About Us

Message from the Principal

At Balwyn Primary School we aim to develop in our students a love of learning, strong communication skills, the ability to be responsible, creative and critical thinkers and be socially conscious and connected.

We believe that all students need care and support as they grow. Students are better prepared for learning when they are happy, safe and healthy and our learning environment promotes integrity, self-motivation and empathy.

As a caring learning community, we promote ‘norms’ rather than ‘rules’ based upon values that will frame attitudes, behaviours and responsibilities.

The school highly values education as a partnership of children, staff, parents, and the local community.

Olivia Richards

School Philosophy

Nurturing global citizens for personal success in an ever changing world. We strive to provide educational excellence through vibrant teaching and a challenging, innovative and relevant curriculum which enables students to become internationally minded, responsible and respectful lifelong learners. We aim to develop in our students a love of learning, strong communication skills, the ability to be creative and critical thinkers and to be socially connected and resilient. Our school values the whole child and strives to develop strong self-esteem, confidence and independence within a stimulating, supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Student voice is valued and encouraged to shape and influence learning. We provide a developmental, differentiated curriculum with personalised learning within a multi-age structure. Our child centred approach acknowledges that children learn at different rates and have preferred learning styles. As a caring learning community we promote ‘norms’ based upon values that will frame attitudes, behaviours and responsibilities. Throughout the year, students participate in programs which practise human values, encourage a sense of personal responsibility and empower them to make conscious, considered choices. Students are supported to develop and apply their thinking in a productive, supportive and relevant learning context A technology rich environment supports student learning and our strong commitment to providing opportunities to enrich and enhance student learning is articulated through our Learning Enhancement program.

The school highly values education as a partnership of children, staff, parents and the local community. Our motto “Aim High” and School Values underpin our philosophy and these values are embedded in our teaching and learning programs and are reinforced through our student negotiated norms. The values that form the basis for all our learning are: Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Belonging and Empathy.

Acknowledgement of Country

Balwyn Primary School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our learning community.

We recognise and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, and contributions of First Nations peoples. We are committed to fostering a learning environment that respects and values their histories, cultures, and perspectives.

History of Balwyn Primary School

The history of Balwyn Primary School reflects many parallels existent today. The school was established by a group of enterprising local residents keen to provide an education for their students. The opening ceremony was well attended and the participants enjoyed music, singing and recitations.

That was back in 1868 and the same strong parental support and interest is still apparent. This is backed by a dedicated staff committed to providing quality programs.

1868
Opening of school at site of present RSL (22 pupils)

1869
Official title granted – Common School No 1026 Balwyn Road, Boroondara

1870
Gordon Bennett appointed headmaster

1872
The first music teacher appointed to teach singing

1880
Moved to present site (120 pupils)

1889
271 pupils. Despite extensions, the adjoining Parish Hall had to be leased

1890
A gymnasium class for girls commenced at St Barnabas

1914 – 1915
Purchase of land facing Rochester Road

1927
Second storey section built (608 pupils)

1951
Fire!! 83 years of records destroyed

1956
New buildings completed including an assembly hall

1992
New hall opened

1994
Balwyn Primary School – A School of the Future!

1996
Early Years of Schooling Complex opened

2002
Top Flats – Synthetic Grass Opening

2008
Redevelopment of Rochester Road Flats – synthetic grass and mural

2008
Completion of ICT Capable Classrooms Initiative

2010
Opening of New ‘Prep-2 Learning Space’

2012
Planting of the BPS Vegie Garden, “The G”

2013
A new shade structure – The Pavilion is erected

2014
Two new classrooms are installed as Balwyn grows

2015
Student numbers continue to grow – a further two classrooms are installed on the Rochester Road Flats

2015
Refurbishment of the Music Centre

2016
Two large sandpits installed north of the P-2 learning space
New synthetic turf and a running track on the Top Flats

2017
The Piazza is repaved and shade sails installed
Two new classrooms on the north side, new 3-6 playground and ropes equipment
Large shade sail over the sandpits on north side of F-2 learning space

2018
Two new classrooms, Amphitheatre, 150th Anniversary Celebration

2019
Prep active and passive play space in the North West corner
Large shade sail installed above the 1/2 playground equipment
Tree placement and hedging along Northern boundary

2020
Large pavilion shade sail is repaired following damage from high winds

2021
Sandpits renovated and enlarged

2022
Shade Sale installed 3/4 Ampitheatre
Southern Boundary Passive Play Space and Garden