Welcome to the history of Mount Macedon Primary School, nestled on the picturesque Mount Macedon.

 

Our journey began in 1858, when the Reverend R.T. Cummins opened the school without funding after the Denominational Schools Board rejected a request for aid in 1857. The original school building was a single room built with timber and served a small community of learners.

In the 1860s, the school transitioned to a common school under the leadership of head teacher James Day. As the community grew, so did the school, and by 1874, a new brick building was constructed to accommodate around 100 students. Albert de Forest was the head teacher during this period of expansion.

By 1918, the school, then known as Mount Macedon State School, was a well-established institution. A photograph from around this time shows students and teachers gathered at the flagpole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In 1919, a memorial drinking fountain was added to celebrate peace following the First World War, with George H. Clarke serving as the head teacher.

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The school’s centenary was celebrated in 1958 with the addition of ornamental entrance with bluestone pillars and wrought iron gates celebrating the centenary of the Mount Macedon School, opened by Sir Douglas Copeland, KBE, CMG. These gates, inscribed for the centenary, included a time capsule sealed into the post on the right-hand side, containing several documents and letters.

In 1970, the school was officially renamed Mount Macedon Primary School. Photographs from the State Library Victoria's Pictures Collection document this period, showing the school bell and the campus as it appeared between 1970 and 1999.

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In 1983, while celebrating its 125th birthday, Mount Macedon Primary School faced a pivotal moment during the devastating Ash Wednesday fires. The principal at the time was a young John Ewels, who after retiring ran may of our camps and our bike education programs. On the night of the fires, a school council meeting was held, and after the meeting, some councilors decided to sit outside for a drink. They quickly realized the severity of the situation and left to head home to their families. On that tragic day and night, Victoria experienced 180 fires, 75 lives were lost, and 2,545 homes were destroyed, including the original MMPS building.

Despite the widespread destruction, the school bell remained standing and now sits proudly at the front of our school as a symbol of resilience and our past history. Our Grade 6 students ring the bell as they depart the school on their final day, to remind us of our history and to signify hope and looking forward. The current stone entrance to the school, built with stones from the former school buildings, commemorates the rebuilding of the school that was destroyed in the fire.

A lot has changed over the years – we are more educated about fire risks and management, technology has improved, buildings now have fire ratings, weather is tracked more consistently and local fire brigades are now equipped with better vehicles and equipment. It is always important to us to reflect on this day and think about your own fire plan.

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In 2012 teacher and local resident, Trish Hyland joined MMPS as Principal.  In 2017 Trish introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) with the enthusiastic support of the school council and wider school community. This initiative marked a transformative period for our school, aligning our curriculum with global standards and providing our students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in an increasingly interconnected world. 

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In 2019, we refurbished a covered outdoor learning area and constructed a new STEAMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Music) Centre. These state-of-the-art facilities enhanced our educational offerings and provides students with opportunities to explore and excel in diverse fields.

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In 2023 we were successful in a Outdoor Inclusion Playground Grant from the Department of Education.  This project is currently n the planning stage and set to be completed in 2025.

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Our long-standing staff members have been the cornerstone of our school’s success.  Trish Hyland, who served as principal for over 12 years, left a lasting impression on students, parents, alumni, and the local community. Beyond her role at the school, Trish is a dedicated volunteer in the commuity, further exemplifying her commitment to the community.   The dedication, expertise, and passion for education of our staff have shaped the lives of countless students. Many of our staff have been with us for decades, often volunteering after retirement, providing stability and continuity that enriches our school culture. Their commitment ensures that every student receives the guidance and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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The middle of 2024 brought with it a new beginning as Joseph Flynn stepped into the role of principal at Mount Macedon Primary School. Building on the strong foundations of those before him, Joseph is committed to continuing the rich traditions of MMPS while fostering a supportive and vibrant learning environment for all students. His leadership focuses on maintaining the school’s close-knit community values while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Since joining, Joseph has introduced Compass, a platform designed to streamline communication between the school and the parent community. He has also collaborated with Year 6 students on the Leave Your Mark project, resulting in a whole-school Welcome to Country display on the front notice board, featuring artworks created by local artist Natalie from Chalky Designs. Additionally, the school now boasts a stunning playground mural generously donated by the Damen family, further enriching the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of MMPS.

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