150 years: Omeo Primary School

Omeo opened as a common school in 1866. The first head teacher was A. Macintosh. Classes were held in a little paling building. 

The school became a state school at some stage between 1873 and 1878. A new school building on the present site on Day Avenue was completed in the mid-1870s.

The school became a higher elementary school in 1918 with 12 students enrolled. This meant that secondary classes for older students were taught, like secondary schools today. The school had been teaching higher classes since it opened. 
 

The school stopped teaching secondary classes in 1914 

A new teacher's residence was added in 1924. A school pine plantation was purchased to raise money for the school. 

The building was remodelled in 1925.

3,100 trees were planted on the pine plantation by 1931. Unfortunately a fire wiped out the plantation in 1939. 

The need for secondary classes was again an issue and Omeo began teaching secondary classes again. This was known at the time as central classes. A new school building opened at this time.
 

The pine plantation was replanted in 1960. 

The school became a higher elementary school again in 1964. 

The school was renamed Omeo Primary School in 1970.

The community held an event for the 125th year of public education in Omeo. 

The pine plantation was burned beyond use. 

The pine plantation was removed due to danger issues. 

An event marking the 150th anniversary of public education in Omeo was held in 2016. 

Purpose built Early Years Kindergarten and Child Care opened on the school site.

The Benambra building was repurposed into a STEM centre. 

Omeo Primary School is still in operation.