some parents and grandparents now.

“The anniversary is a huge privilege for education in Bacchus Marsh and for government education.

“I’ve loved the history of the school, and being part of it.”