What's in a name?
Until 1978 our school was known as Toronto West. Why was the name changed to Biraban Public School?
It seems that in 1977-78 there was a massive building program undertaken because the school doubled in numbers to 440 students!
The old weatherboard buildings were brick veneered and new brick buildings were erected. These included our current hall and library, as well as the two storey buildings towards the back of the school where most of our senior students spend their days. The school had undergone massive change....and deserved a new name.
The name Biraban it is told, was suggested by a staff member, Mr C Hallinan, and we think it was a great choice! Biraban the man was an Elder of the Awabakal Nation and he was a great leader of his people. Biraban spoke a number of languages and did great work in bringing Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people together. Biraban also means sea eagle in the Awabakal language and the sea eagle was Biraban the man's totem. A great story for a great school!
By Mrs Johns