Fmr School House - Ngullah Mia Training Centre & Farm

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value for its creative design which evolved from adaptation to local climate, the window awnings provide shade to openings, the roof vents and raised timber floor, provide air circulation.

Physical Description

The school house forms part of the former St Francis Xavier Mission. The former mission is set in a picturesque valley and spaciously set out. The farm occupies a 11,000 acres, 9,000 of which is natural jarrah woodland.

The school house is a small and simple structure, rectangular in shape. The timber framed building is clad in weatherboards to dado height with cement-fibro above. The gable roof has projecting timber battened eaves and the gable ends are weatherboard clad. A raised verandah extends across the front and rear elevations with a leanto roof clad in iron. The verandahs with criss-cross balustrade are additions.

The exterior of the building features three double-hung window sashes along the length of the side walls. The window panes are divided into six panes in the lower sashes and nine panes in the upper sashes. The windows are shaded by awnings.

The interior of the building comprises a single space. The floor of the building is raised on stumps and the interior features floorboards throughout. The north-west corner of the front verandah has been enclosed.

History

The Education Department became involved with the Mission in 1959. The school was divided into two separate Class 5 one-teacher schools.

The success of the school caused the Department of Native Affairs (20 June 1961) to express its concern of parents sending their children to the mission as it was considered that the parents should be developing a relationship with their children instead of sending them away. So to discourage this practice it reduced the subsidies then available.

Over the years enrolments fluctuated and due to the instability in enrolment and attendance the school closed on 16 December 1977.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY High Degree
AUTHENTICITY High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.