History

The school was originally named Yarra Flat School.
The actual opening day of the school was the 1st April 1868. Inspector Sasse reported that Mr Alexander McIntyre was head teacher and the average attendance was 20.
Near the close of the year 1877, some land was purchased from Mr Thomas Armstrong for a new school site.
In April 1878 a tender was accepted from a Mr John Nichols for the erection of a new school house. Price of the tender was 395 pounds and 10 shillings.

The year 1901 must have been a highlight in the life of the school children as it was during this year that Royalty (Royal Highnesses King George V and Queen Mary of England) passed through the town.

In September 1934 a memorial tablet was unveiled at the School in honour of Joseph Furphy. It was a tribute from the literary people of Melbourne. The unveiling was witnessed by a large gathering of more than two hundred people.

Joseph Furphy is famous as one of Australia’s most talented early authors. Under the pen name of Tom Collins he wrote books, “Such as Life” and “Rigby’s Romance”. These books were said to be unique in Australian Literature and his work was highly praised by overseas critics. He also wrote short stories and a volume of poems.

Although the Joseph Furphy memorial is at the school, the connection with Joseph Furphy and Yarra Glen is of a much earlier time than the life of the school. It is said that on the 26th September 1843, in a wattle and daub shack which was on the site of the present school, Joseph Furphy was born. It is believed he was the first white child to be born in the Yering District. His elder brother John was a successful inventor of agricultural machines, whose famous water tank with its well known motto  (Good Better Best, Never Let It Rest, Till Your Good is Better and Your Better Best) has carried water in many parts of Australia.   

The tank was well known to the Anzacs in Gallipoli and its drivers had a reputation as bearers of camp gossip. So was born the expression “A Furphy” for any exaggerated rumour. 

For one hundred and forty-one years the school has accommodated many children and their teachers. It is unfortunate many of their details are not on record. However there is, in the school foyer, a complete list of the Head Teachers since the school's inception.

In 1987 the main school building was replaced by a new brick veneer administration block and in 2004 a new building program, provided a library and four general purpose classrooms.

Stage two this year, will include a permanent multipurpose room and canteen.
The existing infant block will also eventually be refurbished to provide technologically enhanced classrooms for future generations of students at Yarra Glen.