Petrie State School

INDUSTRY, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION

OFFICIAL SCHOOL NAME CHANGE & THE AUSTRALIAN PAPER MILL MOVES IN

1957 AUSTRALIAN PAPER MILL PRIME MINISTER ROBERT MENZIES
Accessed via http://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/petrie

New things were happening in Petrie in the 1950s. The Australian Paper Mill (More About the Australian Paper Mill and it’s Influence) had built a massive industry on the north bank of the Pine River next to the bridge and there was a new boom of population, innovation and children.

Due to this increased enrolment, in 1954 the Department of Works built an additional 9ft to increase the area of the original school wing. Windows opening onto the verandah of the original wing were also enlarged.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie Sate School 1874 – 1999; Petrie State School, 1999; p9

THE NAME OFFICIALLY CHANGED TO PETRIE STATE SCHOOL
ON THE 21 May 1956.

 

Read More About School Name Changes.

 

1957 was a busy year as further additions and modifications were made to the original layout of the school to accommodate the now booming enrolment rate:

 

  • A separate classroom was constructed (24ft away from the northern wing).
  • Concurrently further additions were carried out with an extension of the front verandah.
  • Construction of a 24ft x 21ft classroom.
  • Construction of a 10ft x 12ft library.
  • Construction of a 10ft x 8ft health services room to the side nearest the road (this formed the basis of the south-eastern wing and was constructed to replace the detached temporary classroom.
  • Construction of another wing to the north-western side provided 2 x 24ft x 21ft classrooms and a new 21ft x 8ft health services room with a concrete play area underneath.

 

DOMESTIC SCHOOL ARRIVES AND DEPARTS

Eventually the Teachers’ Residence was demolished allowing more room for expansion on the school grounds.

In 1959 the construction of a separate Domestic Science and Manual Training Block situated between the old school residence and the side road was completed.

 

Caption: Photographs showing the newly built Domestic Science and Manual Training Block.  The dirt road seen here is possibly Tandoor Drive.

Source: 1950. Petrie State School, Moreton Bay, July 1959, Queensland State Archives (http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/177537652 & http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/177537651)

Source: 1960. Petrie State School, Moreton Bay, August 1960, Queensland State Archives (http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/177539892 & http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/177539892)

 

The ‘Domestic School’ was built near the spot where the residence was, this was in the Dayboro Road and Tandoor Drive corner of the school.  Pupils no longer needed to travel fortnightly to the Caboolture Rural School (More about Rural and Domestic School).  Sewing, cooking, woodwork and manual tasks were completed on site and a new era of community life had flourished around the old school.

 

“Once a week, we used to travel to Caboolture to go to Rural School, the girls to do cooking and sewing, and the boys to do woodwork until a Rural School was built adjoining Petrie School, the Principal’s residence had to be demolished to build this and so a new Principal’s residence was erected.

One day at Rural School, my sister, Janice, was told to wash the tea-towels after a cooking lesson.  Janice didn’t feel like doing that so she locked herself in the laundry.  The teachers couldn’t convince her to come out so they left her locked in.  At 3:00 pm, Mr Robinson went over to the Rural School and told her that school was over for the day and for her to go home.  She never did wash the tea-towels.”

– Joyce Wagner (Nee Cairns), 1999 – Past Student, Petrie State School, 1955 – 1963

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp28-30.

 

Eventually, the Domestic School was phased out and the buildings were taken over in 1970 by the Petrie Opportunity School (later the Petrie Special School).  When the Special School was built-in Lawnton in 1986, the Opportunity School moved out and the buildings were inhabited for a short time by the YMCA before they were demolished, making way for the staff car park.

Demountable buildings (or perhaps those removed from other locations and recycled) were brought into the school to accommodate the school’s rapid growth in a fast and economical manner:

 

“As the school population grew we needed a new building and an old demountable arrived and was plonked down in the school grounds.  It must have been a school from somewhere.  There were signs and writing all over that building such as ‘demolition area’, ‘this building should be condemned’, ‘Warning: this building is dangerous’.  I can’t remember any of the teachers getting angry about this graffiti or making anyone scrub it off.  Maybe they sanctioned it or maybe they were the ones to write it.”

– Joyce Wagner (Nee Cairns), 1999 – Past Student, Petrie State School, 1955 – 1963

1960 PETRIE STATE SCHOOL AUGUST 1960
Photograph of classroom in 1960 taken with Dayboro Road in the background. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Source: 1960. Petrie State School, Moreton Bay, August 1960, Queensland State Archives (http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/177539893)
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp28-30.

​​
In 1960 there was construction of a 24ft x 21ft classroom filling the space between the classroom built onto the north wing in 1957, and the main building.  Remodelling work was completed to the western wing to convert an existing classroom into a Head Teacher’s room and staff room.

A septic system was provided in 1962 with a new section for girls’ toilets and remodelling of the boys’ amenities.  During this year also the original wing was remodelled for a 27ft x 18ft and an 18ft x 19ft staff room and passageway.

 

“NEW” LIBRARY & THE ACTIVITIES HALL

The 1970s began with the closing of the Domestic Science and Manual Training Block and its subsequent conversion into the ‘Petrie Opportunity School’ (later named the ‘Petrie Special School’).

Around 1970 an investigation was made into the most pressing needs for school activities and following this investigation the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) voted on a motion for the building of an Activities Hall.

Due to evolution in teaching methods and the activities the children were undertaking, at this time there was not existing suitable space for group activities such as play acting, dancing, singing, art and craft work, television and slide movie viewing.  Also, it was considered that there was no suitable protection for the children when not in classes during the adverse weather.

The cost was originally estimated to be $20 000 and initial efforts were spent to raise the finance for the project.

In 1972 construction of a 21ft x 24ft classroom and yet another new staff room was completed in the south-eastern wing.


1974 LIBRARY 1974 FOURTH GENERATION KIDS 1974 BOOK
Photograph of “new” Library in 1974 as photographed for the Centenary. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Source: Centenary Petrie State School 1874-1974 – History of Petrie State School formerly North Pine State School
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE
‘NEW’ LIBRARY IS ‘OLDEST BUILDING’

Although there is evidence that a library was in the planning as early as 1873 (More about The Library), it seems that a dedicated space for the books was still wanting up until the early 1970s.  In 1973 the Department of Works undertook renovation on the one of the oldest buildings in the school.  At this time is was being used as the Grade 2 classroom but it was transformed into the ‘new’ library with the Grade 2’s moving to another room.  In 1973 this building was 96 years old.

Source: Centenary Petrie State School 1874-1974: History of Petrie State School Formerly North Pine State School.

 

PARENTS AND CITIZENS BUILD THE ACTIVITIES HALL

In early 1973 the P&C commissioned architect Mr Rob Akers (MLA, Member for Pine Rivers), to design and draft plans for the hall and “many problems were encountered in settling on a final plan and design”.  The P&C were also able to obtain a dollar for dollar subsidy on the project and with the architect kindly donating back to the P&C half of the total fee, the services rendered were thus free to the school.

 

1974 BUILDINGS ACTIVITIES ARCHITECTURAL PLAN 1974 BOOK
Original Architectural Concept for the Activities Hall, built by the Parents and Citizens of Petrie State School in 1974. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Source: Centenary Petrie State School 1874-1974 – History of Petrie State School formerly North Pine State School
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

On the 3rd of July 1974 tenders were closed and the amount settled on was $36 000 and was won by Petrie builder Mr Wallace McIntosh who was appreciated “for the unselfish part he is playing in this project”.

 

 

The Works Department gave approval for the project to proceed and the building program was under the direction of the “energetic and capable” Mr Pat Norris who was credited with skills that saved the project many thousands of dollars and resulted in the promise of a “better than anticipated building”.

 

1974 BUILDINGS ACTIVITIES EXCAVATED SITE WITH PRINCIPAL POWELL
Excavated site for the Activities Hall with Principal E Powell. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Source:Centenary Petrie State School 1874-1974 – History of Petrie State School formerly North Pine State School
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

 

By September 1974, the school was reportedly 11 acres with 7 classrooms, an office, staff room, health room, library, and store rooms.  This image shows Principal E E Powell and students standing in the excavated site where the Activities Hall was built.

 

 









The activities centre was completed possibly in late 1975 and was officially opened on 28th February 1976 in an official ceremony where a plaque was unveiled by Mr Robert Stanley Griffiths (past President of the P&C from 1969-1975), Mr V J Bird (Minister for Education and Cultural Activities) and Mr R G Akers (MLA, Member for Pine Rivers and the original architect of the project).

 

 

The Activities Hall was mainly built by the voluntary labour of members of the P&C and the fathers of Petrie State School students, under the guidance of professionals.

The success of the venture was still awed a number of years later in 1982 in what was to become the very first Prospectus, or Parent Guide as it was called.  Local history icon and former school groundsman, Merv Ewart, recounts:

 

“1976 saw the opening of the Activities Centre. This fine effort by the Parents and Citizens Association with subsidy from the Department is an asset which is in use daily in connection with various school programs.”

– Merv Ewart, 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

“Because my daughter, Katrina, was due to start school in 1976 I decided to go up to the local school for the opening of their new hall.  I remember hearing about how the parents of the Parents & Citizens Association had actually built the hall themselves under the guidance of various professional craftsmen, and I must admit my first thought was – “Wasn’t I lucky to have missed out on that!”  Thanks to all those who worked so hard on that project.”

– Brian Andrews, 1999 – Past Petrie Parent; Member, Parents & Citizens Association; and former Janitor/Grounds-person, 1986 – Dec 1999.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p60.



AMOUNT OF DEMOUNTABLES

From 1972 to the mid-1980s steady increased enrolment necessitated the provision of several demountable classrooms.

 

“Since this time additional classroom accommodation has been provided by the use of Demountable and Modular unit constructions.”

– Merv Ewart, 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

When Kurwongbah State School opened in 1986 enrolments fell to only 412 students.

The construction of G Block allowed for the removal of 5 of these demountable classrooms.

 

1984 SOFTBALL STAFF V STUDENTS
Demountable classrooms can be seen in the top oval area (now where the Library is) in this photograph of a softball game between students and staff in 1984.
From the collection of Petrie State School
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

FIGHT TO ‘SAVE SCHOOL’ SUCCESSFULLY DRIVES PROGRESS

By the 1980s rapid growth in all areas of Queensland meant that lots of new schools were being built and some older schools were receiving government assistance to improve and create new additional blocks and classrooms for their existing enrolments.

Petrie State School however was seemingly overlooked during this period and it became a great concern to parents and teachers at the school that the local children were not treated with such modern comforts as shade and pre-schools.  For the population of the school the facilities were grossly inadequate and were echoing the ghosts of what was becoming the bi-gone era of the school’s past.

An increasingly anxious, and quite possibly angry, community was looking to State politicians to wield leadership on the issue in the government of the now infamous Joh Bjelke-Petersen (former Premier of Queensland between 1968 and 1987).

In October 1983 a telegram was sent from the Kallangur Post Office desperately pleading directly to the Premier to intervene and provide funding to overcome these challenges.  The original copy is marked “NO REPLY RECEIVED”.

 

1983 SAVE SCHOOL TELEGRAM TO GOVT 1999 BK
1983 SAVE THE SCHOOL TELEGRAM TO GOVT.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

 

[reveal heading=”%image% Click here to read transcript of telegram”]

28 October 1983

A telegram is sent to Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, Hon Joh Bjelke-Petersen at 1:30 pm from Kallangur Post Office.

PLEASE ADVISE WHEN FUNDS WILL BE RELEASED FOR LONG PROMISED PETRIE REPLACEMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL STOP EXISTING NOISY CONDITIONS INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING INADEQUATE SHELTER INSUFFICIENT TOILETS ROCKY TERRAIN SIX TIN DEMOUNTABLES AND LIBRARY BUILT IN 1974 NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE FOR FIVE HUNDRED PUPILS STOP OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS THIS YEAR HAVE FAILED STOP WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE

SECRETARY PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Senders Name: Roslyn Burrell (Whiteside)

[/reveal]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM TEACHER JOHN TOPPING - FIGHT TO SAVE THE SCHOOL
Unreferenced article printed in Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE


The promise of a pre-school (since 1981) and its consequent lack of materialisation was also of great concern and irritation.

It was a critical time for the existing buildings of the school with one politician stating that he thought the plan should be to “save the historical bits, bulldoze the rest and start again.”  It was a different mentality to within the community today regarding the old parts of the school, as they were generally considered to be a hindrance to the progression of a better teaching environment.  Thank goodness, they decided to keep them!

 

[reveal heading=”%image% Click here to read transcript of John Toppings Letter to the Editor”]

1983 Suburban Express

Letter to Editor

Subject – Petrie Primary School

The state of facilities at Petrie State Primary School has been the subject of much comment in this paper over recent weeks.

Candidates of the major parties for the State seat of Murrumba attended a meeting held at the school on 16 August.

The concerned feelings of those parents who attended seemingly has had the effect of galvanizing the candidates to speak out.

All believe the facilities to be a disgrace and an indictment on the State Government and its relevant department.

It is time to place the comments made by the candidates under closer inspection.

Mr Male (National Party) has supported the need for a pre-school at Petrie.

He is to be congratulated on his endeavours.

It needs to be pointed out to Mr Male that a pre-school was promised in 1978 but has been shelved since.

At the meeting, Mr Male said that had he been the member more would have been done.

He suggested that the parents should have contacted the media and withdrawn their children in protest at the lack of government attention.

Mr Male does not seem to realize the efforts parents have made.

Rather than sensationalize issues, they have used the proper channels.

These efforts could have been wasted if Mr Male’s ideas were used.

Another candidate who has condemned the State Government over its inaction has been Mr Maguire (Liberal Party).

He said in this paper (18 August 1983) “Save the historical bits, bulldoze the rest and start again.”

Unfortunately, Mr Maguire, the historical bits are the core problem at Petrie.

They contain old, cramped classrooms that are situated too close to busy Dayboro Road.

A small, inadequate library is housed in the original school building that dates back over a century.

The other candidate to condemn the situation was the sitting member, Mr Kruger.

He cannot feel any pleasure with the poor state of facilities at the school which make it the worst endowed in this electorate.

Mr Kruger must have felt the mood of parents and teachers by the attendance of over 150 people at each of two meetings held at the school in 1981.

At those meetings, attended by Mr Kruger, the parents voiced their concerns.

Certainly Mr Kruger has been most active of late, but his efforts from 1979 to 1982 were not as forceful as they could have been.

My concern is for the children of the school who have been forced to endure poorer facilities than those offered at other schools.

John Topping

Albany Creek

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p55

[/reveal]


Eventually the pressure from the community gained them a first-hand visit from the Local Member of the National Party for the electorate of Murrumba at the time, Mr Allan Male and also Russ Hinze, a member of the Queensland Government’s ‘front-bench’.

Again it is suggested that “the whole lot needs pulling down”:

 

1983 Article HORSES HOUSED BETTER SAYS RUSS HINZE
Unreferenced article Circa 1983 documenting the trip to Petrie State School by Russ Hinze to inspect facilities.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

 

[reveal heading=”%image% Click here to read transcript of this article”]

HORSES HOUSED BETTER SAYS RUSS HINZE

“Russ Hinze agreed that his horses had better accommodation than the pupil’s playshed at Petrie State School,” said the National Party candidate for Murrumba, Mr Allan Male.

Mr Hinze was making an inspection on the school last Thursday when Mr Male made the comparison.

Mr Hinze said, “I am staggered at the way the site has been allowed to deteriorate.  Allan tells me that some of the building are over 100 years old.  The whole lot needs pulling down.”

He said a feasibility study into a total re-siting of the buildings to front Young Street was required.

“Mr Hinze was appalled at the noise that children and teachers had to work with in the present site so close to Dayboro Road,” Mr Male said.

“He was in total agreement that a safe area for children to be set down and picked up by their parents needed to be established away from main traffic areas.”

Mr Male said they both agreed that the area near Dayboro Road would be better suited for playing, where noise would not be a problem.

“The teaching area needed to be moved into a quieter corner of the school ground.  This would be part of the overall redevelopment plan the school needs, and I have the full agreement of the parents.

The whole concept here needs to be expanded to include a pre-school, and I have spoken to Works Minister, Mr Claude Wharton about this.

I have the backing of Mr Hinze and the parents and teachers supporting statements and Claude Wharton is coming out to have a look himself,” Allan Male said.

Liberal candidate for Murrumba, Ald. Roger Maguire said this week he would not be surprised if Petrie State School received little more than funding at a consolation prize level when government spending for the current financial year was announced.

“Joh Bjeike-Petersen is such a master of the art of publicity that I believe if he was going to make a major announcement on the future of Petrie State School during the lead up to the election, the place would have been swarming with National Party Ministers, photographers and TV cameras,” said the Liberal candidate.

“The absence of this activity suggests to me that Petrie School will not receive anywhere near the funding it needs in this financial year.”

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.

[/reveal]

 

The relatively new Principal of the time, Peter Boge, spearheaded the campaign to improve the school beyond any development that had thus happened at Petrie since the inception of the first Provisional system.

He spoke of the battle to improve the school in his memoir of 1999:

 

“The first P & C meeting in February 1983 resulted in the formation of various committees – Fundraising, Ways and Means, Priorities, to identify the improvements necessary and whether they were the responsibility of Education or Works Departments, or a possible P & C subsidy project. Teachers agreed that the encouragement and gaining of full Parent/Teacher cooperation would be a major goal for 1983.  Politicians were exposed for their inaction and broken promises.  It took lots of meetings, letters, deputations, visits by VIPs and persistence, before the wheels finally turned in our favour.  We finally convinced them that the Petrie community would not accept third-rate facilities.  The late Russ Hinze said during a visit in 1983 that his horses were stabled better than Petrie students.  Another candidate suggested “retain the historical bits and bulldoze the rest’.  Even the Ombudsman was enlisted to help the P & C.

Looking back, I know our persistence and belief in the justice of our claims meant that we never lost sight of our vision and resolve to ensure the redevelopment of the School.  Gradually, the concerted efforts forced the government to allocate money for the redevelopment of the school.”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

Once the community had finally convinced the Government that the money was necessary the funds began to flow to the school and the biggest serious round of development since the opening of the school progressively took place over the decade and into the 1990s.

From his memories written in 1999, Peter Boge outlined a timeline of the works that took place.  In conjunction with all of the new construction and renovations happening at the time, the Bicentennial year of 1988 provided a perfect opportunity to beautify the school grounds (More about the Bicentenary) and encourage and nurture a new pride in the accomplishments and aesthetics of the school.

Mr Boge begins by describing the identified issues with the school in 1983 and by the close of the decade, 1990 saw the culmination of this exciting era with the construction of the new Administration block, allowing for a reception, offices and staff room:

 

1983

  • About five classrooms had light or fans, so on dull days overhead projectors were used to provide light to work by.
  • No two buildings were linked, so wet weather meant everyone got wet.
  • The old toilet block was short of cubicles and was inadequate for 480 students.
  • All but five classes were in demountables; two of the five were beside noisy Dayboro Road.
  • The Petrie Special School occupied one corner of our grounds.
  • Buildings were dilapidated and needed painting.
  • A small Tuckshop under Room 5 operated 2 days a week.
  • The library, staff room and office were in the oldest part of the school, and were inadequate.
  • Tenders closed for single unit Preschool.

1984

  • Original play shed demolished and donated to North Pine Country Park, to make way for proposed Amenities Block as part of the staged redevelopment.
  • Tenders were called in June for “G” two storey block.
  • Now 14 out of 19 classes of 520 students in 7 demountables.

1985

  • Tenders called for Covered Games Area and Tuckshop at cost of $175 000.

1986

  • Planning for computers: Stage One involved Commodore computers and security bars to Room 2.
  • Tenders called for new Special School at Lawnton, replacing school in our grounds.

1988

  • “G” Block enclosed underneath for four classrooms.
  • Some of the seven demountables were moved to allow more playing space.

1989

  • Room 4 became a Parents’ Room.
  • Electronic learning centre funded ($11 555).
  • Tenders called for Administration Block.

1990

  • YMCA vacated old Special School buildings, which were demolished.
  • Moved into Administration Block 23 April 1990.
  • Air cooling system and roller doors to Activities Building.

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

A new library had been promised in the late 1980s but was not built at this time.  It would nearly be another ten years before the ‘Resource Centre’ would come to realisation.

 

 

THE PLAYSHED REMOVAL

In 1984, after the fight with the State Government to improve the conditions at Petrie primary school, the playshed that was originally built in 1906 needed to be removed from the school.  Thankfully it was not demolished but dismantled and re-appropriated at North Pine Country Park’s ‘Old Petrie Town’ as a local heritage building. (More about the Playshed)

 

Relocation of the "Playshed"
Erection of the school playshed, North Pine Country Park. This playshed was built in 1906 at North Pine State School and was re-erected at North Pine Country Park’s ‘Old Petrie Town’ in 1984. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Courtesy Moreton Bay Regional Council Digital Image Library, Strathpine
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

An Amenities Block was built in the spot on the grounds where it stood as part of the staged redevelopment.

 

“Original “Playshed” demolished and donated to North Pine Country Park, to make way for proposed Amenities Block as part of the staged redevelopment.”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

31 January Suburban Express PETRIE PRE-SCHOOL AT LAST
Article from the 31 January 1984 announcing that Petrie State School is getting a Preschool at last. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Courtesy Moreton Bay Regional Council Local History Library, Strathpine
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

FINALLY! PETRIE GETS PRESCHOOL

 

31 January 1984

SUBURBAN EXPRESS – PETRIE PRE-SCHOOL AT LAST

State Member for Murrumba, Mr Joe Kruger inspects work on the Petrie State Pre-School.  The building of the pre-school was one of the more contentious issues in the Murrumba electorate at the last State election.  Parents and residents have wanted a pre-school in the area for many years.  Mr Kruger said that he had received a letter in 1981 stating that the pre-school was to be built, but this did not occur.  He said he welcomed the addition to the Petrie Sate School which was at last being built.  The pre-school should be operational about mid-March.  Mr Kruger also said that a demountable teaching space was being provided for the state school, however he said much more was needed in the way of facilities at the school. “I will continue to make representations to the minister for the reconstruction for the school,” he said.

Source: Moreton Bay Regional Council Local History Library, Strathpine


Read More About the Preschool

 

 

1984: 17th November Petrie Preschool Officially Opens

1984 PRESCHOOL PLAQUE
Plaque to commemorate the opening of the Petrie State School Preschool in 1984. [SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW]
Courtesy K. Cameron, 2014
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

CENTURY ENDS, MILLENNIUM BEGINS

Mr Peter Boge was transferred away from Petrie in 1990 and the incoming Principal, David Stephenson, was tasked with continuing with the staged development set in progress almost a decade before he arrived.

The Library was still housed in the old classroom and a new one had been promised in the late 1980s but did not eventuate.  In 1996 the upper section of ‘H Block’ (near the lower oval) was completed and utilised as classrooms.  In the following year of 1997, the lower section of this building was to be enclosed to anticipate the new Resource Centre which would finally take over from the outgrown and outdated Library.

 

“Packing of resources begins (May) in the Library ready to move down to new premises, Ground Floor H Block.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

In December 1998 more building of teaching spaces commenced:

 

“Building of 2 extra teaching spaces began late December.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

Targeted Government funding was supplied in 1999 to renovate two classes:

 

“Two classes revamped under the Building Better Schools Program.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

It was also in 1999 that the Minister formally opened the new Resource Centre:

 

“Minister opens new Resource Centre.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 


NEW PREP DEMOUNTABLES ADDED TO PRE-SCHOOL PRECINCT

[COMING SOON]

 

BEST LIBRARY YET AND BIGGER BETTER HALL

Petrie State School's Resource Centre
Petrie State School’s New Resource Centre built in 2010 after the school received a grant from the Federal Government. Courtesy Petrie State School.

The first decade of the millennium saw new education milestones being set by state and federal politics, in response also to the economic times, grants were offered to fund schools for any major new infrastructure that they could prove was required.

Petrie State School applied and received enough money for the construction of a modern new Resource Centre and a new Multi-Purpose Hall, in total over three million dollars was invested in modernising these facilities during 2010 with construction due to be completed in 2011.

The Resource Centre was built with technology in focus, the likes of which had not been seen at the school to date.  It is large and spacious with offices and its own amenities.  It has a media room and electronic whiteboards and classroom spaces.  There are also conference rooms and of course, lots and lots of books.

The Multi-Purpose Hall, which is still barely large enough for end of year assembly, staff and parents, is possibly double or more the size of the Activities Hall with its own amenities and a canteen.

This improvement was raised in Queensland Parliament by the local Member in 2010, there was also funding received for refurbishment of four teaching spaces:

 

Petrie State School's New Hall
Petrie State School’s New Hall built with a grant from the Federal Government. Courtesy Petrie State School.

24 NOVEMBER 2010

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE #2304

Ms O’Neill asked the Minister for Education and Training (Mr Wilson) –

QUESTION:

Will the Minister outline all capital works, including both new building and refurbishments planned for schools (State, Independent and Catholic) in the Kallangur Electorate?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for her question.

The Department of Education and Training have advised that the following state schools in the Kallangur Electorate have received funding for projects that have not yet reached completion.

Petrie State School has received $3 000 000 in BER funding towards the construction of a resource centre and multi-purpose hall.  The funding for the resource centre and multi-purpose hall is $1 392 454 and $1 607 546 respectively.  The school has also received funding of $565 477 under the SSOT Program for major refurbishment of four general Learning Areas.  The SSOT works are currently under construction and are expected to be complete in mid-December 2010.  Work on the BER projects are underway with the new resource centre forecast for completion 31 March 2011 with work on the new multipurpose hall scheduled for completion 31 January 2011.

In addition to the funding allocated for capital works and infrastructure projects, schools are also allocated grant outlays for the day-to-day running of the school (base grant), maintenance allocations, as well as any program specific allocations in any particular year including ICT related grants.

Grant outlays can vary due to enrolment fluctuations and program variations, and a final figure for the 2010-11 year cannot be provided at this stage.

Source: Queensland Parliamentary Papers, Questions on Notice #2304, 24 November 2010, http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/tabled-papers/online-tabled-papers, accessed 28 December 2013.

 

 

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