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STATE SCHOOL NO. 1978

Other Name COMMON SCHOOL NO. 63 Location Monroe Street BRANXHOLME, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 537 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/2] 23289 State School No 1978 [2/2] 23289 State School No 1978

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Branxholme Primary School (State School No. 1978) is a collection of buildings situated on a large site with frontages to both Monroe and Cox Streets. The school is the second site and the second school building. Education began at Branxholme in 1856 with Common School No. 63 built adjacent to the present building. It was superseded buy the present building in 1877. The school, which is standard in its scale, form and detailing, was almost certainly designed by the Public Works Department. Local building contractors, Foster Brothers, built it. It has been altered and extended over the years, particularly after the Second World War under the policy of consolidation. A number of significant items are displayed in the entrance such as plaques and commemorative items, including Rolls of Honour.

How is it significant?
The Branxholme Primary School (State School No. 1978) is of historic, cultural and architectural significance to the township of Coleraine and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
State School No. 1978 is of historic significance as the expression of the early community's struggle for education, and for its association with over 150 years of schooling in the area. It is of cultural significance as a focus for the community. The school is of architectural significance for its range of traditional classroom forms and outbuildings such as the shelter shed.