Gnowangerup History

Schools

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MOORTVALE SCHOOL

Alan Harris built the school in 1938 on land he owned at Kojonup Location 6268 and was opened on the 11th April, which was small and unlined so very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Water bag on the left. The school was moved twice to reduce the distance travelled by one family which was 8.5 kilometres. The first time was by horses and took six men five days to move and set up.

In 1942 the Government enlarged it and a verandah was added. The first teacher was Miss Longman: second teacher was Miss Gwen Farmer who later married George Russ.

The second moved was during WW11 by tractors and the school was twice the size with a verandah and took eight men about a week. They did it for a very low tender as being wartime they thought it would take the government too long to be able to do it. Twice to reduce the distance travelled by one family from nine miles to five and a half. It was moved about three and a half miles.

1938 Teacher LONGMAN Ruth Head Teacher

Friday, December 16, saw the completion of the first year of the Moortvale School and the occasion was made memorable by a break-up picnic. The children were well catered for in all kinds of ways—nice things to eat and drink and a well arranged programme of sports.

Included in the events were items such as thread the needle, sack, shoe and wheelbarrow races and other competitions, which were all greatly enjoyed. Cool drinks were provided for the youngsters, as well as oranges and apples.

During an interval in the program afternoon tea was served and small baskets filled with sweets and nuts were distributed amongst the children.

Later the teacher, Miss Longman, presented the scholars with prizes won during the school year, toys being distributed among the younger children.

The trophy presented by Mr. Harry Smith, of Katanning, for the child who had done the best for the year was won by Don Wilson, aged 12, who is in Standard V.

Opportunity was then taken to present Miss Longman with a small gift in appreciation of the interest she had taken in the children during the year, also to wish her success in the future as she will not be returning to the school after the holidays. Sincere regret is felt by both parents and children that Miss Longman will not come back to Moortvale.

It is pleasing to note although this assisted school opened last April with eight children on the roll, it now has thirteen with the prospect of at least one more when the school re-opens.

1939 Teacher FARMER Melvena Head Teacher

MOORTVALE STUDENTS IN 1939
Back Row: L - R: DON WILSON, HAZEL PARKER, LILIAN PARKER, JOSIE PARKER, JOY SWEETSER, GEOFF WILSON.
Front Row L _ R: FRANK WILSON, SERGE HARRIS, AILEEN PARKER, DAVID PARKER, PAT SWEETSER, WIN PARKER, MORERN HARRIS #1

MOORTVALE SCHOOL BUILDING BEING MOVED TO NEW SITE #2

1941 Teacher FARMER Melvena Head Teacher

1942 Teacher FARMER Melvena Head Teacher on Supply

1943 Teacher McKENZIE Elizabeth Head Teacher

1944 Teacher BURTON Lesley Head Teacher on Probation

1945 Teacher BURTON Lesley Head Teacher on Probation

Moortvale School combined with Jackitup and Badgeup Schools, known as North Group, and won the J. L. Ball Shield in 1945 and 1946.

1946 Teacher BURTON Lesley Head Teacher

1947 Teacher BURTON Lesley Head Teacher

This school finally was closed due to insufficient numbers and the children left were bused to the Gnowangerup school. A plaque has been erected to mark the site.”

Nothing remains of this building.

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References: Article: MELVENA RUSS (nee Farmer)
Research by Gordon Freegard

Image: 1, 2 MELVENA RUSS (nee Farmer)