150 years: Woodside Primary School

Learn about the history of Woodside Primary School,
one of Victoria’s oldest public schools.

The History of Woodside Primary School

Address:               39-41 Prince Street, Woodside, 3874
Opened:                1 January 1873
School type:          Primary
School number:   1176
Other names:       Woodside Common School, Woodside State School

  • 1873

    Woodside Primary School opened. It replaced Woodside Rural School (No. 130).
    Edward Fry was the first head teacher. He was also the head teacher at Woodside Rural School.
    The average number of students was 24. 

  • 1875

    A new wooden school building was finished. It included a teacher’s house.

  • 1888

    A room and a veranda were added to the teacher’s house.

  • 1890

    An extra two portable rooms were added to the teacher’s house.

  • 1909

    Woodside worked part-time with Darriman West State School (No. 3070).
    The schools shared a single teacher, who had to divide their time between both schools. This was due to low student numbers at both schools.

  • 1920s

    During the 1920s a timber school building was built.

  • 1958

    On 10 April 1958 Woodside School Mothers’ Club was formed. The president was Mrs C. Forster and the secretary was Mrs T. Binks.

  • 1960

    A new building consisting of one classroom, corridor and office was added to the existing school.

  • 1970

    The name of the school changed to Woodside Primary School in 1970.

  • 2010

    A new school was built on the same site.

    The building includes three big classrooms and a central learning area.

  • 2022

    Woodside Primary School is still in operation.
    The school building built in the 1920s is used for visual art, instrumental music, and as a library.

We were blown away by the turnout we had at our 150th celebrations. The festivities spanned two incredible days, and this video highlights the joy from our Saturday events. If you’re curious about the Friday fun, check out edition 17 of WPS News. A special thanks goes out to our amazing friends and families whose support played a key role in bringing everything together. Your contributions made our celebration truly special!