Footscray Primary achieved the milestone target of having half of the school enrolled in the bilingual program this year.
The school has also been visited by Consul General Hanna Pappalardo in recent weeks.
Attended by Italians for decades, the historic buildings of the school have been complimented by newer ones over the last few years, thanks to $20 million allocated by the government.
The money was used to build new classrooms, a gymnasium and modern shared areas that cater for a range of activities.
In her opening speech, Briggs claimed the school “is a place to create connections and build community".
The attendance of many families, as well as former pupils, demonstrated that his is a shared vision.
Daniel Ross, a member of the Wurundjeri people, one of the guardians of the Yarra River area, inaugurated the day with a smoking ceremony.
This was followed by words from principal Briggs, who thanked everyone who helped make the day possible, including Comites Melbourne - Victoria and Tasmania.
She also thanked Co.As.It. for their contribution and their presence at the event.
The microphone was then given to Katie Hall, Member of Parliament for the Footscray area, who supported the school's renovation.
Numerous activities were organised for the day, such as Italian stories read aloud by the Co.As.It teachers who, in the beautiful school library, were able to involve young and old.
There were also wonderful desserts prepared by parents and, to great fanfare, an ice cream truck.
The ice cream truck was a big hit
Meanwhile, in a new spacious zone of the school called the 'palazzo', music teachers gave the choir their last-minute instructions before a wonderful performance, accompanied by a guitar and double bass.
Throughout the day, staff gave tours through the corridors of the school, giving the community the opportunity to see the new facilities.
In one of the historic buildings parents could walk through a colourful art exhibition displaying the work of students, while in a nearby room, the glowing testimonies of past pupils were heard.
The alumni also donated old photos to the school archive, so today's students can see how different the experience of their predecessors was.
A day in honour of the past, to prepare for the future.
