GLENISLA SCHOOL

The first Glenisla School was built and opened in 1910 or 1911. Joe and Alex Stone had come over from Bunbury some years previously and settled on "Glenisla".

By 1910 the two families had between them six school age children, They had a neighbour, Arthur Clemesha, who also had three school age children.

It was decided to approach the Education Department for a teacher. The Department agreed to provide a teacher, pay half her salary, and provide necessary furniture, books and stationary. In return, the settlers had to meet the other half of her salary, provide a classroom, and accommodation for the teacher.
 

GLENISLA SCHOOL 1914
 

The three men set to work and made sufficient bricks for a large classroom and a small porch on the "Glenisla" property, close to the road that led to Borden. The school was opened on 30th October 1911.In 1911 the Department appointed Miss Ruby Bourke to the "Glenisla" school, East Broomehill. Broomehill was at that time the nearest railway station for the transport of passengers and goods to and from Perth.

Miss Bourke had migrated from India for health reasons and on board ship had been advised to apply to the Education Department for a position. She proved to be a very capable teacher and the children progressed rapidly with her thorough teaching of the elementary subjects. She also encouraged them in singing, acting, and playing inventive games. Each year of study was rounded off with an unforgettable concert for parents, in which every child delighted in dressing up in makeshift costumes.

The first pupils were the Joe Stones children - Frieda, Gene, Mavis and 4 1/2 year old David. He had to go to make up the ten pupils needed to acquire a teacher. The Alex Jones children - John, Horace and Cecily, and the Arthur Clemesha children from "Kiaora" - Beatrice, Bert and Milton.

Miss Burke boarded with the Clemeshas and drove the children about three miles to school in a sulky. The Stone children walked from their respective homes about one to two miles. The Stone brothers later leased "Majitup" property from the Hassells and the Alex's family moved there, after which they would have driven over in a sulky. In the year 1914, Dennis and Eric Bungey from Majitup way, camre. Also Jean Banks from six or seven miles north east of the school.

As the numbers grew, the original school became too small. The Education Department reserved two acres of land on the opposite side of Borden Road and built a new school out of timber and canvas. Other children to attend both schools were all other members of the Joe Stone family (5), Clemeshas (2), Banks (4), Bungeys (3) and ($0 Alex Stones before they moved to Calingari. Also to attend were the eldest three Trappitts who rode a horse out from Borden, nearly six miles, two Edgar Davis's from Kebaringup, two Stanley Davis's from Maileup and also two Copelands from Borden way. for about twelve months the three cousin children of Jim Stones, also attended while staying at "Glenisla".

Later teachers were Miss Delany, Miss Parker, Miss Johnson and a Miss Ashleigh. In May 1925 the numbers of school age children near "Glenisla" had dropped, The school was closed, and the building was transported into Borden, The remaining pupils attended their nearest school, either Borden, Kebaringup or Salt River.

1911          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1912          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1913          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1914          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

GLENISLA SCHOOL  1914

Back Row L - R: HOL STONE, GENE STONE, FRIEDA STONE, BEATRICE CLEMESHA, BERT CLEMESHA
Middle Row L - R:  MILTON CLEMESHA, DAVE STONE, MAVIS STONE, CECILY STONE, JOHN STONE
Front Row L - R: ERIC BUNGEY, ENID STONE, JEAN BANKS, DENNIS BUNGEY

1915          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1916          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1917          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1918          Teacher   BOURKE Ruby                           Head Teacher

1919          Teacher   JOHNSON Jessie                       Head Teacher

1920          Teacher   PARKER Grace                           Head Teacher

1921          Teacher   DeLANY Ruby                            Head Teacher

1922          Teacher   ASHLEIGH Gladys                       Head Teacher on Probation

1923          Teacher   ASHLEIGH Gladys                       Head Teacher on Probation

1924          Teacher   ASHLEIGH Gladys                       Head Teacher on Probation

1925          Teacher  WILLIAMS Grace                        Sewing Mistress

School Closed

GLENISLA SCHOOL SITE PLAQUE
 

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:      Mrs. Allan Stone
                                                 Research by Gordon Freegard

                                  Image:     

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2023