100 Years of Learning, Community and Belonging
I am incredibly proud to be the principal of Allenby Gardens Primary School and to be part of the remarkable celebrations marking our 100‑year centenary this year - a milestone that honours a century of learning, community, and legacy.
Our journey began when the school first opened its doors as Welland Primary School on 26 June 1926, serving the young families of Adelaide’s inner west. Over the decades, the school has evolved into the Allenby Gardens Primary School we know today: a vibrant, diverse and future‑focused learning community.
Across 2026, we invite students, families, alumni, and the wider community to join us in celebrating this historic milestone.
A Century of History
Established in 1926 as Welland Primary School, our school quickly became a cornerstone of the local neighbourhood. As the community grew and changed, so did the school, adopting the name Allenby Gardens Primary School and expanding its facilities to meet the needs of new generations.
Today, AGPS is a thriving Preschool to Year 6 community known for its welcoming culture, innovative learning programs, modern STEM and Science facilities, a dedicated Performing Arts space, an outdoor garden and kitchen program and teaching Greek as the main language. Our school continues to champion values of compassion, curiosity, connectedness, and courage as we prepare students for the world ahead.
Our new school motto, ‘Everyone matters, every moment matters’, marks an important milestone for Allenby Gardens Primary School. Alongside our updated school logo and signage, the motto symbolises the beginning of a new era, strengthening our commitment to inclusivity and excellence as we move into the next decade of teaching and learning.
Centenary Events – Celebrating 100 Years Together
Throughout the year, we will host a series of memorable activities to commemorate this remarkable milestone.
Term 2 – History Walk: Centenary School Tours
Led by our enthusiastic student leaders, visitors will explore:
- Life at Allenby Gardens Primary today
- A guided history walk across key school landmarks
- Stories and moments from the school’s past.
These tours will highlight our journey from Welland Primary to AGPS as it stands today.
Term 3 - Alumni Guest Speakers
We will be inviting former scholars to return and share short speeches with our students. Their stories and reflections will offer insight into school life across the decades and inspire our current learners. Expressions of interest can be found on the school website or by contacting the school.
Term 4 - Friday 30 October Centenary Celebration Day - Open Day: Celebrating Our Past
This will be our major community celebration - a whole‑school and after‑school event.
We welcome families, past students, staff, and community members to reconnect with the school.
The Open Day will include:
· Whole school assembly – unveiling of the mural, ‘connected space’, plaque and the time capsule
· Learning spaces will be open - children will be sharing their learning expedition
· Displays of historical photos and memorabilia
· Performances and student-led activities
· Food stalls
· Fundraising items on sale to mark our centenary
Centenary Fundraising Items
Throughout the year, we will offer a range of commemorative fundraising items to mark the 100-year milestone. These keepsakes will honour the school’s history while supporting future learning opportunities.
Details for all fundraising items throughout the year, will be on our website.
Here’s to celebrating 100 years of Allenby Gardens Primary School—1926 to 2026
A century of learning.
A century of community.
A century of memories,
and to the next 100 years of learning and growing together as a community.
Warm regards,
Vicky Bitzios
Principal