School History

South Geelong State School Number 2143 was officially opened on the 1st of August 1879.

The site for a new school in South Geelong was chosen in November 1877. It was just over two acres in size and bounded by Kilgour, Yarra and Mundy Streets.

The following November, tenders were received for the construction of a brick school building to accommodate 404 pupils, at a cost of just over 2,500 pounds, with an anticipated completion date set for July 7^th 1879.

South Geelong State School Number 2143 was officially opened on the 1^st of August 1879. On this day 300 scholars marched down Yarra Street from school Number 173 Christ Church.

These children were joined by 100 scholars from South Geelong Wesleyan School Number 591 and the children marched in a body to form the new school. The first Head Teacher, Charles Watson, enrolled 411 children representing Grades 1 to 8.

In 1893, the school was amalgamated with Swanston Street State School and only Junior grades up to year 4 attended. After a petition was circulated, grades 5-8 recommenced at South Geelong on April 19^th 1909.

During the 1920s a paling fence separated the playground into boys and girls sections.

In 1929, the school community joined in Jubilee Celebrations to mark 50 years of education on this site.

In 1942, during World War 2, the parents constructed air-raid shelters for the pupils. Instead of fire drills, the students participated in air raid drills.

In 1950, a small school building, originally Marshall State School, was placed in the grounds for use as a Rural Training School for students from the Geelong Teachers’ College. This room has also been used as a classroom, for Reading Recovery lessons and as a Conference Room.

The front of the school was remodelled during 1975. A new General Office, enlarged Principal’s office, an Art and Multi-purpose room were useful additions to the school. The new facilities were also used after hours by various community groups.

A year later on July 21^st, the Infant Department which was located in relocatable classrooms, was destroyed by fire whilst the students were at films. These buildings were replaced by two permanent classrooms in 1978.

During 1979, as a special project to mark the Centenary of the school, the school bell was replaced on the roof in a new bell tower. It had been removed during tiling works in the 1950s. A time capsule was also placed at the front door of the school.

In 1994 Swanston Street Primary School was closed and 43 former pupils and three teachers transferred to South Geelong Primary School. A new Mod 5 building was added to accommodate the increased numbers.

After years of negotiating, plans for the construction of eight new classrooms were completed in 2002. Demolition of existing permanent rooms, relocation of portable classrooms and construction of a two-storey building commenced in early 2003. Classes moved into the new building during Term 3 2003.

The school has enjoyed a long association with Austin Homes in Yarra Street, with former students meeting at the ‘Clock Tower’ and Jubilee celebrations being conducted at the school. In 2009 the school choir performed at Austin Homes 125^th Anniversary Celebrations and Year 5 students presented a hand stitched wall mural which was displayed in the main foyer.

A modernization project was undertaken in 2008-9 to transform the heritage building into a highly interactive Multi-Media / Library Centre, an inspiring Art room and a Studio classroom upstairs.  A new building for Performing Arts and Out of School Hours Care was constructed. A vibrant administration wing was built to link the historical building to the modern and flexible teaching and learning spaces designed for future generations of young learners.

In 2010, a double story classroom building was constructed to create a prep learning hub with a large deck, linking learning to the outdoor spaces. Upstairs a flexible learning space was designed for senior students with a shared learning hub incorporated to link all neighbouring classrooms.

In 2023, we proudly opened a new gymnasium adjacent to our existing music and out-of-school hours care facilities. This gymnasium has quickly become a central hub for student learning, well-being, and community engagement, providing a versatile space for physical education, sports, and various school events. Its integration into our school environment enhances opportunities for collaboration and supports our commitment to fostering a healthy and active community.