About Us

A Proud History

Our school has been in operation for over 150 years!

1864 Hepburn opened as a common school.

1870 The schoolhouse was built with local bricks around this time. It had one large room. This was later made into two rooms.

1870s The school became a state school at some stage between 1873 and 1878.

1967 A third room was added to the school.

1970 The school was renamed Hepburn Primary School.

2014  Hepburn Primary School celebrated its 150th year in education. 

2023 Hepburn Primary School remains open.

Facilities​

Hepburn Primary delivers a nurturing and vibrant educational environment that fosters growth, creativity, and academic excellence. Nestled in the heart of picturesque Hepburn, Victoria, the historical red brick main building sits proudly on an elevated hill, creating a warm welcome and the gateway to the modern learning spaces, offices and library that are strategically placed behind it.

The school also comprises of a multi-functional space, flourishing music station and a well-resourced kitchen to support the kitchen program assessable for all year levels.

The natural bushland school grounds surrounding the buildings, delivers multiple play spaces from shaded playground equipment, outdoor learning spaces, basketball court, oval and the popular yarning circle completing a serene and safe environment for students to learn and grow.

Staff

Matthew Beechey

I am the current Acting Principal of Hepburn Primary School. I have been in this role for over 18 months, prior to this I was a member of the School Improvement team based out of the Ballarat Area Office. In my downtime I find myself spending time with family and friends, I am also a keen gardener which I find is incredibly rewarding and relaxing. 

Fiona Cooper

Having been born and raised in the Daylesford area, serving my local community is important to me. I have worked as a teacher and librarian at Hepburn Primary School for over twenty years.

Shannon Graham

I am in my fifth year at Hepburn Primary School and have held a number of roles and responsibilities over this time. In 2023 I am the classroom teacher for our senior students in grades 4, 5 and 6. I consider myself extremely privileged to be a part of this wonderful community. Outside of school, you will find me spending time with my family, looking after our animals (two dogs, one sheep, one goat) and going out for brunch! 

Emily Smart

I have been at Hepburn Primary School for just over 18 months and am currently teaching in the F/1/2 room. Before becoming a part of this community I was the health and physical education teacher at Gisborne Montessori, while completing further study. Prior to that I was teaching in secondary schools in Brisbane and Darwin. Outside of school I like to spend time with my family, read, occasionally bake things and try to keep houseplants alive.

Barkley Jackson

I am the Classroom Teacher of the 2/3 class of Hepburn Primary School. I have been in this role since the beginning of 2023. Before this I was completing my study to become a teacher, as well as working as Education Support at Heathcote Primary School. Outside of school I play football for Newstead FNC after having spent 8 years playing for Eaglehawk FNC in Bendigo. I also enjoy reading fantasy novels and playing video games in my spare time.

Zoom Beck

Role 2023 – Arts teacher (Music, Drama and Visual Arts)

Hobbies – Music – playing in a variety of Bands and orchestras locally and overseas.

Sports – Trained and instructed in Shinkyokushin Karate. I ran the After-school Sports program at Hepburn in the past, as well as taught Karate and Self Defence as part of the program or Physical Education. I have also been fortunate to represent Australia a few times in Full contact/knock down divisions for the World Cup and World Tournaments (in Japan). I have taught at several other schools but really enjoy working with students, staff and community at Hepburn PS. Hepburn has a rich cultural & sporting history and a wealth of diverse families who continue to be amazing to work with. 

Kellie McDonald

Education Support – I feel very fortunate to be able to work in our wonderful learning community and support the students and staff of HPS. Being able to make a positive impact in a child’s life is truly amazing and incredibly rewarding.  Away from school I can be found enjoying the vibrant community in which we live with my family and dog, Milo.

Terri McEwen

Education Support, Office Administration.

Our Vision & Values

At Hepburn Primary School we hold our three values at the forefront of everything we do, Curiosity, Courage and Kindness.

Our vision statement sets the scene for everything we set out to achieve for our students and community. We are a vibrant community of unique individuals where all are inspired to learn, laugh and flourish together.

Courage

At Hepburn Primary School, when we feel challenged we give things a go and make responsible choices.

Kindness

At Hepburn Primary School, we respect ourselves and others by forming friendships and looking out for each other.

Curiosity

At Hepburn Primary School, we create opportunities where we explore, investigate and apply our skills and understandings.