To celebrate 150 years of Hurstville Public School, we sat down with the school’s Deputy Principal to reflect on the incredible journey, memorable moments and the lasting connection the school has built with generations of students, families and the wider community.

What makes Hurstville Public School so special?

I think it's the community. We're a school of more than a thousand students, with families from over 40 different cultural backgrounds, and yet there is a real sense of belonging here. You see students celebrating their cultural backgrounds, striving to achieve in arts, academics, sport and just a general sense of a want to do better. We see parents connecting with each other before, during and after school in the playgrounds and at the gates. And with over a hundred staff, we see true dedicatiojn to ensuring each child is known and cared for.

Hurstville Public School has been educating children 150 years, but what has remained constant is that commitment to helping every student thrive. We have high expectations, but we also understand that every child's journey is different. That's what public education is all about, and I think Hurstville Public School does that exceptionally well.

What is one story or discovery from the School's past that has surprised you?

One thing that really surprised me was just how much of the suburb's history is tied to the school's history. When you look back through old photographs and records, the school wasn't just part of the community, it has been and remains the heart of the community. Families gather here, celebrations happen here, and generations of local children came through these gates.

It's amazing to think that many of our current students have parents, grandparents and even great grandparents who also attended Hurstville Public School. That sense of continuity is really special, and it's something not many schools can say.

I have loved hearing from former students from different decades, all who have wanted to share their story and connection to the school. We even had our senior students interview a former student who is 106 years old! You can hear her story, and the story of others, in our 150 Years Newsletter - https://newsletters.naavi.com/p/7MnQlxJ/archive

The School has a unique connection to the suburb's name. Can you tell us about that?

It's one of my favourite pieces of local history. The school actually opened in 1876 before the suburb officially became known as Hurstville. At the time, it was established as Hurstville Public School, and the growing community around it gradually adopted the same name. In many ways, the school helped give identity to what would become the suburb we know today.
I love that connection because it reminds us that schools aren't just buildings where children learn. They help shape communities, and Hurstville Public School has been doing exactly that for a century and a half.

How has the School grown and changed alongside the Hurstville community?

The school has evolved in exactly the same way the community has. Hurstville has become one of Sydney's most culturally diverse communities, and our school reflects that every single day.
Today we have students from more than 40 cultural backgrounds, specialist programs including Opportunity Classes and a Support Unit, and a strong focus on making sure every student feels known, valued and supported.

What's interesting though is that while the community has changed enormously over 150 years, the school's purpose really hasn't. We've always existed to give local children the best possible start in life. The way we do that has changed, but the reason we do it hasn't.

Are there any significant moments, achievements or former students that stand out?

There are so many stories that it's almost impossible to choose just one. What stands out to me isn't necessarily a single achievement, but the sheer number of people whose lives have been shaped by this school over 150 years.

Every generation has produced students who have gone on to make a difference in education, business, health, sport, the arts and community service. Equally important are the thousands of parents, volunteers and teachers who have contributed to making Hurstville Public School what it is today.
Our story isn't really about one person. It's about generations of people who have helped build this incredible school and community together.

If people want to learn more about the School's history, and how they can support its future, where can they find out more information?

The best place to start is our 150 Year celebrations section on the Hurstville Public School website. That's where people can learn more about our history, upcoming events and the many ways they can get involved. You can also explore our 150 Years Newsletter here

To celebrate this incredible milestone, we invite the community to visit our commemorative 150 Years display at Westfield Hurstville. Located on Level 1 near Woolworths, the display will be available from Wednesday, 22 July to Wednesday, 29 July, sharing stories and memories from the school’s proud history. From Thursday to Sunday, members of the Hurstville Public School community will also be there to share their stories and celebrate this special occasion with visitors. Find out more about the display here

You can also join us at our Community Fair on Saturday, August 8 between 10:00 and 3:00, and check out our History Museum, among many other great activities.

Whether you're a former student, a past staff member, a current family or simply someone who has a connection to Hurstville, we'd love you to be part of the celebrations. Schools like ours have been built over generations, and the next chapter is something our whole community can help shape.