Ardmona Primary School 150 Year by McPherson Media Group

Where history, learning and community meet

Ardmona Primary School is certainly a special place.

Hidden in the middle of historic orchards, it holds special memories for school community members going back decades.

As acting principal since the beginning of 2025, I have spoken to many visitors at the school, several of whom have either visited for the first time or have returned after many years away.

They remark on its qualities of

peacefulness and beauty, and how its long history is evident in the grounds and buildings.

The huge pine tree in front of the office is often commented on as a significant memory for former students.

Another quality that makes Ardmona such a special place is its size.

As a proud member of a tight network of small schools around the area, we see for ourselves every day, just how well placed we are to focus on cohesion, community and tailored support for each

Leading the way

student.

Children of all ages play and learn together in a harmonious way, challenged and supported in their individual educational journey.

And all this while still being able to access the same cultural and sporting opportunities that larger schools experience, often in partnership with our friends at other small schools, such as athletics days, science incursions and camps.

I have worked as a teacher and school

leader in city and regional schools for nearly 30 years, and being principal at this school has been such a privilege.

With skilled staff, supportive school community, and engaged students, it is a delight to come to work each day and find ways to make this school an even better place for the next 150 years.

Come and see our special place for yourself.

David Perry Ardmona Primary School Acting Principal

Meet Ardmona Primary School’s current leaders, Macey Weidenback from Grade 5 and Michael Morton from Grade 6.

They play an important role in representing their fellow students and helping the school community thrive. They are proud to be school captains and love helping out whenever they can.

Ardmona Primary School Acting Principal David Perry.

Year 1 students Emily Guseli and Maddison Hussey, Foundation student Maximus DeWall, and Acting Principal David Perry share a chat about their day.

This celebration highlights a remarkable milestone for Ardmona Primary School as we proudly celebrate our

For a century and a half, our school has stood and grown with the fruit trees it stands amongst at the very heart of the Ardmona community, providing our region with not only invaluable and transformative education but also as a place of connection and opportunity for generations of students and their families.

As a School Council, we reflect with utmost gratitude on the past — for the dedicated principals, educators and staff who have ignited young minds and fostered creativity and ambitions.

As well as the countless parent helpers and local residents who have reliably contributed their time, skills and care.

This collective effort has shaped the school into what it is today.

Their legacy is felt in every classroom, in every achievement, and in the promising future of every student.

Equally, we look to a bright future filled with promise as Ardmona Primary remains a place where children are

nurtured, challenged and supported in reaching their full potential.

With modern facilities, inclusive programs, and a commitment to holistic development, we are poised to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders.

We warmly thank all who have played a

part in this incredible journey and extend a heartfelt welcome to new students and families who wish to join our vibrant community, ensuring that our story continues to evolve with fresh energy and shared aspirations.

Here’s to the next 150 years!

Maddie Gribble School Council President

A small school with a big future

Offering a calm rural setting, specialist programs and every opportunity to thrive, this little school is the perfect place for your child to grow.

To think that in the next five years more than 70 students could be enrolled at Ardmona Primary School excites Acting Principal David Perry, who said in his own words, “If that’s the case, we are more than ready.”

With only eight students currently enrolled, growth once again for Ardmona Primary School is definitely a topic of discussion.

Over the school’s 150 years of education, it has seen many students and families come and go, and for Ardmona Primary School, the school-aged population of the surrounding area has been a big part of that.

Economic and local industry changes can make a big difference from one decade to the next, farming being just one example in the area.

“Ardmona was once a thriving farming and orchard community, but the local population has gradually declined over the decades, and school numbers have moved with this,” Mr Perry said.

“However, rapid growth in new housing

developments on the western side of Mooroopna, less than five minutes’ drive from our front gate, means that the possibility of Ardmona Primary School growing in size again is a real one.

“We know that many families are attracted to the calm, rural setting.”

With three functioning classrooms ready to accommodate students, along with firm policies and processes for wellbeing, inclusion and academic rigour, plus a range of specialist and enrichment programs, the offering is an enticing one.

Some programs are delivered online, others face-to-face by specialist-trained visiting teachers for PE, Library and Art, or by the school’s own staff in Music, Spanish, Cooking and Gardening.

This ensures Ardmona Primary School students are given access to every learning opportunity possible — and the flexibility is impressive.

“Students here don’t miss out on anything,” Mr Perry said.

“They thrive and gain the skills they need for the future.

“We are a little school, but we have a big history, and an even bigger future on the way.”

If you’re a parent reading this and are interested in the possibilities Ardmona Primary School could offer your growing child and family, please contact the school to arrange a tour.

Wellbeing Student & Engagement Officer Sam Walton and foundation student Max Dewall.

Education Support Leader Lynette Collins with Year 3 students Nate Weidenbach and Fletcher Gribble.

Year 6 student Michael Morton, Year 5 student Macey Weidenbach and Year 3 student Fletcher Gribble in a classroom reading nook.

A voice from the staff room

Nathan

Turner

What was your role at Ardmona Primary School? Throughout my time at the school, I had a number of different roles, but when I departed, I finished as education support and wellbeing. How long did you work at the school? I worked at Ardmona PS for just under 10 years.

What are some of your favourite memories of working there? I have a lot of great memories, so it’s hard to just pin point a few in particular, but school camp to 15 Mile Creeks is one that stands out. Watching the kids achieve personal success on a daily basis was always a personal favourite as well, as they would always be ecstatic when they did well at their tasks.

What did you enjoy most about the students you worked with? The thing I enjoyed most was seeing the students succeed in any way possible, whether it be inside or outside classroom. It was always great to go to work and see the kids with a smile on their faces as well. Ardmona has always been a small but close-knit school. What made it unique or special during your time there? I think the fact that the school was always so inclusive to all families and the community by inviting them in for

big or small events, such as camps and excursions or school open days. Were there any particular activities, subjects or traditions you loved being a part of? I was in charge of the health and PE side of things, so I always loved getting out and kicking the footy, shooting hoops, playing cricket and dodgeball with the students.

What is one funny, memorable or heartwarming moment you’ll never forget from your time at the school?

I think it was great to see the school transform over the 10 years that I was there with numerous buildings and grounds upgrades. There have honestly been so many funny moments over the years, especially with some of the jokes

that a few students have told over time. What does it mean to you to see Ardmona PS still going strong today as it celebrates 150 years? It’s great to see that the school is still going strong as it prepares to celebrate 150 years, which is a fantastic achievement.

Echoes of the schoolyard

Georgia Ryan

When did you attend Ardmona Primary School?

My dad, Brendan Ryan, taught at Ardmona for a few years in the early 70s. He passed in 2016, so I’m trying to trawl through my fading memories, and those of my mother, Carol. For the life of me, I can’t remember the actual dates, but I’m sure the school records will tell that story. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the school?

My Ardmona PS experience has two facets to it – as a student, and as a resident, as we lived in the school house that was up the back of the school. I was five, my sister seven, and my brother maybe three. Both my parents were teachers – Dad, primary and Mum, secondary.

Craig Gordon

When did you attend Ardmona Primary School?

1974-1980 which was Prep to Grade 6. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the school?

I can remember there used to be a tree plantation on the far side of the school that was pulled out and a massive big pile of tress that remained until they all dried out to be burnt.

We used to climb in and out of the pile making cubbies and playing in the various hiding places.

We were shattered the day that they burnt the pile. We did get to plant new trees to replace them . The friendships that were made in those early days were amazing that for most followed to high school.

As my Dad was friends with the then Head Master Mr Gleeson, I was lucky enough to be allowed to mow the school grounds on what I think was a very early Cox ride on mower, this got me out of some classes at the time. There was also a massive loquat tree just outside Mr Gleeson house that we had great fun picking the fruit and taking home.

Christina McNab (Tina)

When did you attend Ardmona Primary School?

1974 to Grade 6 in 1980. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the school? School cricket and football teams play on the oval.

The occasional guest appearances by the likes of AFL players - Robert Flower to take a footy clinic and sign autographs. Being nominated by teachers as the bell monitor for a week, keeping an eye on the time and being responsible to ring the bell every day.

A huge treat to be able to order your lunch once a week delivered from the Ardmona store.

Many hours of playing hopscotch.

Building what must have been thousands of cubbies over the years. Creating what felt like a small village of cubbies in the pine plantation (before it was all bulldozed).

Being given a native tree/gum to plant after the pine plantation had been removed. The building of the basketball rebound wall Picking loquats from the tree near the oval beside the old school house to eat or throw at

Elizabeth Hanna

When did you attend Ardmona Primary School?

1975 to 1980. Grades 1 -6. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the school?

The beautiful pine trees that were in the school grounds – I remember the smell of the pine needles. Playing in the shelter shed. Which teachers or staff had the biggest impact on you, and why?

I fondly remember all my teachers – Mrs McArthur, Mr Higgins, Mr Howley (we used to call him Mr Growley behind his back) and Mr Boschetti.

My teachers were kind and passionate about teaching. Mr Gleeson was the headmaster

The earliest memories of my childhood revolve around Ardmona Primary School, and living in that old house. There were chickens in the washing machine, occasionally the spin dryer (no idea who put them in there …) the occasional snake that took up residence in an outside toilet, and Ceefor the calf, who hung around the backyard and occasionally the school yard. I’d wake up, get ready, open the gate, and walk across to school on what seemed like the longest path in history. Pretty sweet deal when you think about commutes these days. Only issue was having my Dad hanging around, cramping my five-year-old style. My Dad taught generations of kids from across the Goulburn Valley, and pretty much couldn’t walk down the street without someone saying‘ hello Mr Ryan, you taught me at Ardmona/ Stanhope/Tatura Primary School.”

We used to walk around to the Ardmona Store and pick up the lunch orders, there was always a group of us that went to carry these back.

School camp was to Rubicon. For most of us, this was our first time away as a school group, and it was a great experience

Which teachers or staff had the biggest impact on you, and why?

The teachers that I feel I remember the most are Mr Howley (my Mum remembers we called him Growly Howley) which I am not sure why we really did, as I have only great memories of him.

Another teacher that was always there was Mrs McArthur throughout my years, I was reading my grade Prep school report from 1974 from Mrs McArthur which I still have.

I felt Ms McArthur was such a caring teacher and there would not of been a student that she taught that would not agree . What school traditions, events or activities do you remember fondly?

The school sports which we travelled to the Merrigum Sports Reserve and competed against all local schools.

Another one was the Xmas concert. A large stage was set up between the big palm trees out front of the school and all classes

each after light hearted chasing.

Playing on the huge and very scary metal climbing frame and on the monkey bars.

Playing British bulldog on the front lawn at lunchtime.

The whole of school film days.

The smell of the pages from the old spirit duplicator.

Having Mercurochrome flowers painted on my knees if I fell over whilst playing.

Which teachers or staff had the biggest impact on you, and why?

Mrs Heather McArthur – Prep Teacher

She was a lovely softly spoken and nurturing teacher, who we all had such a love for.

Mr Liv Boschetti made a huge impression with me in relation to his very calm and jovial teaching manner, he took the time to sit and go through work.

What school traditions, events or activities do you remember fondly?

Lining up on the concrete squares every Monday morning in the courtyard, turning to face the flag pole to sing God save the Queen at our assembly.

The end of year Christmas concert with all families and friends as the audience, dressing up performing and singing Christmas carols. The annual Walk a Thon that we used to get

who lived in the house at the school and he had a basset dog.

What did you enjoy most about learning at Ardmona PS?

I loved to read and remember choosing long and hard books to read.

What school traditions, events, or activities do you remember fondly?

I remember we had sports days. I was the fastest runner in the school. I could even beat all the boys. I was proud to be the only girl in the relay team and running last to bring us home with a win. We also had an annual concert at the end of the year and awards for the highest achiever, which I won a couple of times.

What made Ardmona PS unique or

Which teachers or staff had the biggest impact on you, and why?

I think I started in Prep in 1973, and continued into Grade 1. The fabulous Heather MacArthur was my teacher. She had a brilliant sense of 70s style that we all just loved. I remember learning to tie my shoe laces using a pair of footy boots painted orange, having to drink milk from little bottles (to this day I cringe at the thought of drinking plain milk), and luxuriating in the soft velvet that was Metti Sali’s brown velour top. Tina McNab and I used to pat his forearm and tell him he felt like a tabby cat. Tina and I met at Mooroopna Kindergarten a couple of years previously, and remain friends to this day. Later in 1974 (I think) I then was marched off to Sacred Heart Primary School in Tatura, where my family bought a house, with my Dad moving to teach at Tatura Primary School. When we left, Bill and Fran Gleeson and their

performed some sort of singing or act. What made Ardmona PS unique or special compared to other schools you know?

I feel that Ardmona is unique as it was a very small country school where everyone knew everyone and all families knew each other, even though very close to Mooroopna, it still remained unique without any compromising of learning.

We took pride in our small country school which gave us the best start in life and shaped many of us into who we are today. Do you have a funny, memorable, or heartwarming story from your time at the school?

My most memorable story that I still remember quite well is a bit of a strange one, but it has been one that I think I will never forget.

My Dad and Mr Gleeson (Headmaster) used to catch up most Friday nights at the Royal Mail Pub in Mooroopna for a few drinks and our family became quite close. Mr Gleeson kept chooks and ducks, and for some reason, he decided to raffle off a trio of ducks to the students.

Tickets were no cost so more or less just names in a hat. You would never guess

family to sponsor us to complete and had us walk down the driveway of the Orchard properties next door and back out to Turnbull Rd to the school as a loop.

Having our own Anzac Day/Remembrance Day activities that at times included family members from the area laying wreaths at the memorial on site. The school coming to a stop at 11am, on the 11th day of the 11th month and hearing the stories of why the day and time was so significant.

What made Ardmona PS unique or special compared to other schools you know?

The smaller size, the involvement of the families and parents in the functioning of the school council. The relativity of the students who attended – all from a geographic area of 10–20km radius.

Do you have a funny, memorable, or heartwarming story from your time at the school?

Waiting the same time each year for a friend to return to school to play with. Her family followed the fruit seasons for work and would travel to Ardmona to pick fruit in the season after completing the citrus season in Mildura. The excitement of seeing her and catching up was akin to waiting for Christmas.

special compared to other schools you know?

It was small and families knew each other. I loved using the old wooden desks. I also liked that there were different family backgrounds.

Do you have a funny, memorable, or heartwarming story from your time at the school?

When Mr Steel brought his electric guitars to school and let us play them.

When Mr Higgins brought an old pair of footy boots for us to practice tying our school laces and we’d put them on and skate down the hallway.

When Mr Higgins got his fingers stuck using scissors as he had big hands and fingers. How did attending Ardmona PS shape your connection to the local community?

family moved in.

Do you have a funny, memorable, or heartwarming story from your time at the school?

I remember Ardmona Primary School with a lot of fondness. It’s not every kid who gets to experience the joy of a really small school, where kids know each other, families know everyone, resources are shared, and support is pretty much a given.

Tight-knit, small school communities teach kids the value of helping out, how to share and support, what it means to be kind, and what it means to belong, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself — a community that loves you and supports you. Happy 150th birthday, Ardmona Primary School!

whose name came out.

Yes, it was mine. I was so excited as this was the first time I had ever won anything. From then on, I bred ducks and then chooks, to this day I still run chooks.

The punch line to this story was that I found out some time later that in fact there never was any other names in the hat. Thanks Mr Gleeson, great memories.

How did attending Ardmona PS shape your connection to the local community?

Ardmona was a very community driven school and I feel that because of this reason I joined Apex before I was 18, even though you did need to be 18.

I also have been a volunteer in the CFA.

What are your thoughts seeing the school celebrate 150 years of education?

I so much looking forward to attending the 150th celebration. I also hope that both my brother Glen Gordon and sister Kaye (Maksacheff) Gordon, that also attended, can make this event.

It will be great to catch up with old class mates after some 45+ years and it will be exciting to see what has changed after all this time and what is still the same.

During a lunchtime, a car broke down out the front of the school, smoke started billowing from the engine bay which caught the attention of all students who leant against the wire fence watching with great excitement and interest.

Local Ardmona mechanic Jopie Turk attended quickly in his work jeep to extinguish the smoke/fire to the roaring cheers of the entire school who subsequently talked and reflected on the incident for what felt like months and fondly considered Jopie to be a local hero because of his fast action to alleviate any risk to others.

How did attending Ardmona PS shape your connection to the local community?

Having many generations of our of family and relatives attend Ardmona Primary has endeared it to my memory. It is as much a part of our history as we are of its.

What are your thoughts seeing the school celebrate 150 years of education?

I vaguely remember the last celebration of 100 years and fondly look forward to attending this one.

Many past students still live in the area. It’s a tribute to the local community and the school that it has such a rich and long standing history particularly given its size.

We were a little school and many were from the local orchard, which continues to play a big role in the local area.

What are your thoughts seeing the school celebrate 150 years of education?

Very thrilled that Ardmona Primary School is still playing an active role in the local community and wasn’t closed like so many little schools were in the past.

I recently returned to my primary school after attending 50 years ago.

Ask Mr Perry about my honest reaction – it brought tears of delight.

At the centre of Ardmona Primary School is a team of passionate teachers and support staff who make the school such a special place to learn and grow.

They love the close-knit community, the supportive environment and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of their students.

Lynette Collins – Education Support I really enjoy working with the kids and seeing all their different abilities and personalities shine.

Being a small school means you really get to know each student, which makes it a lovely place to work.

Even though I’ve only been here a short time, I’m really looking forward to being part of the Ardmona community in the years ahead.

Sharon O’Connell – Teacher and Tutor

What I love about working at Ardmona Primary School is the chance to really cater to each child’s individual learning needs.

With smaller class sizes, we can give students that one-on-one support and flexibility, both inside and outside the classroom.

For me, the most special part is building those strong relationships with the kids and making the curriculum work to suit their needs.

Sam Walton-Honeysett – Wellbeing Student and Engagement Coordinator

I was drawn to Ardmona Primary School because of its small community feel and the chance to build really strong connections with both students and families.

In a school this size, you get to know every child on a personal level and can tailor support to their individual needs, which I think is really special.

I love that we also link in with other small schools, giving students great opportunities while still keeping that closeknit environment.

The one-on-one support we can provide here is something you don’t always find in larger schools, and it’s what makes Ardmona such a unique and rewarding place to work.

Jenny Naughton – Teacher Working at Ardmona Primary School is very rewarding.

The intimate setting at the school allows teachers to connect with each student, tailoring learning experiences to individual needs.

This creates a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels supported, valued, and encouraged to succeed, both academically and socially.

It’s a place where collaboration thrives, and every voice is heard.

Wellbeing Student and Engagement Officer Sam Walton-Honeysett.

Education Support – Lynette Collins

Teacher and Tutor Sharon O’Connell

Teacher Jenny Naughton

Hola! Spanish comes alive

With Spanish now woven into classroom lessons and school life, Ardmona Primary School students are enthusiastically embracing a language that broadens their minds and their world.

In Term 3, Ardmona Primary School officially changed its language studies, sometimes known as LOTE, to Spanish.

Mr Perry, who is fluent in Spanish and has formal language training, was keen to include this in the school curriculum, and so far it has been received with great gusto.

(That was an in-joke, by the way – gusto is also a Spanish word.)

In Victoria, the Department of Education has made a deliberate effort to mandate language teaching in all schools.

While this can present a challenge for some schools, it also highlights the importance of learning another language.

The scientific evidence is clear –humans are naturally adapted to learning several languages, and the neurological benefits of language learning are extremely enriching for the brain.

Most importantly for parents and caregivers, learning a second language can improve skills in a child’s first language.

So, how does Spanish learning happen at Ardmona Primary School?

student

It all starts with Spanish teacher Mr Perry.

“Currently, we have one hour scheduled a week for dedicated Spanish language learning,” he said.

“Students have structured supports for common questions such as ‘Do you like …?’ and ‘How old is …?’, and through repetition, they come to understand directions like ‘sit down,’ ‘look this way,’ and ‘listen carefully.’

“These lessons also involve games like ‘run and touch something with this colour’ (colores) or ‘let’s go to the office/door/ classroom’ (vamos a la …), where they

have to remember the name of the object or colour in Spanish.”

Songs and rhymes also play a part in the program, sometimes sung in class or used as a warm-up at the start of the day.

Furthermore, the school has started to “bilingualise” its environment by putting up signs in English and Spanish.

“You can see how the learning moves beyond the classroom and into the rest of the school — students are now saying me gusta or no me gusta in the yard to share what they do or don’t like,” Mr Perry said.

Plans are in place to extend the program so that an extra hour is devoted

Through the students’ eyes

to learning maths or a similar subject in Spanish.

According to Mr Perry, this bilingual model, used in many European countries, has proven to be extremely successful.

“We have established a partnership with the Spanish Education Office in Melbourne, who will be helping us on this journey too,” Mr Perry said.

“The students are really embracing it — they’re enthusiastic, curious and, most importantly, having fun while learning a language that opens up a whole new world.”

Just as the dedicated staff are the heart of Ardmona Primary, so too are the students who bring energy, curiosity and joy to every day.

We asked them what they love most about their school — here’s what they had to say.

Macey Weidenbach, Year 5

I really love my friends and my teachers the most because everyone is so supportive and helpful.

I think the school is really special because it was built a long time ago. My favourite things to do at school are sport and enjoying free time.

Michael Morton, Year 6

Since I came to Ardmona Primary School, my learning has improved a lot, and the teachers have been really helpful in making that happen.

Nate Weidenbach, Year 3

I think it’s a really cool school with lots of unique things. I also think having only eight kids makes it pretty special.

Emily Guseli, Year 1

I like a lot of things about this school, but mostly quiet reading. I also really enjoy writing and playing sports with everyone.

Everyone gets along really well, and we all play together nicely. It’s a great school, and I love joining in on all the activities.

DeWall, Prep

I love playing with the LEGO, quiet reading, and sport. I really miss Ms Ralph — she was great.

Maximus

David Cox, Year 2

Fletcher Gribble, Year 3

Maddison Hussey, Year 1

love learning, writing and playing with my friends at recess.

Year 1

Emily Guseli with some of the many Spanish terms displayed around the school, helping students learn the language.

Year 2 student David Cox, Year 6 student Michael Morton and Teacher Sharon O’Connell practising Spanish together.

Life skills on the menu

In the Kids’ Kitchen, life skills and tasty treats go hand-in-hand.

From healthy recipes to tasty treats, the Kids’ Kitchen is teaching students that learning can be practical and delicious.

While the space was previously used by external groups such as breakfast clubs, it is now home to semi-regular inquiry sessions where students learn hands-on cooking skills, along with “soft skills” like cooperation and collaboration.

This year, the young chefs have created quite a culinary range — from salads and

pikelets to muffins.

These experiences also feed back into literacy sessions, where students recount the steps they took to create their dish or snack.

Constructed as part of the school’s most recent minor capital works in 2023, the Kids’ Kitchen has been embraced by students and staff alike.

After all, who doesn’t love a tasty treat in the middle of the school day?

A school full of special moments

Schools aren’t just places of learning – they’re places where special moments and memories are made every day.

And for Ardmona Primary School, aside from sporting and social events like athletics day, swimming lessons, science days and kindergarten visits, the school has kept busy with enriching and engaging activities throughout the year.

Acting Principal David Perry said the school had been able to take advantage of many opportunities presented by external organisations such as the local council and non-profit groups.

“In August, our school hosted a workshop by the Shepparton Art Museum based on the works of Brett Whiteley,” he said.

“At the end of June, we planted more than 80 trees on our grounds thanks to the generosity of the One Tree Per Child program from Greater Shepparton City Council.

“All of these incredible activities offer a diverse range of learning experiences for our students, which every student thoroughly enjoys.

“It’s nice to get out of the classroom, interact with other schools and connect with the wider community, while learning in different and meaningful ways.”

Students also stepped onto the stage in Tatura this year, performing a piece from the opera Carmen after a full-day workshop with several other schools.

Presented by Opera in the Country, the program gave students a chance to experience something completely different, while enjoying the camaraderie

of working alongside their peers from other local schools.

“Performing has been a big part of the school program this year,” Mr Perry said.

“It was a very exciting experience for our students.”

Music has also played a key role at Ardmona, with regular lessons culminating in an energetic performance at the combined schools event School of Rock in Tullamarine in June.

The school even joined forces with a Year 8 band from Kyneton High School to perform Bruno Mars’ Count On Me.

From art and music to environmental projects and community partnerships, all of these opportunities show that no matter the size of the school, students are not missing out.

If anything, they’re thriving.

Foundation student Max Dewall and Year 1 students Emily Guseli and Maddison Hussey enjoying muffins after a bake-off in the Kids’ Kitchen.

Year 1 students Maddison Hussey and Emily Guseli mixing ingredients and experimenting with flour.

Year 1 student Emily Guseli and Foundation student Max Dewall experiment with flour in the Kids’ Kitchen.

The kids’ kitchen is a big hit for students and staff alike.

School days recalled

Former student Margaret Plunkett (Lenne) shares her vivid recollections of school life in the 1950s, alongside wartime memories from her sister Dorothy in the 1940s.

I have long connections to Ardmona Primary School with my father attending in the early 1900s.

He knew with great respect W T Lees whose name in on the school gates.

My siblings attended the school in the 1930s and 1940s and myself in the 1950s followed by my own children in the 1980s.

The school had a lovely spacious setting with palm trees and a circular lawn in front of the buildings on which we were not allowed to play or walk.

There was a large pine plantation on the northern side of the grounds and many happy hours were spent building cubby houses with the pine needles.

The play equipment consisted of two see-saws and a monkey bar.

There were two shelter sheds and the boys were restricted to one side on the playground and the girls to the other.

We were required to assemble in our classes in the quadrangle every morning and on Mondays raised the Australian flag, sang God Save the Queen and recited the oath.

Being post war, good nutrition must have been government policy as early each morning milk was delivered by the milkman and left under the peppercorn trees.

We were required to drink a glass quart bottle of milk at morning recess by which time the cream had settled on the top and the milk was lukewarm.

Our library was one bookshelf in the headmaster’s office which was quite intimidating, but nevertheless I became and still am a passionate reader.

We practiced tunnel ball, egg and spoon races and running races in the dirt playground and competed in district school sports in Mooroopna — I don’t recall being victorious though.

We had musical events and our highlight in my time was to present Soot and the Fairies for our school families in the Ardmona Hall — soot and fairy wings where appropriate.

We all rode our bikes to school and there was a large bike shed on the northern side of the playground.

Not all roads were bitumen and our bikes clogged up with mud, however, in very wet weather, our parents or neighbours took pity and collected us from school in the car.

I still remember clearly the feeling of trepidation sitting in the classroom waiting to be called up for my turn to be immunised for whopping cough, diphtheria, tetanus etc.

I recall clearly the miraculous introduction of the Salk vaccine for polio, as we all knew families in the district who were dealing with this dreadful disease.

The absolute horror was the school dentist.

A highlight of my time at Ardmona Primary School was being taken to the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

We boarded the train in Mooroopna

early in the morning, appropriately named and labelled, packed lunch in our school bags, and on very good behaviour.

The two teachers I recall most were Mr Des Keane in Grade 4 and Mr Alf Miller (also headmaster at the time) in Grades 5 and 6.

Both had a strict and a significant presence in the classroom, while offering unique methods to learn mental arithmetic, reading Australian writing and watching the life cycle of a caterpillar in a glass case at the back of the classroom.

Ardmona Primary School, along with most other schools in the Goulburn Valley, saw a large influx of migrants from Europe after World War II, and because Ardmona offered work and housing in the fruit industry, our school became very multicultural.

Children were thrust into school without a word of English which must have been incredibly challenging for the children, and also the teaching staff of course.

In those times, I remember the country state schools being one of the pillars which kept the community together along with the hall, the churches, the general store and the recreation reserve.

All this kept families in touch and provided a great sense of social cohesion, which I suppose as children, we were unaware of at the time.

These country schools fostered the social and academic skills to forge our way into the future.

OTHER HISTORICAL MEMORIES

My sister Dorothy attended Ardmona Primary School during World War II in the

On one occasion, a Lancaster bomber landed in the paddock and the children were marched in line two by two across the road to inspect the plane outside, but not inside.

She also recalls air raid drills. When the air raid siren (operated by the favoured boy student of the day) was heard, they all had to stand beside their desk until ordered to file out in an orderly fashion to the air raid shelter, which had been erected into the playground and which apparently was very messy and muddy when wet.

They all emerged looking as if they had indeed been in a bombing event.

Past student Margaret Plunkett proudly passed on the school’s Centenary booklet (1875–1975) to today’s generation, Year 5 student Macey Weidenbach and Year 6 student Michael Morton — a special moment linking the past with the future.

Past student Margaret Plunkett reminiscing about the red window frame that is still there since her time at Ardmona Primary.

1940s. She recalls pilots being trained to fly Tiger Moths in Darveniza’s paddock east of the school.

A walk through the years

1875: Mooroopna District State School opens on the current site, which was part of the Ardmona Estate. It was a simple timber building with a shingle roof.

1885: The schoolhouse was completely rebuilt with more substantial construction. 1890: The school is renamed Ardmona State School.

1892: Edward Turnbull and family migrates from England and purchases land in Ardmona. The family became major orchardists in the area and Turnbull Rd, where Ardmona PS is located, is named after them.

1911-12: Teacher’s residence added. Sadly, this is no longer part of the school grounds.

1918: Competition was created when a group of influential Ardmona fruitgrowers established a separate school for their children, Ardmona Grammar School. Enrolments never reached more than 18, and due to lack of numbers around 10 years later, it closed. Private schools at that time were not common, hinting at the prosperity that existed in this area.

1930: Memorial gates were built to honour the school’s long standing Head Teacher (the word then used for principal), W. T. Lees, and the World War I memorial was also constructed within the school grounds. Both of these are still part of the school grounds and the WWI memorial has been extended to be used for Remembrance Day services.

Further renovations and extensions are made at the school, perhaps in anticipation of the post-war

2017 – 2023: A series of significant capital works are undertaken through the Victorian School Building Authority, including indoor toilets. The old outdoor portable that housed student toilets for decades will finally be demolished in 2025. During this time, heritage features such as the original brickwork were preserved, while exciting additions like an outdoor deck and a student kitchen were introduced.