1892-1953 The Methodist Children's Home in Cheltenham was founded c1880 to provide housing for neglected children from the inner city. The Founders aimed to provide regular nourishment, a stable environment and integrate the children into the local community thereby improving their education and lives. However new settlers to Cheltenham area who were seeking a healthier and more respectable lifestyle for their families were not happy to share Church and School with the Home's Children. 1911 school parents committee moved to exclude the Home's Children but this was countered by the Home's Committee who defeated the motion 60 to 8. 1915 Dr Scantlebury was pressured by school parents into ordering the confinement/ isolation of all Homes Children if an infectious disease was contracted by a child. This resulted in the Homes Children missing school for months so an application was made to the Victorian Education Dept. for e School to be set up at the Home. However funds were short due to WW1. In 1917 John Livingston, former Homes child who had become successful, bequeathed his estate to the Home and the Vic.Education Dept agreed to a school at the Home. The Influenza epidemic 1919 saw the children quarantined for 4 months as a precaution at the Home. When Flu actually struck, a further 5 months isolation was ordered. July 1920 their own school was on site and continuity of education could proceed , however it reinforced the isolation of the institution contrary to the Founders vision of integration.. 1925 the Danks family funded a Domestic Economy Class for girls, but not until 1936 could the children attend the local High School so that they could pursue office work, apprenticeships, commercial college courses. 1947 a benefactor donated £5,000 to pay fees for school, university or apprenticeship in Arts & Cultural subjects. Some of the children were able to join the local society as Methodist minister, accountant, nurses, farmers, secretaries, trademen whilst others were unable to adjust as crime and misfortune ensued. 1939 some past residents began a group called Living Stones Union that they circulated to the others giving news and a sense of family connectedness among themselves. ( Rev. N. Marshall, KCC Local History , H. Stanley 2005) 1950's saw a new direction for the support of children and families in poor and difficult situations . The new Burwood Homes Facility opened in 1951 and children were transferred from Cheltenham in 1952. The land was sold to the St John of God, Catholic Order in1953 who maintained an orphanage until Myer Pty Ltd bought the site in 1967 and constructed the Southland Shopping Centre1892 -1953 The Methodist Children's Home Cheltenham was founded to provide safe accommodation and education for neglected children from the Melbourne inner city slums. Black & White photograph of boys fishing for yabbies from the lake behind the 'Methodist Homes for Children' Cheltenham pdf of Appeal for the establishment of an Infant Asylum 1877methodist childrens home cheltenham 1892- 1953, st john of god home cheltenham 1953-1967, scantlebury dr john city of moorabbin, county of bourke, moorabbin roads board, parish of moorabbin, shire of moorabbin, henry dendy's special survey 1841, were j.b.; bent thomas, o'shannassy john, king richard, charman stephen, highett william, ormond francis, maynard dennis, cheltenham state school no.84, methodist chapel cheltenham, methodist school cheltenham, beaumaris west state school, meeres frederick, meeres walter, education, early settlers,

S.S, No 4688, Francis Street, Heathmont, 3135 History Two A4 pages of notes on the beginnings of the Heathmont S.S The text is:- STATE SCHOOL No 4698 Frances Street Heathmont, 3135 HISTORY School classes at Heathmont commenced in the original Methodist Church building in Canterbury Road in 1952 with Mr A.J. McKinlay as Head Teacher in charge of a school of 80 pupils. Shortly afterwards both a Parents and Citizens Association and the first School Committee were formed. Mr J.B. Harper was appointed as president of the Association and Mr H. Walker was elected as chairmen of the Committee, while Mr T. Jago acted as secretary to both bodies. Later in that same year the district Inspector, Mr H. Fleigner since retired and still a Heathmont resident, woe instrumental in obtaining a site for the establishment of the present Heathmont School at the corner of Frances Street and Balfour Avenue. The land was purchased from Mr. Handasyde, an orchardist of Wantirna South. In March 1963 a Bristol prefabricated aluminium building comprising four classrooms and an office was occupied. On April 21st, 1953 the school was opened officially by the Minister for Education, the Hon. A.E. Shepherd MLA. By December of that year the attendance had increased to 191 pupils, Mr N. Gillham was Head Teacher at the time. In February 1955 Mr. K. Gerraty succeeded Mr Gillham and by 1957 attendance had risen to 326 pupils necessitating the provision of additional light timber construction classrooms. Meanwhile the subdivision of large areas of local orchard land into housing estates with its resulting rapidly increasing population presented a persistent school accommodation problem that was met temporarily by the hiring of district church halls to accommodate a steadily rising attendance. Fortunately the tradition of voluntarily contributing to school funds and voluntarily providing labour initiated by the original parent bodies in 1952 was maintained. Then Mr V. Milligan commenced as Head Teacher in 1959, much of the steeply contoured playground area had been terraced, a football oval formed and the basketball court and assembly areas were sealed. These improvements were finally completed largely due to the enthusiasm, vigor and work effected by the School Committee under the chairmanship of Ringwood Councillor Mr JM McRae, as is borne out by the following report by Mr R.J. Chapman, District Inspector in 1961. "The local support by parents given to the Head Teacher and his staff is exceptional and I express my appreciation of their outstanding service." Mr Milligan's contribution to progress, however, lay equally in the internal educational development, particularly with regard to the teaching of reading. A course in the mechanics of speed reading, involving the use of the tachistoscope reading rate controllers and programmed comprehension sets was introduced and a start was made in the building up of a library of literature and reference books. As a result the Education Department appointed a Teacher-librarian to ensure continuity and further progress with this Reading scheme. A feature of Heathmont School is the splendid modern Art/Craft room opened while Mr L. Sebire was head teacher in 1966. This building and courtyard, linked to the original building by a covered way was designed by Mr Salvatore who acted as honorary architect, and was completed by Mr John F. Swan at a cost of �10,000 of which 52% was provided by a School Committee Co-operative loan and 42% by Departmental special grant. Materials used were white sandstone brick and oregon pine. The building bears the name of Councillor J.M. McRae Art Centre as a tribute to the man who did so much to enable its construction. An Art/Craft specialist teacher is provided by the Education Department. As attendance continued to increase to 520 children in 1969, additional accommodation became an urgent necessity. Following negotiations conducted by Mr A. Lethbridge School Committee President, Mr JJ Egan, former Principal and the present Principal, Mr A.S. Don the Education Department Assisted by a second Committee Co-operative loan, purchased the adjacent Baptist Church property thus providing much needed extra accommodation and playground area The newly acquired building is at present in use as two temporary classrooms, but will subsequent be used as a utility rope. A smaller room has been converted to a canteen operated daily by the Parents and Citizens Association, thus providing both a service to the pupils and a source of income. +Additional Keywords: McKinlay, Mr.A G Harper, Mr J.B Walker,Mr.H Fleigner, Mr.H Handasyde, Mr. G Shepherd, Hon. A.E. MLA Gillham, Mr.K Garraty, Mr.K Milligan, Mr.V McRae, Mr. J.M. Chapman,Mr.R.J. Sebire,Mr.L Salvatore,Mr. Swann,Mr.John F. Lethbridge, mr.A Egan,Mr.J.J. Don,Mr.A.S.

The aims of the School was "To provide a Technical Training which will prepare girls for their future life's work. This school provides a continuity of study between the Primary and Senior Technical School (School of Mines) classes. This supplies a long felt want in giving a preliminary training for Technical Art, Craft, Commercial, and Industrial Education. It must, however, be distinctly understood that these Preparatory Classes do not fully qualify girls in any of the subjects, but rather discover their aptitude for some line of technical work and thoroughly prepare the to specialise in that particular branch.Prospectus for girls technical education at the Ballarat School of Mines and the Ballarat Technical Art Schoolgirls education, ballarat technical girls' school, ballarat school of mines, ballarat technical art school, commercial, leatherwork, photography, ticket witing, wood carving, drawing, metal work, lithography, dressmaking, millinery, industrial design, scholarships, shorthand, typewriting, ceramics, bookbinding, french polishing, wood inlay

The Little Red Yellow Black Book is an accessible and highly illustrated pocket-sized guide. It's an invaluable introduction to Australia's rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture. It takes a non-chronological approach and is written from an Indigenous viewpoint. The themes that emerge are the importance of identity, and adaptation and continuity. If you want to read stories the media don't tell you, mini-essays on famous as well as everyday individuals and organisations will provide insights into a range of Australian Indigenous experiences.maps, b&w photographs, colour photographsindigenous history, culture, art, sport, health, education, employment, reconciliation, resistance, governance

Newspaper article "Bialik Holds Headmaster", published in The Jewish News, 11 July 1969. "Mr. M. Meretz, Headmaster of Bialik College for the past three years. Mr. Mosche Meretz will continue for a further term, it has been officially announced.The continuity of headmastership is of major importance as the college has recently opened Form 1 and is scheduled to open Form 2 in 1970. During Mr. Meretz' headmastership, the college has almost doubled its student population to 206 pupils. This development is being followed closely not only by the Jewish community but also by the Education Department of the Jewsish Agency of Jerusalem."shakespeare grove, israel, principal

This photograph is taken in the office at RDNS Heidelberg Centre, and the RDNS Educator, Sr. Gawith is showing RDNS Sisters the areas covered by Heidelberg Centre. Sr. Gawith is wearing the RDNS uniform of a grey frock and red cardigan and the other three Sisters are wearing the newer RDNS uniform of a blue/grey herringbone coat with a curved material RDNS insignia attached on the upper sleeve. From its inception as Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS), in 1885, their trained nurses worked in specific areas, 'districts'. Their first Trained nurse (Nurse) worked east and west, between Victoria Parade and Flinders Street and, north and south, between Spencer Street and Spring Street. When a second Nurse was employed they divided this area at Elizabeth Street so each Nurse could attend to patients in the same area giving continuity of care. As the Society expanded, becoming Melbourne District Nursing Service, then, with Royal patronage, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) many Centres were opened throughout the Melbourne Metropolitan area and outer suburbs. The District nurse's (Sisters) areas (districts) grew and were divided within Shire boundaries for e.g. Knox 1, Knox 2, Knox 3, Knox 4, within the area of the Shire of Knox. On the left of the black and white photograph is Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) Sister (Sr) Mary Gawith, who has short dark curled hair. She is standing side-on and looking to the right as, with her extended left arm she is pointing her finger to an area on a large map attached to the wall. She is holding some white sheets of paper in her right hand. To her right and looking towards her are Sr. Daphne Geldard, who has short curled hair, is smiling, and has her hands clasped in front of her. On the right next to her, and partly hidden, is Sr. Bev. Armstrong who is smiling and has short straight blonde hair. In the front right of the photograph and partly hiding Sr. Armstrong is Sr. Elizabeth Francis, who has short dark curled hair and has her hands clasped in front of her. Sr. Gawith is wearing a grey uniform dress and dark cardigan. The other Sisters are wearing grey uniform coats with the RDNS insignia on the upper sleeve. Sr. Geldard is wearing below the knee black boots.Barry Sutton photographer's stamp, quote number KY 40, names of staff in the photograph.rdns, royal district nursing service, rdns district map, rdns uniform, rdns education, sister daphne geldard, sister elizabeth francis, sister bev armstrong, sister mary gawith

The photograph was taken in the Board Room of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) 452 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne. It was taken after Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley received her Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing. The Australian College of Nursing describes the Fellowship as follows: "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession".The regalia worn by Sr. Rowley as a Fellow, is a black gown with the wide trim to the front edges of scarlet satin and the regalia hood of inner white and outer scarlet satin. Sr. Rowley is the Principal Nurse Educator at RDNS.Sister Rowley commenced at Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) in 1956 working as a District Nurse in a large district covering South Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, and suburbs bordering from St. Kilda to Port Melbourne. In 1961 she was asked to be a Control Sister answering the telephones in Headquarters. She left MDNS for a short period, and after being asked to return was accepted, in August 1962 to take the MDNS 2nd Post Basic Course written by Miss Mary Evans; during this time Sr. Rowley wrote a paper on Liaison which led to continuity of care of patients between hospitals and RDNS. Following the course she commenced in Education and rewrote the Post Basic Course. In 1964 Sr. Rowley commenced, on a part time basis, working as a Liaison Officer at the Alfred Hospital. She attended the Teachers College, doing the 12 month course in 6 months, but this course did not have a health component, so she applied, and received, a Florence Nightingale Scholarship to the College of Nursing, gaining her Diploma of Nursing Education in 1968. Following this she became the, now named, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Education Officer. In 1969 Sr. Rowley, with Miss Mary Evans, DON, attended the quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses in Montreal, Canada and then Sr. Rowley visited USA looking at Public Health Nursing Education programs. As well as her RDNS work, Sr. Rowley became Nursing Consultant to the St. John's Ambulance Association in 1970, assisting in planning their Home Nursing Course book. In July 1971 Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley, was awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The Australian College of Nursing describes the Fellowship as follows: "Fellowship of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), is a prestigious member status awarded to nurses in recognition of significant professional achievement. Fellowship recognizes the experience and contribution of nurse leaders to ACN and the profession”. Sr. Rowley was then appointed as Principal Nurse Educator and wrote many of the programs for the Education department. Working as an Educator she travelled to regional hospitals, e.g. in Geelong and Ballarat to give lectures on District Nursing. When the Education Department relocated to 488 St. Kilda Road, she arranged the floor plan of the rooms. Sister Rowley retired from RDNS in 1988 having worked for 26 years in Education and a total of 32 years with the Melbourne, later named Royal, District Nursing Service. . Black and white photograph of a three quarter length view of Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), Sister Pat (Paddy) Rowley. Sister Rowley, who has her head turned slightly toward the left of the photograph, is wearing dark rimmed glasses and has short dark straight hair. Over her light coloured top, she is wearing a black long open gown with wide trim, and regalia hood of white inner and dark outer satin. Her hands are clasped to the front holding a rolled white certificate held closed with a ribbon and bow. In the background the left edge of a framed landscape painting is seen on the wall. Part of Photographer stamp. Quote No. KJ 57royal district nursing service, rdns, fellowship of the acn, melbourne district nursing service, sister pat (paddy) rowley

This 1991 group photograph of Grade 5/6 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School provides a vivid snapshot of suburban school life in Melbourne during a time of notable social and urban transformation. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary served as a vital educational and community hub until its closure in the early 2000s. More than a place of learning, the school fostered a strong sense of identity, belonging, and shared experience among its students and staff. The image reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing inclusive and supportive environments for young learners. It also subtly documents the growing cultural diversity of Jacana in the late 20th century, as suburban development brought together families from a wide range of backgrounds. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public education helped shape community identity, promote social cohesion, and influence the lives of generations of children and families.This 1991 class photograph of Grade 5/6 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a historically significant artifact that captures a moment in time within a vibrant and evolving suburban community. Taken during a period of considerable social and urban change in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, the image reflects the school’s enduring role as a centre of education, inclusion, and community connection. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s, was more than an academic institution—it was a place where children from diverse backgrounds came together, forming lasting relationships and shared memories. The photograph documents the increasing cultural diversity of the Jacana area in the late 20th century, offering insight into how public schools adapted to and reflected broader societal shifts. As part of the school’s visual archive, this image contributes to the historical narrative of public education in Victoria. It highlights the importance of schools as social anchors, fostering identity, cohesion, and continuity across generations. Its preservation ensures that the legacy of Jacana Primary School—and the community it served—remains visible and valued. Colour Photograph on Satin PaperBack: Top Left Corner: (Blue Label): PH-5500, Centre (in pencil) jacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, class photograph, andrew martins, karen marks, gunduz tabag, jayson sharman, jodi carroll, freda nguyen, houssein houssein, ross coats, andrew jenkins, debbie miller, tien huynh, lisa schewtschuk, alan stewart, salina leung, carrie lewis, brett chapman, peita anderson, danny borland, belinda norman, rebecca horton, mark layton, vicki bell, nahed elwohamed, shar-rena fitzgerald, mr. b. o'dea, mr. g. payne, grade 5/6p, 1991

This 1979 group photograph of Grade 6 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School offers a valuable window into the everyday rhythms of school life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during a time of notable social and urban transformation. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary served as a key educational and social institution until its closure in the early 2000s. Beyond its academic role, the school fostered a strong sense of place, belonging, and shared experience among its students and staff. The image reflects Jacana Primary’s commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. It also subtly documents the growing cultural diversity of the Jacana area in the late 20th century, as suburban development brought together families from a range of backgrounds. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public schools helped shape community identity, promote social cohesion, and influence the lives of generations of children and families.This 1979 group photograph of Grade 6 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a historically significant artifact that documents the educational and social landscape of Melbourne’s northern suburbs during a period of rapid urban and demographic change. As a visual record of a public school community, the image reflects the values, diversity, and everyday experiences of students and educators in the late 20th century. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s, played a foundational role in shaping the identity and cohesion of the Jacana community. The photograph captures not only the individuals present but also the inclusive and supportive environment that the school fostered. It offers insight into the evolving cultural fabric of the suburb, as families from varied backgrounds came together through shared educational experiences. The image is significant for its contribution to understanding how public schools functioned as social anchors—promoting belonging, continuity, and collective memory. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of local education on community development and the lives of generations of children and families.Colour Photograph on Matte Paper, with white borderBack: Top Left Corner: (White label): PH-5012/ (Blue Label): PH-5599, Centre (in pencil) J.P.S., Manufacturers Mark; this paper/Manufactured/ by kodakjacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, 1979, class photograph, grade 6

This 1979 group photograph of Grade 5 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School offers a compelling glimpse into the everyday life of a suburban Melbourne school during a time of significant social and urban evolution. Founded in 1959, Jacana Primary was a cornerstone of the local community until its closure in the early 2000s, providing not only education but also a strong sense of identity, belonging, and shared experience. The photograph illustrates the school’s dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. It also subtly reflects the increasing cultural diversity of Jacana in the late 20th century, as suburban expansion brought together families from a variety of backgrounds. As part of the school’s visual archive, this image contributes to a broader understanding of how public education helped shape community identity, encouraged social cohesion, and played a formative role in the lives of generations of children and families.This 1979 class photograph of Grade 5 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a historically significant visual record that captures the essence of suburban school life in Melbourne during a period of social and demographic transformation. The image reflects the role of Jacana Primary—established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s—as a central institution in the community, offering not only education but also a sense of belonging and continuity for local families. The photograph is particularly valuable for its documentation of the cultural diversity emerging in Jacana during the late 20th century, as urban expansion brought together families from varied backgrounds. It illustrates the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by the school, and serves as a testament to the broader role of public education in shaping community identity and promoting social cohesion. As part of Jacana Primary’s visual archive, this image contributes to the collective memory of the school and its impact on generations of students. It holds enduring significance for understanding how schools functioned as social anchors in suburban Melbourne, and how they helped cultivate shared experiences that extended beyond the classroom. Colour Photograph on Matte Paper, with white borderBack: Top Left Corner: (White label): PH-5011/ (Blue Label): PH-5598, Centre (in pencil) J.P.S., Manufacturers Mark; this paper/Manufactured/ by kodakjacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, 1979, class photograph, grade 5

This 1979 group photograph of Grade 2 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School offers a meaningful glimpse into the everyday experiences of primary education in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during a time of suburban expansion and demographic change. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary served the local community for over 40 years, providing not only academic instruction but also a vital space for social connection and community identity. The image reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for young learners in their early years of schooling. It also highlights the cultural diversity and evolving social fabric of Jacana in the late 20th century. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public education supported community cohesion, shaped local identity, and played a formative role in the lives of children and families across generations.This 1979 group photograph of Grade 2 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a historically significant artifact that captures a formative moment in the educational and social life of Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary operated for over four decades, serving as a key institution in the local community until its closure in the early 2000s. The photograph reflects the school’s enduring commitment to nurturing young learners in an inclusive and supportive environment. It also offers insight into the cultural and demographic landscape of Jacana during a period of suburban growth and transformation. As part of the school’s visual legacy, this image documents the everyday experiences of students and highlights the role of public education in fostering community identity, cohesion, and continuity across generations.Colour Photograph on Matte Paper, with white borderBack, Top Left Corner: (White label): PH-5009/ (Blue Label): PH-5596 Centre (in pencil) J.P.S., Manufacturers Mark; this paper/Manufactured/ by Kodakjacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, 1979, class photograph, grade 2

A stapled, card-covered, forty-eight-page book with loose card cover. Oil stain bottom right of page 11 and bottom left of p.12.non-fictionSchool yearbook, presenting details of the events and students of Salesian College, Rupertswood, Sunbury.salesian college, rupertswood, sunbury, yearbook, "certantes in vita", 1975

This photograph, taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, documents a festive end-of-year gathering believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir, a well-known recreational site in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows children and families enjoying a relaxed day outdoors, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering community spirit and inclusive celebration. Events like this picnic were a hallmark of Jacana Primary’s approach to education, which extended beyond the classroom to embrace social and cultural development. The presence of informal play highlights the joyful atmosphere typical of school-organised holiday events during this period. Greenvale Reservoir, with its open spaces and family-friendly amenities, provided an ideal setting for such communal activities. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph offers valuable insight into the traditions and social fabric of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s. It illustrates how schools like Jacana Primary served as important community hubs, using shared experiences to strengthen bonds among students, families, and staff.This photograph holds historical and cultural significance as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir. It captures a moment of communal celebration, reflecting the values and traditions of suburban school life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during the late 20th century. The image is significant for its representation of end-of-year school events that fostered social cohesion, family involvement, and student well-being. It illustrates the role of Jacana Primary School not only as an educational institution but also as a community hub that supported inclusive and festive gatherings. The presence of children at play, in the natural park setting collectively convey the spirit of the time and place. As part of the school’s visual heritage, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public education in Victoria supported community identity and cultural continuity. It is a valuable artefact for interpreting the lived experiences of students, families, and educators in the early 1990s. A glossy colour photograph in landscape formatPH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, jacana, education

This 1979 group photograph of Grade 3 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School provides a valuable insight into the everyday experiences of school life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during a period of significant social and urban change. Established in 1959, Jacana Primary played a central role in the local community, serving as both an educational institution and a hub for social connection until its closure in the early 2000s. The image illustrates the school’s emphasis on inclusive and supportive learning environments and subtly reflects the increasing cultural diversity of the Jacana area in the late 20th century, as suburban expansion brought together families from varied backgrounds. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public education shaped community identity, fostered social cohesion, and influenced the lives of generations of children and families in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.This 1979 group photograph of Grade 3 students and their teacher at Jacana Primary School is a historically significant visual record that captures the educational and social character of Melbourne’s northern suburbs during a time of rapid urban expansion and demographic change. As a representation of a public school community, the image reflects the values, diversity, and everyday experiences of students and educators in late 20th-century Australia. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and operating until its closure in the early 2000s, played a vital role in shaping the identity and cohesion of the local community. The photograph documents not only the individuals present but also the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by the school. It offers insight into the evolving cultural landscape of Jacana, where families from diverse backgrounds came together through shared educational experiences. This image is significant for its contribution to understanding how public schools functioned as social anchors—promoting belonging, continuity, and collective memory. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of local education on community development and the lives of generations of children and families.Colour Photograph on Matte Paper, with white borderBack: Top Left Corner: (White label): PH-5012/ (Blue Label): PH-5599, Centre (in pencil) J.P.S., Manufacturers Mark; this paper/Manufactured/ by kodakjacana primary school, education, photograph, group photograph, 1979, class photograph, grade