Kulin Junior Primary School

Statement of Significance

The place represents a way of life, of community co-operation and
striving for the best education facilities.

History

In January 1915 the Kulin Progress Association applied for a
school site in Kulin. A tender was issued in March 1916, and the first classroom was opened on 15
May 1916 with 11 students under the control of Mrs Woodman, a South Kulin farmer's wife with
teacher qualifications gained in South Australia. By 1920 enrolments were up to 26 children, and by
1924, 50 children attended, requiring that some classes were held in the Agricultural Hall. In 1923,
Inkiepinkie School in the Wickepin Shire, closed, and the school room was relocated to Kulin in
1925. In 1926, a bus service was introduced by general carriers; Len Newman, Charlie Brooks,
Henderson, from the Jilakin Lake area into Kulin. The Parents and Citizens Association built a
manual training room in 1927. In 1938 a second bus service was introduced, to the West Kulin area.
In 1947 water shortages meant that water for the school had to be carted.
In 1953 the students numbers were up to 91 and a new class room and headmasters office were
built, despite the first contractor not completing, and Fred Murray finishing the job in 1954. In 1959,
with 128 students and other classroom was added. In 1962, a septic system was installed at the
school. In 1963, three more class rooms were added, and the Parents and Citizens Association
started representation for a high school. They canvassed local families, and made boarding facilities
available in town to allow children to attend the Kulin School, and make up the required number of
students. In 1966 Kulin School was elevated to the level of Junior High School as a result of the
community effort. Two class room and a staff room were constructed.
In 1973 the old pavilion class room was dismantled and relocated to the Pingaring Golf Club, and the
materials were used in the construction of the club house. The original school room is used as a
storeroom, and in 1974 the Dudinin School was relocated to Kulin School.
John Tonkin, a former Premier of Western Australia, taught at Kulin School. The school was the first
to introduce pottery lessons, and Rhoda Giles extended that facility to a regional scale.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact
Authenticity: high degree

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.