Merri Creek Primary School situated on the banks of the Merri Creek in Fitzroy North is an inner urban Melbourne school with an enrolment of between 430 and 450 students. In 2018 the School Council, in consultation with the school community, developed a new school vision. ‘As a school community, we create an environment where students thrive in every way. We support each other as we discover, learn, think, and question. Respecting ourselves and others, we all contribute to our community and the wider world.’

The vision was designed to tie together elements of the school philosophically and educationally. It was based on many forums with different stakeholder groups in the community over a number of years where it was determined that our students currently;

• Understand the importance of education for their prospects educationally
• Value literacy and numeracy is the cornerstone of education
• Comply with expectations
• Are knowledgeable and care about moral issues and social democracy
• Have a strong sense of personal rights and responsibilities, empathy, and respect for others
• Value creative engagement in the arts

Stakeholders determined that as a community what we want for our students is to be;

• Optimistic about their future and be resilient in times of challenge
• Engaged learners
• Creative, enterprising, and multi-disciplinary thinkers who can approach problems in innovative ways with increasing independence
• Curious and inspired by the process of discovery
• To understand themselves (self-worth, self-awareness and personal identity that allows them to manage their social and emotional wellbeing
• To be active and informed citizens working towards the common good of society
• Employ technologies in learning and respond to the changing ways society shares, uses, develops, and processes information and technology
• Express themselves confidently

At Merri Creek Primary School community, we foster a community of respect through teaching and modelling the values of C.A.R.E (Creativity, Acceptance, Respect and Effort)

Students are organised in classes with Foundation, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, & Year 6 as single cohorts and one multi-age class at Year 3/4 due to enrolment numbers.

The school has a strong commitment to student wellbeing, providing a positive and supportive environment for students. A consistent whole school approach to student behaviour develops respect for others’ rights to learn in a safe, supportive, and orderly environment.

The school has high level academic achievements in Literacy and Numeracy. The Arts are greatly valued and are visible in the highly regarded music and visual art programs. The school values creativity in all areas, acceptance of diversity and developing increasing levels of responsibility for learning directions and behaviour.

Specialist lessons in Japanese, Library, Visual Art, and Music operate school wide. Classroom teachers conduct Physical Education within the teaching program.

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Opportunities

At our school, we believe that a rich education extends beyond the classroom. A wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities are offered throughout the year to enhance students’ learning, develop their interests and talents, and strengthen their connection to the school community.

These programs are coordinated and supported by staff in addition to their classroom teaching roles. Each year, these responsibilities are reviewed and balanced to ensure the breadth of opportunities offered to students remains sustainable and manageable.

Students participate in a variety of activities across the year, including:

Music and Performance

• Weekly Acoustic Music Assemblies featuring student performances from Years 3–6
• Termly Rock Band Assemblies for students in Years 4–6
• School of Rock attendance and performances for Year 6 students
• Lunchtime music rehearsals supporting student performance opportunities
• After school hours instrumental music program (parent paid) with two evening concerts per year

Arts, Culture and Literacy

• Annual Book Week celebrations including author visits and workshops
• Japanese Week activities celebrating language and culture
• A biennial Arts Festival and Writers Festival

Sport and Physical Activity

• The whole-school Merri Marathon, a running event and community fundraiser that supports cross country participation in the upper year levels
• Sports Days for Years 4–6 including athletics and swimming
• Gala Days for Years 5–6 in key summer and winter sports codes
• Sports Victoria opportunities school wide including codes such as hockey, soccer, AFL, frisbee,  
• A whole-school swimming program
• Urbansurf lessons for Year 6

Learning Enrichment

• Excursions and incursions linked to the teaching and learning program
• The Student Excellence Program supporting high-ability learners in Years 5 and 6

Early Years Programs

• Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) for Prep and Year 1 students, designed to develop fundamental movement skills
• Circus Skills program at Foundation and Year 1 level

Whole School Experiences

• School camps for students in Years 3–6
• The Year 5/6 Market Day, providing enterprise and teamwork learning opportunities
• Dance programs across the school

These opportunities provide students with meaningful ways to explore their interests, develop new skills, work collaboratively, and build confidence. Together they contribute to a vibrant school culture and a well-rounded educational experience.

School facilities include a combination of both ground and double storey buildings, as well as modular classrooms. The main building houses the staff and administration area, as well as classrooms and general-purpose spaces. Year levels are strategically situated near each other.

The grounds provide a variety of active and passive play areas, including a range of adventure playground equipment and general play courts.