Ceres Primary School

Ceres Primary School commemorated its centenary in 1975, during which the following information was shared with attendees: Ceres Primary School was established in 1875, marking the centenary of this significant event. However, this was not the inception of education in the Barrabool Hills. In fact, an Anglican Denominational School (SS Barrabool Hills no 50) was already operational as early as 1848, located near the current church. This building, which still exists, is likely the first constructed outside the metropolitan areas of Melbourne and Geelong. It was built through public donations on land provided by Messrs Swanston and Willis, with support from the Bishopric and the Denominational Schools Board. The inaugural teacher was Mr. James Clowes, followed by Messrs Trythall, Low, Clark, Lawrence, Donnithorne, and Hartshorn. Looking ahead, Ceres Primary School is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025, and the planning committee is currently in the initial phases of organizing this significant event.