Here’s a question for you. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to attend a school where community and inclusivity are at the heart of everything? That’s Brunswick South Primary School. It’s a government primary school in Brunswick East Melbourne. Brunswick South Primary School is not just a place of learning. It’s a place where students thrive.
The school has a rich history dating back to 1886. The Victorian Education Department bought land for a school in Brunswick Road in 1873 because of a rapidly increasing population. The school opened as South Brunswick State School on May 1 1886. The school was a two-story brick building with six rooms and a headmaster’s office. It was designed to accommodate 498 children. Imagine that. Despite the large number of enrolled pupils the average attendance during the first year was 491 students.
Brunswick South Primary School faced challenges in the 1990s. The Kennett state government earmarked it to be sold off. The local community fought to save the school. This shows how much the community values this school.
The school’s buildings are a significant landmark on Brunswick Road. The buildings are protected by a Heritage Overlay in the Moreland Planning Scheme. This recognizes their historical and architectural importance. The main building is a large Gothic style structure. It is recognizable for its high pitched slate roof and pointed arches.
Brunswick South Primary School is an English Italian bilingual school. The school was welcomed into this arena in 2017. Italian had been taught within the school for over twenty years. In 2012 the school began offering students a program where Italian was used to deliver parts of the curriculum.
What does being bilingual mean at Brunswick South Primary School? Well it means a different thing to each student. One student shared that by accident she started telling her mum about her day in Italian. She was able to tick off learning another language before her eighth birthday.
Brunswick South Primary School is committed to environmental sustainability. It has established links with CERES and the Moreland Council. The school is also accredited for international students. It’s funded for specialist teaching aides for students with disabilities.
Brunswick South Primary School has produced notable alumni. Sir Kenneth Luke and Russell Charles Hitchcock attended. Russell Charles Hitchcock is an Australian vocalist with Air Supply.
Brunswick South Primary School has a motto. Imparare insieme creare insieme vivere insieme. That means Learn together create together live together.