Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, was part of a broader post-war initiative to provide quality public education to families in newly developed housing estates. By the mid-1990s, the school had become a reflection of the area’s growing cultural diversity and community spirit. Music played an important role in the school’s curriculum and extracurricular life, offering students opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and confidence-building. The 1996 Recorder Group exemplifies this commitment to arts education. Participation in the group allowed students to develop musical skills while contributing to school events and performances that brought the community together. This photograph captures more than just a music group—it reflects the values of inclusion, creativity, and student engagement that defined Jacana Primary School. It also offers a glimpse into the fashion and atmosphere of the mid-1990s, preserving a moment in time that holds meaning for former students, staff, and the broader Jacana community.This 1996 photograph of the Jacana Primary School Recorder Group holds deep historical and emotional significance, serving as a visual record of music education and extracurricular life at a now-closed institution. It reflects the school’s vibrant spirit, cultural diversity, and commitment to nurturing creativity and student engagement. The image preserves the legacy of a place that once played a vital role in shaping young lives and fostering community identity. As a snapshot of its time, it also offers a glimpse into the fashion, hairstyles, and musical interests of the mid-1990s, making it a cherished artefact for former students, staff, and the broader Jacana community.Colour photograph, on Matte Photographic paper, mounted on white card.Back: (Upper Right Corner) - Blue Label: PH - 2122jacana primary school, students, education, recorder group, mitchell ryan, elke beth koistinen, neddy changtave, steven churchill, timothy blaney, kevin le, krystle phillips, dany david, karli o'keeffe, stacey lee, ahmad hamad, naomi webb, andrew phan, anthony grubb, savas akyiyik, michael cilia, david welsh, melissa hutchinson, padraig oakley, burak saman, aaron nash, michael melia, herodia poki poki, cassie peterson, 1996, jacana, tulin cayvarli, brett knostenbergs, zeinab houssein, faye dabrowski, nahrin younan, enza puimaono, lee mostyn, sheena ryan, joshua koistinen, david kaleta, achtar younan, malak meyer, amie phillips, ammoun houssein, dalia david, nicholas zajac, mrs. vivien mcnish, mr. graeme archer

Prep/IG 1996 Top Row: (L to R) Anthony Sok, Amanda Lewin, Sothea Tin, Jesse Byers, Linda Ouk, Yen-Lung Chau, Luke Harrison. 3rd Row: Mahmood Hossain, Mrs. G. Winchester, Damian Groome, Moska Naderi, Chandy Eang, Justyn Dimery, Mrs. D. Gordon, Jane Whitehead, Glenn Leigh. 2nd Row:Matthew Mesley, Melinda Pham, Melissa McLean, Steven Newman, Andrew Chambers, Melissa Spain, Kirsty Hughes. 1st Row: Eric Phan, Gage Gibson, Zachariah Price, Gregory Gorring, John Crocker. Teacher: Mrs. D. Gordon. Principal: Mr. Geoff Buzaglo.

This group photograph of the Grade Prep/1 class at Jacana Primary School, taken in 1998, stands as a meaningful testament to the school’s lasting impact on the Jacana community. Founded in 1959 and active until the early 2000s, Jacana Primary was more than an educational institution—it was a vital hub of community life. Through decades of service, it fostered a spirit of inclusion, learning, and shared experience that shaped the lives of countless students and families. The image not only preserves the youthful faces of its students but also encapsulates the values of camaraderie, diversity, and belonging that were central to the school’s ethos. As a visual document, it offers valuable insight into the everyday experiences of school life and reflects the broader social and educational environment of Jacana during that era.The 1998 Grade Prep/1 class photograph from Jacana Primary School holds enduring historical and cultural value as a representation of the school’s pivotal role within the Jacana community. Established in 1959 and operated until the early 2000s, Jacana Primary was a foundational institution that contributed significantly to the educational and social development of the area. This image is significant not only as a record of the students and staff of that time but also as a reflection of the school’s inclusive and community-oriented ethos. It embodies the values of diversity, belonging, and collective identity that defined the school’s culture. As a visual artifact, it offers insight into the lived experiences of local families and the broader educational landscape of late 20th-century suburban Melbourne. The photograph serves as a tangible link to the past, preserving the memory of a place that shaped generations and fostered a strong sense of community connection.A vibrant laminated colour photograph featuring a group of children and staff seated in three rows. Their names are displayed on a white panel, printed on glossy paper, accompanied by the school logo.jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, ms carol taylor, 1998, jennifer salib, dylan owen-buoy, teagan nash, krystal le, breanna nash, scott gore, christopher muscat, mohammad matar, andrea ratnam, andrew knostenbergs, jocelyn towers, hung phan, jesse west, mohamad saad, kristijan mihaljev, krishna hurley - edwards, matthew welsh, elias younan, alexandria ioseka, allak hamad, vanita harris, joshua harris, mrs. pam streete, mrs. linda mostyn