German Common School

Bendigo Victoria

Today's Bendigo Primary School No. 877 owes its origins to the enthusiasm for education of the early Bendigo German settlers. The school was built by the German community of the Ironbark area. The following notice appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser on the 16th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th and 30th September of 1865.

William Vahland laid the foundation stone of the building in February 1866. On 3rd July the Government Inspector stated: "The school is by far the best-built school in the district." In January 1867 the Government Board of Education decided to grant financial assistance to the school, which received the official name German Common School, 877. In 1872 this school and the German School in MacKenzie St (also designed by Vahland) were united on this site. In 1877 the building was too small and was extended.