From a significant slice of history to a hub of education, the restored Primrose House was officially re-opened as the newest boys’ school in St George.
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Brighton Preparatory School is a continuation of a 125-year tradition of The Scots College.
The school opened in January this year but today marked the official welcome of the Dolls Point campus.
NSW governor-general, David Hurley, was there to greet pupils and their families, staff and the community.
School principal, Ian Lambert, says the history is an important part of the school.
“Primrose Rose is a very well recognised building, and generally, the public walking by is overjoyed with how it’s been brought back to its former glory and restored in such a lovely fashion,” he said.
“To see it come alive with boys running around brings life back into the area.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positivity and enthusiasm of people, and the sense of community pride.”
The school has enrolled 28 pupils so far, with a capacity to educate 250.
There are single stream classes planned for Kindergarten to year 4, and two year 5 and year 6 classes.
“Most are local – nearly all from the area,” Dr Lambert said.
“We are also getting lots of enquiries for next year coming from the shire.
“Our hope is to provide a high quality educational program for families.
“We’re a very strong academic school but with a wholistic focus on the arts and sport.
“We have designed a program that sits in with the natural geography and features of the community. We’ve also started a strong partnership with sailing clubs and hope to link with soccer clubs.”
Fiona Keyes, of Burraneer Bay, says the school is a great fit for her son Marcus, 9, a year 4 pupil.
“We looked at all the private schools in Sydney and only put money down for Scots,” she said.
“It has a really good friendship feel.
“We were concerned about the transition from a big school so it was a gamble for us but every morning, Marcus is eager to get to school.
“Moving from the public system, we haven’t looked back. We are very happy to pay for the care we are getting in return.
“It’s also great to see there’s a big effort in connecting the community and being true to its history.”
South Hurstville mother, Jen Zheng, who moved from China, says the school offers a new opportunity for her son Allen, 5.
“It was great to open a new Scots school close to us because this is my husband’s dream school,” she said. “Allen loves it here.”
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