Iona Presentation College

Statement of Significance

• The 1936 former boarding house has historic value as an example of a purpose built education facility which
demonstrates the evolution in education philosophy and practices.
• The 1936 former boarding house has social value for the many students and teachers who have attended the school
since its construction.
• The remaining elements of the former convent have historic value for their association with one of the original grand
homes of the district.
• The remaining elements of the former convent have social value for their association with the provision of education to
girls from the district and from around the state since 1907.
• The Morton Bay Fig trees have aesthetic value as landmarks in the streetscape
• The Morton Bay Fig trees have historic value for their association with the founding and development of the school.

Physical Description

Boarding House (fmr)

Substantial two storey brick and tile house with
extensive upper balcony wrapping around all sides. The
roof form is hipped with vented gablets, extending down
to form the balcony canopy albeit at a shallower angle. A
projecting gabled roof is situated on the south side of
the building. The lower verandah is inset marginally from
the balcony above, with the beams projecting out from
beneath the balcony floor, forming a decorative feature.
A panelled frieze extends between the timber columns.
Both the upper balcony and lower verandah are
enclosed by a timber balustrade. Timber framed 1-over 1 sash windows with obscure glazing. The doors are a
combination of timber panels and timber with glass
upper panels. The set of double doors to the north
elevation contain stained glass lights, together with
stained glass fanlights.

Morton Bay Fig Trees

The four trees are located on the boundary of the school
property. Two are alongside one of the entrances from
Palmerston Street and the remaining two are located on
the Bay View Terrace street frontage. All trees have an
impressive canopy and trunk formation.


Original Convent Elements

The front door and original stained glass from the
original convent and former residence have been
retained within the new convent building. (Site not
accessed)

History

The Congregation of Presentation Sisters WA (Inc) purchased the former residence of mining entrepreneur, Hon
Zebina Lane in 1907 to provide accommodation for the Presentation Sisters who wished to establish a school for the
Catholic girls in the district. The large residence designed by architect, Henry Trigg, set within seven acres
overlooking the bay, was used as a convent and as a school. The house was named ‘Chateau Perseverance’ by Lane.
Prior to his ownership the residence was named ‘Buckland House’ by the original owner, Dr Adam Jameson. When
the school relocated to this site two Morton Bay Fig trees were planted on the Bay View Terrace side of the
property. The name “IONA” was suggested by Bishop Matthew Gibney because it reminded him of the Isle of Iona
off the west coast of Scotland.
The school grew in numbers and in the facilities it offered to students with many new buildings for the students.
In 1914 a school hall was built (demolished in 2005) and in 1936 a two storey boarding house was built.
The 1936 boarding house was designed by architect Edgar Le B Henderson who undertook many projects for the
Catholic Church in Western Australia. The builders were Berry Brothers and the cost of construction was £3400.
The building was opened by the Archbishop of Perth, Dr Prendiville on 24 April 1937. At the time of construction the
building consisted of two refectories, a reception room and kitchen block on the ground floor, and two dormitories,
bathrooms and balconies on the top floor.
The two Morton Bay Fig trees which frame the entrance to the property from Palmerston Street were planted when
the boarding house was constructed.
In 1976, the original convent building was demolished to enable the construction of a new convent. Some features
of the original convent, the front door and the original stained glass were reinstated within the new convent.
Since construction the 1936 boarding house has undergone changes to suit modern amenities and changes of use.
Most recently in 2008 the classrooms were refurbished with funding from the Commonwealth Government BER
program.
Currently [2013] the building is used for the Year 12 students.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate/Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

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.