Camberwell South Primary School Turns Back Time to Celebrate 100 Years of Excellence
Camberwell South Primary School (CSPS) is set to turn back time as it celebrates 100 years of serving the community and shaping young minds
Founded in September 1925, the school is commemorating its centenary with a special celebration day on Friday 19 September, with past and present members of the school community invited to attend and share in the milestone.
Students will attend a whole school assembly on the junior sports ground, Clark Square, at 9:00 AM, participate in old-fashioned games and the school grounds will be divided into girls’ and boys’ playgrounds, as they were until the 1960s. All community members are welcome to join the celebration assembly, followed by morning tea, archive display and school tour.
Originally opened as Camberwell South State School No. 4170 in Edna Street, now Peate Avenue, Glen Iris, CSPS has a rich history. From its humble beginnings with 267 students to becoming a pillar of the local community, the school has evolved while maintaining its commitment to providing quality education.
“This is a momentous occasion for Camberwell South Primary School,” says current Principal Natasha Cummins.
“We are incredibly proud of our school’s legacy and the positive impact it has had on generations of students and families. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to an exciting future, continuing to provide a nurturing and innovative learning environment for our students.”
To mark this milestone, the school will be laying a new deck outside the Grade 4 classrooms with the opportunity for school families and alumni to purchase a decking board made from sustainable wood with their name engraved as a lasting memory. 100-year fundraising beanies were also produced in winter to keep heads warm and as a token for students of the time.
CSPS boasts a long list of distinguished alumni, including comedian Barry Humphries and AFL player Jordan De Goey. The school also maintains a strong connection to its past, with many former students returning as parents.
Morgan Lacey, a past student and current parent at CSPS says “Camberwell South Primary School holds a special place in my heart. The sense of community and the values instilled in me during my time here have stayed with me throughout my life. I’m so proud to see my own children experiencing the same wonderful education and supportive environment that I did.”
The school’s history is marked by significant events, including its use during World War II when students packed food parcels for Britain and participated in air raid drills. These experiences fostered a sense of community and resilience that continues to be a part of the school’s culture.
In 1932, the CSPS community planted Oak Trees through the centre of the playground to allow for outdoor classrooms on Arbor Day, a tradition that continues today.
The centenary celebration marks the end of the school term for teachers and students. The day promises to be a memorable event for the entire Camberwell South Primary School community, celebrating its past, present, and future.