Prenzlau State School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prenzlau State School |
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West elevation of 1900 teaching building, 2015
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| Location | 357 Prenzlau Road, Prenzlau, Somerset Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Built | 1899–1900, 1910 |
| Architect | Queensland Department of Public Works |
| Official name: Prenzlau State School | |
| Type | state heritage |
| Designated | 12 June 2015 |
| Reference no. | 602856 |
| Type | Education, research, scientific facility: School-state |
| Theme | Educating Queenslanders: Providing primary schooling |
| Builders | C Ridsdale, Charles Wilson |
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Prenzlau State School is a special old school located at 357 Prenzlau Road in Prenzlau, Queensland, Australia. It's considered a heritage site, meaning it's important to history. The school was designed by the Queensland Department of Public Works and built between 1899 and 1900. It was officially added to the Queensland Heritage Register on June 12, 2015, recognizing its historical value.
Contents
The Story of Prenzlau State School
Prenzlau State School first opened in 1894. Back then, it was called a "provisional school." This means it was a temporary school for a small farming community. It was located in the Lockyer Valley area.
The land where the school stands today traditionally belongs to the Jagera people. European settlers started farming in the Lockyer Valley in the 1840s. The area of Prenzlau was settled by German immigrants in the 1870s. They came from a town called Prenzlau in Germany. That's how the area got its name in the 1890s.
How Schools Grew in Queensland
Providing education was very important to the government in early Queensland. The Education Act of 1860 helped to make schools more organized. Schools grew quickly after this. In 1875, the State Education Act made primary education free and compulsory. This meant most Queensland children could learn to read and write by 1900.
Schools were a big part of building new communities. Local people often gave land or helped build the schools. Schools became a place for the community to gather. They showed how much a town was growing. People often felt proud of their local school.
From Provisional to State School
Because more students were joining, Prenzlau Provisional School became a "state school" in 1899. This meant it was a permanent school run by the government. A new teaching building was planned. The old provisional school building was turned into a home for the teacher.
The Queensland Government created standard plans for school buildings. This helped them build schools quickly and affordably. Most schools were made of timber. This was easy and cheap, especially in faraway areas. These standard designs were always being improved. They focused on things like climate control, lighting, and fresh air.
The new teaching building at Prenzlau State School was finished in March 1900. It was a typical timber school building from that time. It had one large classroom. There were verandahs (covered walkways) at the front and back. A small room called an annexe was at the back. This was used for hats and toilets. The classroom had a special roof vent and ceiling panels for air flow. Windows in the walls let in light.
The Playshed and School Life
The Queensland education system knew that play was important. So, schools needed outdoor covered areas. Playsheds were built as separate shelters. They had seats and dirt floors. They were used for play, but also for teaching when needed.
In 1910, a timber playshed was built at Prenzlau State School. It had six posts and a hipped roof. This was a common type of playshed. It provided a covered space for students to play, especially when it was hot or raining.
Moving the School Site
By 1921, the school committee felt the original site was too hilly. Even though student numbers were lower, the government agreed to find a new site. In 1923, the school building and playshed were moved about 300 meters northeast.
When the school moved, the teaching building was raised up on tall timber stumps. This helped with air flow. It also created a covered play area underneath the school. The windows were made bigger to let in more light. These changes showed new ideas about how to make classrooms better for learning.
Over the years, the school had many improvements. In 1937, the community helped to level the ground. They also built a cricket pitch. The basement area under the school was enclosed.
School During World War II
During World War II, schools often helped with community efforts. Prenzlau State School was used as a place to give out ration books in 1942. These books helped people get their fair share of food and supplies during the war.
In 1948, an honour board was put up at the school. It listed the names of former students from the area who served in World War II. This board was made by Frank Olkers and paid for by the local community. It's a way to remember those who served.
After the war, more improvements were made. A tennis court was built in 1951. Electricity was connected in 1952. The roof was replaced after a strong wind in 1954. A library was added in 1959.
Trees and Gardens at School
Schools in Queensland also focused on planting trees and creating gardens. This was part of making schools beautiful. It also taught students about hard work and nature. Arbor Day celebrations, where trees were planted, started in Queensland in 1890.
Prenzlau State School has many old, important trees. An "Anzac" tree was planted at the old school site. In 1924, the head teacher planted native trees like Crow's Ash. In 1934, a leopard tree was planted to honor a famous pilot, Bert Hinkler. Other trees like coral trees, macadamias, pines, and jacarandas were planted over the years. These trees provide shade and make the school grounds look nice.
The school grounds also have a group of 17 Hoop Pine trees. These were planted between 1970 and 1982.
In 1973, the school almost closed because there were only 9 students. But the community argued that more children would be coming soon. So, the school stayed open.
In 1994, the school celebrated its 100th birthday. New entrance gates were put up to mark the occasion.
Today, Prenzlau State School still operates from its 1923 site. It still has the original teaching building, the playshed, and many old shade trees. The school has always been a central part of the Prenzlau community. Generations of students have learned there, and it's been a place for many community events.
What Prenzlau State School Looks Like
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Prenzlau State School is located on a large site in the countryside. The land slopes gently down towards Prenzlau Road. The school buildings are set back from the road, on the highest part of the site.
The main teaching building (from 1900) is in the middle. It faces west towards the road. The front verandah (covered walkway) has been enclosed. You can now enter using stairs on the north and south sides. The playshed (from 1910) is to the north of this building. The school grounds have open grassy areas, old shade trees, and a tennis court.
The Main Teaching Building (1900)
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This building is made of timber and stands high on concrete stumps. Its walls are covered with timber boards called weatherboards. The front and back verandahs are now enclosed. There's also a small room (annexe) at the back.
The north and south walls have large groups of old timber windows. These windows have decorative timber covers above them. The roof is hipped (slopes on all sides) and made of corrugated metal. It has an original metal vent on top for air flow. The roof also extends out to shade the high windows.
Inside, the walls of the old classroom are lined with wide timber boards. The ceiling is coved (curved where it meets the walls) and has special ventilation panels. The World War II honour board hangs on the eastern wall of the classroom.
Underneath the building, there's a concrete floor. This area is partly enclosed with corrugated metal.
The Playshed (1910)
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The playshed is a small timber structure with six posts. It has a concrete floor and a hipped roof made of corrugated metal. The posts are supported by brackets that connect to the roof. You can see where a wall used to be on the western side.
School Grounds and Views
The school grounds are very pleasant with their sloping lawns, trees, and gardens. The main entrance from Prenzlau Road has a metal archway that says "1894-1994." Many old trees are around the school site. There's also a group of 17 Hoop Pine trees in one corner. Other important trees include jacaranda, leopard tree, Crow's ash, and she-oak.
The school stands out in its location. You can see beautiful views of the countryside from the school grounds.
Why Prenzlau State School is a Heritage Site
Prenzlau State School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on June 12, 2015. This means it's important for several reasons:
It shows how Queensland's history and education have changed. Prenzlau State School shows how state education and school buildings have developed in Queensland. It has great examples of government-designed buildings. These designs show how schools tried to provide good lighting and air flow. The teaching building (1900) and the playshed (1910) are good examples of this. The school grounds also have important old shade trees.
The World War II Honour Board in the teaching building is also important. It shows how the school community was involved in a major world event. Honour boards like this remember those who served from a community. They are a common way to remember people across Queensland and Australia.
It shows what a typical Queensland state school looks like. Prenzlau State School shows the main features of Queensland state schools. These include:
- Timber buildings built using standard government designs.
- Large, landscaped grounds with old shade trees, play areas, and sports facilities.
The school is a good example of a modest, local school.
The teaching building (1900) is a great example of a regional timber school. It still has its hipped roof with a vent, old timber windows, a large classroom with verandahs, and a coved ceiling. The changes made to the building, like raising it up and making windows bigger, show how ideas about lighting and air flow in classrooms changed over time.
The playshed (1910) still has its hipped timber roof supported by six timber posts.
It has a strong connection with the local community. Schools have always been important to Queensland communities. They connect former students, parents, and teachers. They are places for social events and volunteer work. They are also a source of pride, showing the progress and hopes of a local area.
Prenzlau State School has a strong and ongoing connection with the Prenzlau community. It was started in 1894 thanks to the community's efforts. Generations of children from Prenzlau have gone to school here. The school has helped the community grow. It's a key meeting place for social events and celebrations, with strong support from the community.
See also
- History of state education in Queensland
- List of schools in West Moreton
