School magazine 'Blazon from Great Ryrie Primary School' which resulted in the merger between Ringwood, Southwood and Heathmont Primary Schools. In April 1998 the school opened a brand new site in Great Ryrie Street.

School Magazine. Glossy. pp. 62 includes pictures and text throughout with covering letter on white A4 - one page. Received in the Ringwood Library. Brian L. Allen, Brian L

Great Ryrie Primary School is a result of the merger between Ringwood, Southwood and Heathmont Primary Schools. In April 1998 the school opened on a brand new site in Great Ryrie Street, Heathmont (source: Letter from the Principal, Brian Allen, 23rd March 1999).

Blue spiral bound notebook with Year 6 student photos, and handwritten recollections/memories by individual students. Not a printed Yearbook - perhaps original draft material? The full book with the students' comments has been scanned as a pdf and is available at the RDHS Archives on request.

Coloured photograph

"On front of photograph" List of Staff names

Colour photograph

List of staff members written on front of photograph

Colour photograph

On front of photograph List of band members and teacher Mrs Betty Lynch

4 Colour photographs of new main building in 1998

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Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives did not have any notation, but in the images are two with handwritten boards stating 2002 1/2J and 1/2 T . But see also VC#11143 for 1/2/J. Negatives disposed afer scanning by Greg Coker in 2023.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives did not have any notation, but in the images are one of a handwritten board stating 2002 1/2G . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives did not have any notation, but in the images are one of a handwritten board stating 2002 5/6F . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "Prep B Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating Prep B and one stating stating 3/4A. Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "Prep E Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating Prep E and one stating stating Prep G (See also 11141 for Prep G and 11140 for Prep E). Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "Prep G Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating Prep G and one stating stating 3/4P (See also 11153 for 3/4P). Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "Prep M Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating Prep M and one stating stating 1/2P . VC11152 may have have other Prep M. Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "1/2J Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 1/2J and one stating stating 1/2T . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "1/2L Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 1/2L and one stating stating 1/2R (See also VC 11146 for 1/2R and 11154 for 1/2L) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "1/2P Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 1/2P and one stating stating Prep E (See also VC 11140 for Prep E) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "1/2R Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 1/2R and one stating stating 1/2G (See also VC 11144 for 1/2G) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "1/2W Great Ryrie PS 2002" and in the images is a handwritten board one stating 1/2W (See also 11155 for extra 1/2W) Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "3/4A Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 3/4A and one stating stating 3/4K (See also VC 11152 for 3/4K) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

Written on envelope "No photo of Bethany Anderson"

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "3/4F Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 3/4F and one stating stating 3/4G (See also VC 11150 for 3/4G) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

Written on envelope "No photo of Bethany Anderson"

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "3/4G Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 3/4G and one stating stating 5/6M (See also VC 11157 for 5/6M and VC119 for for other 3/4G)) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "3/4H Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 3/4F and one stating stating 3/4H (See Also VC 11153 for 3/4H) Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "3/4K Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 3/4K and one stating stating Prep M (See also VC 11148 for 3/4K and 11142 for Prep M) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "3/4P Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 3/4P and one stating stating 3/4H (See also VC 11151 for 3/4H) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "5/6F Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 5/6F and one stating stating 1/2L (See also VC 11144 for 1/2L) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "5/6R Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 5/6R and one stating stating 1/2W (See also VC 11147 for 1/2W and 11155 for 5/6R) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "5/6S Great Ryrie PS 2002" but in the images are two handwritten boards, one stating 5/6S and one stating stating 5/6R (See also VC 11155 for 5/6R) . Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

grps2002

Individual student photos scanned from Negatives. No identification of student names. This set of negatives were in yellow Kodak envelope marked "5/6M Great Ryrie PS 2002" . (See also VC 11150 for 5/6M) Negatives were scanned by Greg Coker in 2023, then disposed.

Written on inside of negative envelope: "No photo of Nikki Kranenbergl"

grps2002

Set of colour photographsof students from Gt Ryrie Primary School Heathmont. Originally in Rabbit photo priting packet with handwritten note "Education Week 1998). No other information on packet to confirm date. No names of children. Appears to include performance of The Adams Family, and mock graduations. Note: If you can identify any students in this photo please advise RDHS and we will add that information. Or if you object to a photo being public, also advise RDHS and we will make it Private in VC.

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Set of colour photographs of students from Gt Ryrie Primary School Heathmont and visiting Ringwood Secondary College band and choir. The occasion and year are unkown though possibly a graduuation. These photos were scanned from a packet of negatives (Heathmont Image Centre), with no information on the packet. (Negatives discarded). Note that most of the original negatives have a horizontal or vertical purple line on them which can be seen on the scans, presumably a fault in original processing. No names of children. Note: If you can identify any students in this photo, or the occasion or year, please advise RDHS and we will add that information. Or if you object to a photo being public, also advise RDHS and we will make it Private in VC.

One photograph has students holding certiciates with their names Robert Pechar and Charlotte Craydon.

Summary: A master plan for Maroondah’s new $3.2‑million “super school” is expected to be released by the end of the month. The school will accommodate 450 students and will be created through the merger of Ringwood Primary School, Heathmont Primary School, and Southwood Primary School. It will be built on Great Ryrie Street on the Heathmont College campus, though it will operate independently. Geoff Buzaglo, principal of Ringwood Primary School, states that the project is on schedule for completion in time for the 1998 school year. The planning committee includes representatives from each of the three schools and the Education Department, with architects Smith and Tracey preparing the master plan. Planned facilities under discussion include computer networking, a library, an art/craft centre, a multi‑purpose hall/gymnasium, a music centre, and an administrative centre.. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Article incorrectly reporting new school name as Heathwood Primary School. It was actually opened as Great Ryrie Primary School. Summary: The article announces that “Heathwood” has been chosen as the new name for the merged Ringwood Primary School, Southwood Primary School, and Heathmont Primary School. The new “super school” will be built the following year on Great Ryrie Street, on the same site as Heathmont Secondary College.Funding of $3.1 million for the project was announced by Education Minister Phil Gude. The name “Heathwood” has been ratified by the three school councils and is awaiting approval from the State Place Names Committee.Geoff Buzaglo, principal of Ringwood Primary School, explained that a names advisory committee created a shortlist after reviewing suggestions from the three school communities. Other shortlisted names were Great Ryrie Primary School and Maroondah Primary School. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Summary: The article reports that Southwood Primary School, Heathmont Primary School, and Ringwood Primary School are set to merge into a single new school on Great Ryrie Drive, Heathmont, serving families in both the Ringwood and Heathmont areas. The schools have accepted a State Government proposal to merge, with their existing sites to be sold by the Directorate of School Education. A “Three Into One” campaign has been launched to inform parents about how the new school will operate. The planned campus will include modern classrooms, music and art centres, a library and resource facilities, a multi‑purpose hall, advanced computer technology, landscaped play areas, and a full‑sized oval. The three schools also intend to preserve traditions from each community. The article features three students—Samantha, Ashley, and Andrea—alongside the three principals: Gavin Bransgrove, Garry Martin, and Geoff Buzaglo. Information sessions for parents are scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, at Heathmont Pre‑school and the Ringwood Senior Citizens Centre. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Summary: The article reports the ceremonial start of construction for the new Great Ryrie Primary School, marking a major milestone for the merging communities of Heathmont, Ringwood, and Southwood Primary Schools. The event was attended by Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley, Maroondah Mayor Les Willmott, along with parents and staff from the three schools. Mr Ashley praises the patience and commitment shown by the three school communities and emphasises involving children in the ceremony, noting that the school exists for them and without them it is “just bricks and mortar.” The article highlights that the new school will offer strong opportunities for local children and will be an important asset for the community (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Photo Caption: Prep pupils Caroline, Valentina, and Caitlyn give Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley a hand during the turning of the first sod at the new primary school.

Summary:The article reports that construction of Great Ryrie Primary School is progressing well, with completion expected by April 20. The new school is being built as part of a $3 million merger of Ringwood, Heathmont, and Southwood Primary Schools. Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley says the area will form an education precinct, with Aquinas College and Heathmont Secondary College nearby. He also notes that Tintern Anglican Girls Grammar School is interested in purchasing the Southwood site for a junior boys’ campus, while housing is likely for the other two former school sites. Principal Brian Allen explains that the three schools will continue operating as campuses of Great Ryrie until the new complex opens. The new school will include 15 classrooms, a relocatable room, around 28 staff, and 410 students. Planned facilities include new computer technology, larger classrooms, an administrative centre, art and music rooms, a library, and a hall/gymnasium. Allen describes the facilities as state‑of‑the‑art and says everyone is looking forward to the opening. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Photo Caption: On Site: Principal Brian Allen with Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley at the new Great Ryrie Primary School

Summary - Article 1 (School gets set for safer year): The article outlines new safety upgrades being implemented at Great Ryrie Primary School in Heathmont. Education Minister Phil Gude and Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley inspected the construction works, which include new indented parking and drop‑off areas as well as two school crossings—one on Reilly Street and another on the southern end of Great Ryrie Street.Gordon Ashley announced that the Education Department will fund the $60,000 cost of these improvements, designed to make student drop‑off and pick‑up safer and more convenient for families. Phil Gude expressed satisfaction with the progress and said the works are expected to be completed by April 27.The article reports that construction of Great Ryrie Primary School is progressing well, with completion expected by April 20. The new school is being built as part of a $3 million merger of Ringwood, Heathmont, and Southwood Primary Schools. Summary Article 2 (School will share costs, by Lynne Kinsey): The article explains that the Education Department will contribute $60,000 toward construction works linked to the new Great Ryrie Primary School. Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley announced the funding, which will pay for indented parking and drop‑off areas along the east side of Great Ryrie Street, plus new school crossings on Great Ryrie Street (southern section) and Reilly Street. Ashley said the funding was very welcome and would allow the council to move quickly with design, tendering, and construction. A council spokesperson could not be reached for comment. Ashley met with Education Minister Phil Gude at the site the previous week, where Gude expressed his approval of the progress and looked forward to the school’s completion on April 27. The accompanying photo shows Phil Gude and Gordon Ashley inspecting the construction site. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Summary - The article describes a dispute over funding and safety measures for the new Great Ryrie Primary School. Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley accuses Maroondah councillor Nick Kirmos of misleading residents about who is responsible for paying for parking, crossings, and other infrastructure around the school. Ashley insists the Education Department has already committed funding and that Kirmos’ claims are a “beat‑up.” Residents, however, express concerns about traffic and safety near the school and support Kirmos’ push for clearer answers. The article includes comments from both officials and residents, highlighting ongoing disagreements about responsibilities and communication. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Photo Caption: Safety Issues: Concerned REsidents and Cr Nick Kirmos outside the new school

Summary Article 1 (School cash row) - The article describes an escalating dispute over funding for parking and traffic‑management works at the new Great Ryrie Primary School in Heathmont. The Department of Education (DOE) has not yet confirmed $120,000 for parking infrastructure, despite what the council understood to be a verbal commitment to fund 60 parking spaces on the eastern side of Great Ryrie Street. Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley is accused by residents and councillor Nick Kirmos of backing away from earlier promises. A residents’ group called “School of Broken Promises” claims Ashley had committed to a “dollar‑for‑dollar” funding arrangement. Ashley rejects these accusations as “misinformed” and “disappointing,” arguing that the larger $409,000 figure includes works that may not be required. Cr Nick Kirmos expresses concern that the parking works may not be finished before the school opens in second term. The council had accepted the DOE’s verbal offer and sought guarantees for additional funding tied to traffic‑management reviews. A public meeting to discuss options for the merged schools—Heathmont, Ringwood, and Southwood—was scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at Aquinas College, Ringwood. Summary Article 2 (MP Ends car park fight): The article reports that the long‑running dispute over parking funding for Great Ryrie Primary School has finally been resolved. The Department of Education (DoE) confirmed it will provide $150,000 and transfer a small parcel of land to Maroondah Council, enabling construction of 60 parking spaces—30 along Great Ryrie Street and 30 within the school grounds. Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley is credited with breaking the stalemate by urging both the DoE and the council to adopt recommendations from an independent traffic consultant. The funding issue had previously involved disagreements over the number and location of parking spaces, as well as concerns raised by a local residents’ group about traffic and safety. The new school, Great Ryrie Primary, is nearing completion, and the resolution clears the way for essential parking and traffic‑management works to proceed. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Summary - The article highlights teacher Jenny Vincent’s work to improve attitudes toward mathematics through the Keys to Life Early Mathematics Program. Ms Vincent has been seconded from Ringwood Primary School (now Great Ryrie Primary School) to the Department of Education’s Early Years of Schooling Branch to coordinate the initiative. The program emphasises maths as an essential life skill and focuses on four key areas: classroom teaching, support for children with special needs, professional development for teachers, and parent involvement. A photo shows Joshua, aged 5, participating in a counting activity at Great Ryrie Primary School, one of seven Victorian schools involved in the program. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Photo Caption: One, two, three: Joshua 5 counts with blocks at Great Ryrie Primary School, one of seven Victorian schools to be involved in the new program.

Summary - The article reports that Great Ryrie Primary School—created from the merger of Heathmont, Ringwood, and Southwood Primary Schools—is almost ready to open for term two. A photo shows Maroondah Mayor Joe Cossari and Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley inspecting the final stages of construction. It explains that earlier disputes over parking and funding have been resolved, with the Department of Education confirming $150,000 in funding and transferring a small parcel of land to allow for 60 parking spaces. Both Joe Cossari and Gordon Ashley emphasise that issues have been addressed and express confidence in the school’s smooth opening and positive future. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Photo Caption: Maroondah Mayor Joe Cossari and Bayswater MP Gordon Ashley discuss works at Great Ryrie Primary School in Heathmont.

Summary - The article covers the opening day of Great Ryrie Primary School, Maroondah’s new $3 million “super school,” created from the merger of Southwood, Heathmont, and Ringwood Primary Schools. 410 students began classes on Thursday, April 30, with Principal Brian Allen reporting a busy but smooth first day. He described the new school as “absolutely magnificent,” praising both staff preparation and the excitement of the children. Families were given tours of the new facilities, which include 15 classrooms, computer labs, an administrative centre, a state‑of‑the‑art library, and a hall/gymnasium. The school employs about 28 staff, most from the former schools. The official opening will be conducted by Education Minister Phil Gude on June 14. (Co-Pilot 11/7/2026)

Photo Captions: "Alison Cunningham drops her son Lyndon at the new school" "Reading time: Librarian Lynne Godfrey with Andrew" "Back to work: Teacher Ian Michelson with Mahmood" Images by Jim Stirling.