School Profile
Colac primary school
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Our History & 175 Year History
Colac Primary School is one of the oldest government schools in Victoria. The school first opened on 1 September 1850, with Farquhar Morison serving as the head teacher. Originally known simply as Colac School, it became a common school in 1862 and later transitioned to a state school during the 1870s. A purpose-built bluestone and brick schoolhouse was constructed in 1878.
Over time the school has grown and adapted with the community. In 1964, a fire destroyed the original buildings and a new school was constructed, opening in 1966. The school was officially renamed Colac Primary School in 1970.
Colac Primary School has celebrated many milestones. The school marked its 150th anniversary in 2000 and has seen significant development of its facilities over the years, including new classrooms and administration spaces in 2006 and a full-sized stadium opening in 2010.
In 2025, our school proudly celebrated 175 years of continuous education with events that brought together past and present students, staff and members of our wider community to honour this remarkable milestone.
Through generations, Colac Primary School has remained a place of learning, growth and connection for families across our region. We are proud of our rich history and the ongoing legacy of education and community we continue to build.
Our 175th year commemorative booklet is available for purchase at the office.
| Farquhar Morison | 1850–1851 |
| John M Smith | 1852 |
| William H Mathews | 1852–1854 |
| Joseph S Misken | 1854–1857 |
| Robert Wright | 1857–1859 |
| William P Mathews | 1859–1862 |
| George Archer | 1862–1873 |
| Samuel J Swindley | 1873–1874 |
| Denis R Dredge | 1875–1882 |
| Robert Camm | 1883–1886 |
| Richard H Carlington | 1887–1888 |
| Caleb Collyer | 1888–1895 |
| George H James | 1895–1898 |
| Peter Robin | 1899–1903 |
| Mr McIntyre | 1903–1914 |
| Robert Hodgson | 1914–1917 |
| William H Bullied | 1917–1919 |
| Frederick W Mellor | 1920–1922 |
| Charlie Johnson | 1923–1924 |
| William P Carrol | 1924–1929 |
| Herbert W L Casey | 1929–1934 |
| Michael J Noonan | 1934–1936 |
| David Dorrity | 1937–1939 |
| George W E Pearson | 1940–1944 |
| James A Towner | 1944–1945 |
| Reginald L Walton | 1946 |
| William H Taylor | 1947–1949 |
| E Reginald Treadwell | 1950–1956 |
| William S Watts | 1957–1963 |
| Edward L Leitch | 1964–1967 |
| Athol H Roberts | 1968–1978 |
| Arthur M Wallace | 1979–1982 |
| Allan D Boyle | 1983–1996 |
| Allan J Halliwell | 1997–2012 |
| Shelby Papadopoulos | 2012–2024 |
| John Pickett | 2025–present |
Student Leadership
At Colac Primary School, student leadership is an important part of school life. We believe all students should have opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging by contributing positively to our school community.
Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles across a range of areas. These opportunities help students build communication skills, teamwork and leadership capability while modelling our school values of Kindness, Honesty, Personal Best, Respect, Courage and Tolerance.
Leadership opportunities are available to students at different year levels and include roles such as School Captains, House Captains, Community & Arts and Junior School Council representatives for specific areas of school life. Through these roles, students have a voice, support school events and help create a positive and inclusive school environment.
House System
Colac Primary School operates a House System that promotes teamwork, school spirit and positive participation. Every student is part of a house and participates in house based activities throughout the year.
Our houses are:
Red – Kangaroos
Blue – Koalas
Yellow – Dingoes
