Canterbury is a school that is proud of its heritage. The school is located on Wurundjeri land, of the Kulin Nations. We acknowledge that the traditional owners have deep connections with these land, waterways and skies dating back thousands of years.
Opened on 20 June 1908, the original building remains and careful stewardship over the last 118 years has kept many of the architectural features intact.
The school was designed by architect J.B Cohen and accommodated 400 students in eight classrooms, a hall and an armory that housed arms and ammunition used by the Cadet Corps that operated at the school between 1909 and 1911.
In 1924 a new building with 10 additional classrooms was built to accommodate an increasing student population of over 1000 students.
The art and music rooms, gym and senior school learning environments were built in 2011 and designed around 21st Century learning needs in open, flexible spaces.
In the centennial year, 2008, the school published and launched A Pocketful of Acorns, a history of the school. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact our school office.
The second edition of the delightful children's book Time Flies, by author Adrian Peniston-Bird, is also available. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact our school office.
An extensive archive collection is continually being added to by donations from past pupils. Regular displays from this collection give an insight into the school’s history for the students.
Below are some photos from the school's archives.
First Student - Flo Davies 
Early Assembly - at front of school
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Facade 1990