We acknowledge the Gunai Kurnai people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, learn, and play. We pay our respects to Gunai Kurnai Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families of Buchan Primary School.
On behalf of our staff and School Council, I warmly welcome you and your family to Buchan Primary School. My name is Aidan Johnston, and after serving as Acting Principal in 2023–2024, I am honoured to now lead this wonderful school nestled in the heart of the Buchan Valley in East Gippsland. Our community is small, strong, and deeply connected: a place where every child is known, supported, and celebrated.
Buchan Primary School has proudly served this region since 1877. While we value our history, our focus is firmly on preparing students for the future. Though we are a rural school, we are committed to the highest standards of education. Our aim is for every child to excel. A quick look at our results shows that our students consistently achieve strong outcomes, proving that with expert teaching, high expectations, and the right support, excellence is not only possible but expected, regardless of our size or location.
We offer a broad range of programs that allow students to explore their interests and talents. From Physical Education, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Play to Music, Art, Pottery, STEM, ICT, and Cooking, our curriculum is rich, diverse, and engaging. Students also benefit from 1:1 access to netbooks and a dedicated bike education program with 1:1 mountain bikes, helping them build skills, confidence, and independence. In addition, we are proud of our relationship with SurfShack, where students take part in annual surfing lessons, and with both Outward Bound and Karoonda Park, which provide valuable outdoor education and adventure opportunities each year. Combined with our expansive outdoor learning areas, these experiences ensure that learning at Buchan Primary extends well beyond the classroom.
At Buchan Primary School, our values: Show Respect, Show Empathy, Be Kind, and Be a Friend guide everything we do. They shape our culture of care, resilience, and connection. We are proud to be a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support school and part of the Rights, Resilience, and Respectful Relationships initiative, as well as the Outer Gippsland and Tambo Network.
We deeply value the support and involvement of our parents and guardians in every aspect of school life, from curriculum programs and whole-school events to parent–teacher evenings, facility development, grounds maintenance, fundraising, and School Council. Together, we create a strong partnership that enriches the learning journey for every child.
The staff and students of Buchan Primary School warmly invite you to visit our welcoming school. We look forward to sharing with you the unique opportunities that make our community such a special place to learn and grow.
Warmest Regards,
Aidan Johnston
Principal