A photograph of students outside Drouin State School c1914.
In part two of the Drouin State School series, we reflect on history of schooling from 1924.
In February 1936, a fire destroyed the school, leaving very little of the original buildings and destroying all school records.
Although the school had six water tanks, the fire and heat were so intense by the time the fire brigade arrived that they couldn't get close to the building. They concentrated their efforts on saving the house of the headmaster and spraying water on the homes on the other side of the street with water obtained from their wells.
The school committee listed their requirements for a brand-new school. Secretary Howard Bertram wrote for the need of a "modern school in keeping with its status in the locality".
Public works chief architect Percy Everett promoted a distinctive style for public buildings. The new Drouin school showcased his style, with its symmetrically placed curved wings, flat roof and cantilevered concrete construction and glazed brick. It was estimated to cost £4300 and work was started by August, with October to be the completion date.
The official opening was by Premier Mr Dunstan on Friday, November 20. It was attended by more than 600 people, including two original students from 1877 in Samuel McNeilly and Amy Jackson.
A newspaper article about the opening described the building "as the most up-to-date in Victoria".
"It contains four large classrooms, each of which is fitted with sound-proof walls and ceilings," it read.
"Lockers which have been provided in each room for children's coats are specially ventilated. Each classroom has folding windows, which converge onto a large assembly room, so that, if necessary, all rooms can be addressed by the headmaster from a platform.
"On the front of the office is the headmaster's office and teachers' room and two circular bays that have been converted into book and storerooms."
The school has had many more additions and alterations over the years, with the next phase happening soon. The Moderne building will remain and later internal walls are to be removed, to take it closer to the original design.
Photograph and information courtesy of the Drouin History Group.
For further information on the group, visit drouinhistorygroup.org.au