California Gully Primary School

Melbourne, Australia

  • Day School

  • 1883

  • $ N/A-N/A

    • Australian

School History & Details

California Gully Primary School is located on Staley Street in California Gully, positioned between Bendigo and Eaglehawk. Established in 1883, the school is also referred to as "Bell Topper Hill." The California Gully suburb falls within the Greater City of Bendigo. The school attracts students from the surrounding areas, including California Gully, Maiden Gully, Eaglehawk, and Long Gully. It collaborates with nearby schools such as Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North, Comet Hill Primary Schools, and Eaglehawk Secondary College. The historic red brick building accommodates two classrooms, a general office, a computer lab, and a conference room. The library is located in a newer facility constructed under the Federal Government's Building the Education Revolution initiative in 2011, and the school features a spacious multi-purpose building. In early 2009, the school was fortunate to acquire a new oval with synthetic turf. By mid-2011, classes transitioned from portable classrooms to the modern building adjacent to the original red brick structure. The school is dedicated to the belief that every child is capable of learning, which is best achieved in a collaborative environment involving students, staff, and parents. In this nurturing atmosphere, students are encouraged to cultivate self-discipline, collaborate effectively with peers, take pride in their school and work, appreciate achievements, and show respect towards staff and fellow students. The curriculum is aligned with the Victorian Essential Learnings framework. The school provides a robust Health, Physical Education, and Sports program, allowing all students to acquire fundamental motor skills and participate in organized intra- and inter-school sports. The school community is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all children to grow and learn. There is a strong focus on enhancing children's social skills through various programs, including Jigsaw and Learn for Life.

    School Values

  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Excellence
School Achievements

Achievements

Strong academic performance: Actively participates in Premier’s Reading Challenge; maintains literacy and numeracy outcomes around state norms, supported by robust daily English and maths programs and specialist lessons including Science, Music, Visual Arts, PE, and French . Garden-based learning: Operates a popular Kitchen Garden program, engaging students through hands-on agricultural experiences . Community grants: Hosted initiatives like the “Friendly Free Time” lunchtime support program, supported via a Newsboys Foundation grant—fostering inclusion and social engagement .
School Achievements

Non-Academic Achievements

Wellbeing initiatives: Offers programs like Breakfast Club, Healthy Eating, and ‘Dogs Connect’, plus a Junior School Council to promote wellbeing, student voice, and life skills  . Community involvement: Strong parent and community engagement is evident through active school council participation, playgroup, and OSHC services  . Supportive culture: Programs promoting healthy eating and social inclusion foster a nurturing, inclusive school environment .

School Information

Historic heritage: The school originally opened in 1859 (as Roper’s School), underwent several changes, and relocated to a new building in 1883. It remains operational as School No. 123 . Rece...View moreView Less

Mr. Andrew Frawley

Link

03 5446 8393

Staley St, California Gully 3556.

Subjects & Curriculum Offered

  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • History
  • Sociology
  • Political Science
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • English
  • Social Studies

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