A photograph of the solid brick Bunyip Primary School built after a fire destroyed the previous school in May 1929.
As current students settle into their classrooms for the school year, spare a thought for Bunyip students back in 1929 who lost their school, books, work and records.
After fire destroyed the school, children attended classes in the Bunyip mechanics institute and St Thomas church hall.
However, by early 1930, parents were "agitating" for a new school and two sites were considered. Eventually, the current site on Longwarry-Nar Nar Goon Rd was decided upon.
The opening of the solid brick three-room school with an office and a storeroom took place on April 10, 1931.
The new building was decorated with flowers and flags, and Shirley Excell - the youngest child at the school - unfurled the Australian flag.
A cypress hedge, thought to have been planted at the front of the school in the 1930s, is a familiar community landmark.
The hedge was first clipped with the words "BUNYIP PS 2229" in the early 1960s and is remembered fondly by generations of students as well as the many passers-by in trains and cars.
Over the years, the hedge has suffered fire and vandalism, and the name has grown out. But, the school is hopeful of restoring the hedge wording in the near future.
Photograph and information courtesy of the Bunyip Historical Society.
The small volunteer-based group collects, preserves and promotes the history and heritage of the Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, Garfield and Garfield North areas.
To find out more, visit bunyiphistory.org.au, email bhs@dcsi.net.au or call 0419 156 844 or 0419 562 956.