Original School Building

Statement of Significance

The building is closely associated with the provision of educational facilities in the Moodiarrup district. It was built initially on Location 3992 as a portable building and was later shifted to a more central position.

The building is a good example of the building style from the period. It is an important part of the district’s building stock and makes a positive contribution to the streetscape.

Physical Description

Constructed 1918 (Moodiarrup) shifted to Glenorchy 1936.

The school was first settled on location 3992, a five acre block of Crown land on the northern end of Tarwilli Road, 1.5 km from the Moodiarrup Bridge over the Arthur River. The building was shifted in 1936 to Roly Stewarts home on “Glenorchy”

The building is timber framed, weather board clad with a gable roof (iron) and overhanging eaves. Adjoining to the west of the Glenorchy School is the Principal’s residence.

History

The original Moodiarrup School opened in 1909 and the next three years was operated half the time in conjunction with Duranillin. This school closed in 1912 due to low attendances and this building was removed to Ongerup (2). In 1918 it became a fulltime school until 1935 when it was closed. With the development of farming areas to the South and the arrival of new families it was necessary for a more central location for the school and temporary facilities were established at Glenorchy.

In 1936 Treasury approval was given for the removal of the School to its present site 2.8 ha of land donated by Hilton MacLean Campbell, part of his “Mokup Springs” property. A contract was let to Messers Bud and Thomas to move the school for 136 pounds, the work was completed on 10 December 1936 and school started in February 1937 with 16 pupils. While the school was being relocated, lessons were conducted at Stewart’s ‘Glenorchy’ homestead. In 1948-49 the Dinninup school building was moved to Glenorchy and Glenorchy became a two teacher school.

The old building was then used as a junior room. Between 1951 and 1953 another classroom and office were added to the building. The old building was then converted to a museum in 1958 and finally into a library in 1970. During 1987 the library underwent major improvements.

The largest attendance was in 1954 with 69 students. In 1996 the school closed due to the Education Department’s rationalisation policy.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Extensions 1948/9
Extent of original fabric: Most

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.