Our History

Before Furlong Park existed, deaf students in the western suburbs attended the St Albans Deaf Unit, located within the grounds of St Albans Special School (now Jackson School). The Unit was created after strong advocacy from the late Val Davies, whose efforts were instrumental in establishing a dedicated learning space for deaf children in the West. It was the first Deaf Unit of its kind in Victoria, consisting of two classrooms and an Auditory Training Room.

The Principal of St Albans Special School at the time was the late Des English, who, along with the late Colin Laity, Director of Special Education, strongly supported the Unit.

The Deaf Unit opened with eight students aged 3 to 6, including one child with multiple disabilities. These students were trailblazers, laying the foundations for what would grow into a unique and progressive educational setting for deaf children.

Although the initial mode of communication was oral/aural, the Unit quickly embraced a Total Communication philosophy. Signed English became consistently used across the Unit, and staff provided sign language classes both at school and in family homes upon request.

A playgroup for deaf children with disabilities was soon established, and these children were fully included in the school program. Students participated in all activities available through the Special School and integrated weekly with a local preschool, strengthening connections with the wider community.

During this period, the education of deaf children in Victoria began to shift. School placements were traditionally decided by the Ascertainment Committee, but from the late 1970s, parents gained the right to choose both the school and the communication approach for their children. Staff and families at the Deaf Unit chose Total Communication, ensuring all students were exposed to both oral and signed language.

Student numbers steadily increased, and soon the original wing of the Special School could no longer accommodate the growing Deaf Unit. In 1980, two portable buildings—divided into four classroom spaces—were installed, allowing the Unit to move into its own dedicated area. Under the leadership of Peter Fryer, the Unit expanded to 5 staff and 17 students.

Persistent parent advocacy continued, calling for a purpose‑built school for deaf children. These efforts were rewarded when plans for a dedicated school and preschool were approved. Furlong Park School and Preschool for Deaf Children opened in 1985, with Peter Fryer as its founding Principal.
Since then, the school has been led by:

• Peter Fryer (1985–2002)
• Sue Izard
• Robyn Lawrence
• Anne‑Maree Crivelli
• Lee Bullock (2017–present)

There is a time capsule in the school that is due to be opened in 2036, on our 50 year anniversary.