MIRBOO NORTH HIGHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (FORMER)

The former Mirboo North & District Memorial Higher Elementary School, designed by C.H. Coney of the Public Works Department and constructed in 1925, at 1 Balook Street, Mirboo North is significant. 
It is a single storey red brick building in the plan of a 'U' around an internal quadrangle, with concrete tiled hipped roofs. The building is of simple design with groups of windows and chimneys identifying the classrooms. The windows are multi-pane double hung with multi-pane hoppers over. The only notable architectural feature is at the north end where the recessed entry, with a shallow bracketed flat hood, is surmounted by a sign panel with a heavily moulded arched surround projecting up into a triangular pediment of the projecting parapet. The entry is approached by a short flight of concrete steps and the projecting piers and their internal reveals are also rendered. The sign panel contains the name of the school and the dates of WWI in raised letters. The paired entry doors have four-pane highlight windows. 
Non-original alterations and additions and other buildings on the site are not significant.

The former Mirboo North & District Memorial Higher Elementary School is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to the South Gippsland Shire. Why is it significant? Historically, it was the third higher elementary school established in what is now South Gippsland Shire and is associated with the development of secondary education after the passing of the Education Act in 1910. The establishment of the school demonstrated the importance of Mirboo North as a regional centre. (Criterion A) 
It is significant as a rare example of a school dedicated as a memorial to World War I. The only other example in the Shire at Foster has been demolished, and only two other examples are known in Victoria. It demonstrates the desire of some communities to establish WWI memorials that would have a lasting legacy as well as symbolic and commemorative meaning. (Criteria A and B) 
It has aesthetic significance as a prominent and distinctive building that is a local landmark. While simple in design, the fine detailing to the entry is of note. (Criterion E) 
It has social significance as a place that has strong associations with the local community through its use as a school for almost 100 years. The school was established with the support of the local community and they have continued to play an active role in the development of the school since its opening. It also has social value as the principal World War I memorial in Mirboo North. (Criterion G)