Old Vasse Primary School Precinct

Statement of Significance

The history of the Old Vasse Primary School Precinct has been to a large extent continuous with that of the surrounding district, and has been associated with the present site since the early 1880’s.

The survival of the Old Vasse Primary School Precinct is a noteworthy achievement of the local residents who struggled to keep the school open through many years when low enrolments threatened the school with closure, a recurring theme in the history of rural schools.

The theme of rural schools closing due to low enrolments is echoed by the placement of the ex-Cowaramup schoolroom on the site in 1961, after the first Cowaramup school was forced to close.

The Old Vasse Primary School Precinct buildings have some value for what they reveal about the nature of educational buildings and the factors that historically were taken into account for the health and hygiene of the pupils, in particular light and ventilation. The rainwater tanks illustrate the ongoing reliance of the school on rainwater for drinking, personal hygiene and the watering of gardens.

Old Vasse Primary School Precinct is highly valued by the local community as it has
functioned as a vital and integral part of the community’s social life since the first years of settlement in the Vasse region. The Parents and Citizens Association of the school has played an important role in the social history of the district, and in maintaining the school’s operation.

The principal and his family of the school have historically also been an important part of the social history of the school and the area.

The continued use of the buildings for their original purpose has further contributed to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

The single classroom which was the original school is a simple timber framed building with a pitched roof with a brick chimney on one corner. The walls are timber framed and clad with weatherboard and an enclosed verandah provides shelter to the entrance.

This building is one of several in the school grounds which are predominantly paved.

History

A reserve was created on this site in 1881 for school purposes. It was not until 1884 when a stone building was erected as a classroom that schooling began on the site. However, ‘Commonwealth based’ schooling began in the area in 1845, at Elijah Dawson’s Westbrook property. In the 1850’s and 60’s, Elijah was aided in this task by American sailors’ wives who were based on shore for a year or so at a time, as he was often called away to his duties as a police constable. Research has indicated that we can claim that our school became a public school in 1869.

The government built the single classroom school timber framed weatherboard room (now the Heritage Room) in 1901 and the stone building, now demolished, became the teacher’s quarters.

In 1904, the school was renamed, Newtown. With numbers in decline, the school was closed from August 1930 until June 1932 and was re-named Vasse in 1938. The cream weatherboard building adjacent to the Heritage Room was transported from Cowaramup in 1961.

After the Junior block was built in 1981, the Education Department wished to demolish the 1895 Heritage Room. However, a concerted effort by the community restored the building and saved it for the school and community to use.

The original classroom building continues to be used by the school for its educational services.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree
Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.