Photos courtesy of:
– CPS Archives, National Library of Victoria; Just Portraits
1867
Camberwell Common School opened on 19 August, 1867 in a temporary 40 foot by 12 foot building, on the land opposite the present school site. This was due to the fact that insufficient funds had been raised for building work to commence. There were 34 children in attendance.
1868
On 6 May, 1868, the new school building was opened on its present site (the original building includes Rooms 7 and 8). It was to provide schooling for up to 150 students.
1872
The Education Act came into effect in 1872, which meant that schooling became compulsory and free. Camberwell Common School grew to 186 students. The School leased Forrester’s Hall, a 38 foot by 14 foot building, across the road.
1884
The Victorian Junior Cadet Corps was established. Schools with a minimum of twenty boys, who were 12 years or older and at least 4ft 6in in height, could form a Cadet Squad under the guidance of a teacher who was a trained Militia Officer. Camberwell Common School’s Cadets were under the instruction of Major Maloney.
1886
In 1886, the first additions to the building were to accommodate another 140 students (Rooms 9 and 10). These two rooms (36 feet by 25 feet) were not attached to the original building.
1889
By 1889, the average attendance was 334 children, and the school had to rent the Church of England Hall to have sufficient classroom space.
1891
The second additions to the building were made in 1891: an office, passageways, Room 11, a locker room and two staff rooms. These renovations joined the two buildings together.
1900
Student numbers approached one thousand, making it necessary to lease buildings opposite the school to provide additional classrooms.
