Established in 1860, Footscray Primary School has seen many changes in its community and students. Since 2000, the school has undergone major renovations whilst proudly maintaining the historic character of the buildings. In 1984 the Vietnamese Bilingual program began, now attracting 97 students, and is supported by the Sister School program with Phuoc Tien Primary School in Vietnam. In 2011, student enrolments have increased to 219, with students from over 30 different cultural backgrounds. There are nine classes, organised into composite classes. The school has 20.0 equivalent full time staff: 2 prin class, 16 teachers, and 4.0 ES staff. Footscray has experienced major changes in curriculum, including full authorisation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program in 2009.Technology is widely used, including the use of an interactive whiteboard in every classroom. The school has also developed an Enterprise Education program for Year 6 students, a partnership with Accenture supporting Years 5-6 student leadership training over their final two years and a Play Ethics program. The school is successfully developing a strong school-home partnership through parent participation in classrooms, school events and community links including playgroups.