The Current Bungaree Primary School, no. 1960
In July 1924, instruction had been received from the Education Department “to remove into the new school as it was now ready for occupation.”
Soon after a teacher’s residence was erected. The residence was eventually vacated in 1982, and with a few modifications the house was converted for use as a classroom and a meeting place. In 1994 the house was removed to Dunnolly where it has been renovated.
Changes started to occur in the school yard at the end of 1989 with the acquisition of a portable classroom from Lakeside Hospital which had closed down. The building was placed on the eastern side of the original brick building.
With the closure of Bullarook PS (1989), St. Michael’s PS Bungaree (1993) and Millbrook PS (1994) numbers increased and more staff appointed. Additional portables were added in 1992 and 1999. A portable room was purchased in 2002. This facility had been used in the Olympic Village in Sydney as accommodation for participating athletes in 2000. It was sold to John and Phil Wade in 2011.
In 2007 two new classrooms, a new toilet block and multipurpose gym were significant additions to the benefit of the school and two of the three portables were removed.
The brick building's classroom was renovated in 2010 inside and out and a principal's office, staff room and reception area added through the Building the Education Revolution program. This was a result of a Federal Government scheme to provide stimulus to the economy during the global financial downturn. The remaining portable was converted into an Art room. In 2012 a 15 kilowatt solar electricity system was installed on the gym roof with a grant from the federal government. Likewise the school was successful in 2011 in winning a grant from the NAB Schools First for this history project.
Bungaree Primary School has survived highs and lows in its history but always remains focused on educating our children to allow them to become productive in whatever they choose to do in life.
A detailed history is available in book form titled, “Bungaree Primary School No. 1960 – celebrating 125 years of education from 1877 – 2002” through the Bungaree & District Historical Society. Contact Heather Trigg at trigg11@bigpond.com