Belgian Gardens State School

Belgian Gardens State School opened on 4 July, 1887 with twenty-eight pupils. Its original name was Townsville North State School and it was situated in the suburb of German Gardens. The name of the suburb was changed during the First World War and the school's name followed suit in 1930. During the Second World War pupils shared the grounds and buildings with military personnel who established a hospital and a field artillery battery.

The original construction included the main school building, which was later called A Wing and a Teacher's residence. The school was to be built facing the front street, then Brown Street, later renamed Potts Street. The street running parallel to Brown Street (Potts Street) but behind the school, at the foot of the Castle Hill spur, was then named Hanran Street.

The first teacher was Mr James Gill, who had come to Australia from England after 11 years of teaching. Mr Gill only remained at Belgian Gardens School for one year.

The school has had sixteen principals since its establishment.

The school's history is chronicled in a highly respected publication, first printed in 1987 and updated in 1997. The administration block is part of the original school building opened in 1887. Haven't we come a long way since 1887!