Glenferrie Primary School

The historical importance of Glenferrie Primary School lies in its representation of the significant rise in school enrollments in Victoria following the enactment of the 1872 Education Acts, as well as the rapid population growth in Melbourne during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This demographic shift necessitated the creation of numerous new schools and the ongoing expansion of existing institutions. Currently, Glenferrie Primary School boasts an enrollment of approximately 300 students, who collectively represent 27 different countries, highlighting the multicultural nature of the local community. In recent years, the school has undertaken construction projects to enhance both indoor and outdoor play areas for its students. These developments include a new assembly and sports hall, which also accommodates before and after-school care, as well as an oval and playground that serve as a focal point at the Manningtree Road entrance of the school. At present, efforts are underway to revitalize the school grounds, with the establishment of new gardens, a nature-based playground, and a vegetable garden. Additional gardens are planned to foster an appreciation among students for the native landscape and the significance of environmental stewardship. The house system, comprising Slyth, Jona, Martin, and Owen—each named in honor of distinguished former students—remains an integral part of the school’s culture. Students are assigned to a house upon enrollment, and every Monday, following assembly, they gather in their respective houses to engage in activities designed to strengthen community bonds and foster connections among students. Throughout the academic year, Glenferrie Primary School celebrates the diversity of its student body by hosting various events, including Harmony Day, Italian Day, and The Taste of Glenferrie. The school continues to thrive with the same vibrancy it exhibited upon its establishment in the 1800s.