Thursday, 20 March 2025

Watsonia Primary School

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:46): I want to wish Watsonia Primary School a very happy 65th birthday. On 2 February 1960 Watsonia Primary School opened its doors, and ever since it has been at the very centre of community life in Watsonia.

One of the many vivid stories of the early days of Watsonia Primary School is how the school sports oval was created. One of the first students was from a dairy farm on Grimshaw Street, so when the school decided it needed an oval this student’s father was called in with his Ferguson tractor to level out the ground, and students had the job of picking up the rocks, going backwards and forwards, that were left behind. This story is a great example of the community spirit at Watsonia Primary School.

Today it is still a wonderful place of learning – great teachers, great leadership, great students, great families and, can I say, great facilities. I am really pleased that our government recently completed and upgraded the school to reimagine an old school building, to build a new one and to build better outdoor facilities.

I would like to particularly give a shout-out to principal Paul Johnson and the school council, including president Megan Prictor, who are well and truly carrying on this community spirit to today. I also want to mention previous principal Jeanette Martin, who was passionate about the school and students. This Saturday the school celebrates with a history exhibit and a big open day with food, fun, music, classic cars and much more. Have a great birthday, Watsonia Primary School.