By Matthew Sims
‘Once a Willy kid, always a Willy kid’ has been the catch cry for Williamstown Primary School students for a number of years.
The school celebrated the 116th anniversary of the opening of its red brick building, which was opened as an infant school in 1906, on Monday, May 23.
As part of Education Week [May 22-28], the school has looked back on its history and legacy ahead of 150th anniversary celebrations next year.
Williamstown historian Brian Haynes said the school was launched in 1873 in the Williamstown Mechanics Institute following the implementation of the Education Act in late 1872, which brought in the state school system.
“Many children received little or no education prior to the state school system and there was a fear of the ‘gutter children’ over-taxing the new school system,” he said.
Acting principal Mathew Montebello said the school had a colourful story to tell over its 149 years, including one of the buildings being chosen as a hospital to treat victims of the Spanish flu epidemic in 1919.
“The school itself has a huge amount of history,” he said.
Within the first few days, there were 24 patients severely ill and around 72 patients were treated during the pop-up hospital’s seven weeks of operation.
Mr Montebello said a group of staff members have been at the school for a number of years, including principal Andrea Duxson [13 years], Marina Robb, Jo Wilson, Robin Nankivell, Rochelle White, Mary Colangelo and himself [22 years].
“There’s a number of kids where I taught their parents,” he said.
Current students and sisters Lola, 10, and Elsie, 8, were the fourth generation of students from their family to attend the school.
An ex-student himself, Mr Haynes said it was a common occurrence to see four or five generations of the same family attend the school.
“I was a student in the mid-1960s and my children attended from 1991 to 2001,” he said.
Education Minister James Merlino said Education Week was a chance for all within the education system to celebrate the past, present and future of Victoria’s connections to teaching and learning.
“I encourage every student, parent, carer, teacher, and educator to take part in the variety of events and activities being held across the state,” he said.
Ahead of 150th anniversary celebrations next year, the Department of Education has organised a digital time capsule full of photos, reports or other trivia, with anyone welcome to send their memories to 150years@education.vic.gov.au.
Details: www.vic.gov.au/education-week-2022
