Ballarat Primary School (Dana St) was established in 1857 as the first National School in Ballarat West and its history provides a rich culture and tradition. During the school’s history the buildings have been the site of a technical school as well as the original Ballarat Teachers’ College. The close proximity of the school to the central business district means that our students are within walking distance to many cultural and educational experiences.

The fine bluestone and brick Victorian architecture is aesthetically pleasing to the community it serves and provides many spacious rooms for the school’s activities. Heritage Victoria has classified the buildings as being of ‘cultural heritage’ significance. The school is well equipped with a library, multipurpose room and art room. Dana Street Primary School has a current enrolment of approximately 250 students.

Our school community is diverse and vibrant. It has a caring family atmosphere and a strong cooperative spirit. We celebrate and share success and provide a positive and supportive environment where children, teachers and parents are partners in learning.

Our vision is to empower every student, in a culture of engagement and excellence, to embrace challenges and reach their full potential.

Our School Values underpin all practices within the school. They can be seen displayed in every learning area across the school. Every community member knows the values, and they are explicitly taught in all year levels. Many conversations are referenced to the values every day with all stakeholders.

In our school, we have an average of 35 students in each year level, however the actual numbers in each year level vary widely. Some of our grades are made up of one year level and others are composites of two year levels. It is not possible to have all straight grades, or evenly spread composite grades in each part of the school. In reality, every class is a composite; there is a wide spread of interests, personalities and abilities in every class and our teachers are educated to teach to their students’ points of need.

The school is committed to providing high quality teaching and learning to maximise the learning growth for all students Our school offers a comprehensive sequential curriculum in all key learning areas including Literacy, Numeracy, Science, History, Digital and Design technologies, the Arts, Physical Education and Japanese.

Special assistance is provided through Individual Learning Improvement Plans, Literacy Support Programs, and support programs for students with Disabilities.
Teachers use evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning which provide challenge, encourage children to foster their unique talents and develop a love of learning. Enrichment programs are offered to support the key learning areas: Student Leadership roles, Student Representative Council, tuition in instrumental music, speech and drama.

The school community celebrates the students’ success in the arts with the annual Soiree and biennial school concert and Art Show.
Transition programs assist our new pupils settle into our school quickly, as well as enabling our Grade 6 students to approach their secondary education with confidence.