Torquay P-6 College

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1896

A petition to the Education Department was submitted from residents listing the names of children who would attend school if one could be opened.

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1899

An Education Department inspection found that Torquay’s permanent population was extremely small (service-people, storekeeper, fisherman, etc.), with just 9 school-aged children and 4 under school age — yet more children would likely enrol if a school opened.

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1900

The school opened in the local Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Head Teacher Alice Meagher, with 16 children enrolled.

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1901

Concerned about cold conditions, Alice Meagher reportedly sought to close the school until it was provided with a stove, saying “It is so cold that the children can not hold their pens.”

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1905

he Department of Education purchased 5 acres of land (in the Spring Creek Estate, Boston Road) for a permanent school site.

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1910

Construction of a permanent school building was completed, with the school officially moving there on 1 June 1910.

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1916

A petition from 150 ratepayers called for enlargement of the school — many children were reportedly being taught in a shelter shed; for a time they moved temporarily to the Public Hall while the school was expanded.

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1928 & 1932

The school faced challenges from surrounding changes: in 1928 there were complaints about cows straying into the grounds; in 1932, a proposal to turn school land into a holiday camping ground for fundraising was rejected by the Department.

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1940

A major bushfire threatened the township; girls’ toilets, shelter shed, fencing, mower and tools were destroyed. Repairs were carried out soon afterwards.

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1941

The shelter shed was replaced and fencing renewed.

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1947

The school was updated to use electric lighting.

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1950

While school buildings were altered, pupils attended classes at “The Kiosk” on The Esplanade in Torquay.

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1977–78

Growing recognition of the need for expanded facilities (art & craft, multipurpose rooms, administration, staff spaces) led to planning for an extended library and school upgrades under the then “core-plus” policy.

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1982

A completed upgrade saw a major redevelopment: part of the old school was demolished, replaced with new classrooms, administrative and staff facilities, a canteen, multipurpose rooms and art & craft spaces — building capacity to cater for around 350 pupils.

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2001

Torquay Primary School moved from Bristol Road site to the current premises on Grossmans Road when 52 staff and about 650 students relocated.

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2009

Torquay Primary School was renamed Torquay P-9 College, reflecting its temporary expansion to include secondary-level years.

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2012

The school reverted to primary level only and adopted the current name Torquay P-6 College.

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Today

Over time the College has grown significantly: today it caters for several hundred students, offering contemporary facilities, a robust curriculum, and a wide range of specialist programs and facilities.

The modern identity of Torquay P-6 College reflects both a respect for its long heritage (dating back to 1900) and a commitment to quality, inclusive and future-oriented primary education for the Torquay community.

We continue to build on this rich heritage today, ever evolving, always mindful of our roots.

History

The story of our school — 1896 to the present