Cutting the cake to celebrate 130 years of schooling at Harkaway are teacher Bronwyn Vary and oldest past pupil present, Jack Curtis.By Jim Mynard
HARKAWAY Primary School has become the newest old school in Victoria.
The Minister for Education Jacinta Allan officially opened the new school last Friday.
The school has been almost completely rebuilt and the original heritage section refurbished and retained.
Ms Allan said the official opening was an important occasion, but noted the school community would celebrate its 130year history with social activities the following day.
“One hundred and thirty years is a long history for a school.
“Harkaway State School opened with only 29 students and always enjoyed strong community support.”
Ms Allan said the new school building had cost $2 million and had five new class rooms, plus a new administration area.”
La Trobe MP Jason Wood presented the school with a new flag to mark the opening.
Mr Wood said the State Government provided $1.25 million, the Federal Government$750,000, and the school community $50,000 to pay for the building.
Bunurong people representative Brian Powell said his family tradition went back 40,000 years in the area and that he had earlier that day collected items from the land to present to the school.
He said he found a mixture of leaves, bark and seeds similar to those used by his ancestors.
School principal Fred Hess said the opening was a momentous occasion for the school and that the building had involved several years’ planning and work by the community. He thanked Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan for his contribution.
“Mr Donnellan began the application process to fund the school,” he said.
School committee president Dawn Wilcock said the community now had a brilliant school that had involved nearly five years work and a big effort by many community members.
“I wish to thank those involved, the staff, and particularly our principal Mr Hess,” she said.
