• Footscray, Yarraville, Braybrook Star

By Mara Pattison-Sowden

9th February 2010 11:05:23 AM

Ready to celebrate ... Footscray Primary School teacher Wendy Platt, parent and ex-student Andrew Busuttil, past school council president Ron Palmer and 2nd generation student Ryan Busuttil. 42503 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI

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FOOTSCRAY Primary School turns 150 years old this year.

The school’s numbers have fluctuated greatly over the years, from the inaugural class of 60 to 1500 students in 1913.

This year there are almost 200 students, from more than 30 cultural backgrounds.

Wendy Platt has taught at the school since 1990 and seen many changes.

“There were a lot of Greek and Italian families, but these days we have a big Vietnamese and Chinese community,” Mrs Platt said.

Nearly half the student population takes part in the school’s bilingual Vietnamese program.

Mrs Platt said these days teachers were more conscious of how children learned, and parents were also taking a greater interest. “More parents are wanting to take part these days in reading recovery, writing classes and fund-raising for the school,” she said.

Celebrations will take place in August, and past students and staff with memorabilia are encouraged to contact the school.

For more information phone 9687 1910.

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