Wednesday, 13 November 2024

Eildon electorate primary schools

Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (10:00): It is a season of sesquicentenaries, with Merrijig Primary School, Christmas Hills Primary School and Woori Yallock Primary School all celebrating their 150-year milestone in October. At each school students, teachers and parents did an excellent job in marking the occasion.

Woori Yallock began in a tent on a 5-acre site with 15 students in 1872, erected by public subscription at a cost of £14. In 1874 when the school fell under government regulations the Education Department had to lease the school back from the parents at a cost of one shilling per week. Woori Yallock Primary School captains Milla Robertson, Tyson Warren and Molly Benson spoke so well to the large audience who gathered for the celebrations. Their enthusiasm for their school, principal and teachers was evident, and I wish them the best for next year.

Christmas Hills Primary School organised a wonderful celebration for their 150th. The small school pulled in a big crowd with loads of activities for all. They had an envious collection of letters from the early days, which showed things were not always easy. Whilst the principal borrowed a table and a few rough bush seats, he wrote to the department outlining his needs, which included a blackboard, a bell, a whistle and a map of the world.

I was sorry to miss Merrijig Primary School’s 150th celebration. The school went all out with games and activities, encouraging families to dress up in old-fashioned attire. Impressively, the original school building is still standing and being used today. Merrijig clearly had the runs on the board there because it was built by those who knew how to build.