In its 78th year, Education Week 2022 will run from Sunday 22 May to Saturday 28 May. This year coincides with the milestone anniversary of 150 years of public education. 

Education Week is an opportunity for all primary and secondary schools, higher education providers, and early childhood services to commemorate the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future of education in Victoria.

The Education Act of 1872 was the first in the Australian colonies and of its kind in the world.

Bacchus Marsh Primary School is Victoria's oldest school, which opened in 1850 and was built on the traditional Country of the Wada Wurrung people. The second oldest government school in the state and Melbourne's oldest school is Essendon Primary School, originally named Pascoevale National School. 

For more information about the 150th anniversary of public education, visit the Department of Education and Training (DET) website. 

How schools can celebrate

Below are some ideas for teachers and learners to celebrate Education Week 2022

• register your students to attend a free event, hosted by DET
• contribute to the 150 years digital time capsule by emailing your school memories (photos, reports, trivia) to 150years@education.vic.gov.au
• explore the Education Week 2022: celebration toolkit for a range of engaging resources
• share the materials from the toolkit with your organisation’s networks and communication channels including email, social media, website and newsletters
• have your own conversations with family and friends about their school experiences and memories. How did they differ from yours? Why?
• get in touch with your local historical society or library to see what resources they have about schools in your area
• plan your own event and/or theming an existing event with 150 years, using the hashtag #schools150years when posting on social media, and tagging @DETVic on Twitter and @Department of Education and Training, Victoria on LinkedIn
• direct people to the vic.gov.au/150years website
• bookmark vic.gov.au/150years and revisiting throughout the year
• find out more information on the history of public education by searching the school profiles.