Fitzroy Primary School

Gazing upon Fitzroy Primary School, can you hear the echoes of children’s laughter from generations past? Fitzroy Primary School first opened its doors in 1855 as Collingwood Commercial Academy. Classes were initially held in St. Mark’s church hall on Napier Street. Imagine the small group of students gathered, learning their ABCs in the hallowed space. Fitzroy Primary School transitioned to a common school around 1862, and then officially became a state school in 1872. A new schoolhouse was built on George Street in 1874. The school moved to its current location, right where we stand today. Fitzroy Primary School continued to evolve. In 1888, a caretaker’s home was added. The playground expanded in 1914 and again in 1961. During the Depression in the 1930s, a local church stepped up to provide free meals for the students, a testament to community spirit. The school also saw further construction in 1924 with the addition of new classrooms. In 1970, the school was officially renamed Fitzroy Primary School. A new building also opened on Napier Street that year. Fitzroy Primary School celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2005, bringing together past and present families. Today, Fitzroy Primary School continues its tradition of education, shaping young minds for the future.