Established in 1875 West End State School boasts a rich history. Initially it housed 236 pupils in a single brick building designed by Richard Suter. Imagine the bustling classrooms the eager faces of those early students.
West End State School’s location in the heart of West End was not always so ideal. The land was once a cemetery. A newspaper article from 1864 reported that only one person was buried there. Can you picture that lone grave amidst the future playground?
Growth in the area led to overcrowding. By the 1880s a separate boys school was built. A fence divided the boys and girls. West End State School became two distinct entities. The expansion continued. In 1924 timber teachers’ rooms were added. This was followed by an extension at the building’s eastern end.
The Great Depression significantly impacted West End State School. The school needed more space. Unemployment relief programs came to the rescue. Men worked on improving school grounds. The Queensland Government then embarked on a massive building program. West End State School was rebuilt. A new brick building with 17 classrooms opened in 1936. It could hold 730 pupils.
The school’s history isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Three memorial drinking fountains were installed in 1930. They were a gift from the Kurilpa Ladies’ War Memorial Committee. The fountains honored World War I victims. They served as a poignant reminder of sacrifice.
World War II brought further changes. Slit trenches were dug in the playground. These were intended to offer students protection from air raids. Parents past pupils and US soldiers helped. The school also became a focus for civilian duty. Students and staff grew produce for donation to hospitals. They organised fundraising. They even donated items to Australian soldiers.
Post-war the school’s multicultural nature became more evident. West End’s population diversified with a large Greek community. It was known as Little Athens. Vietnamese Cypriot Lebanese Turkish and Egyptian residents also made their presence felt.
Further extensions were added in 1976 and 1983-1984. These adhered to the original plan’s intent. They reflected evolving educational philosophies. Larger classrooms and improved lighting and ventilation were priorities. In 1995 West End Primary and West End Infants Schools merged becoming the West End State School we know today.
Today West End State School stands as a testament to its long history. Its beautiful Depression-era brick building remains a prominent feature. The school continues to be a crucial community hub. It provides education and a venue for many community events. The mature trees and the memorial fountain are silent witnesses to the generations who have learned and grown within these walls.