General News
9 July, 2025
Marnoo Primary School celebrates 150 years
CURRENT and former residents of Marnoo came together Friday, June, 27, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the local school
Marnoo Primary School officially opened in May 1875 and over the years it has taught hundreds, possibly thousands of students.
The anniversary was a celebration of the Marnoo community, which remains upbeat and resilient despite the closure of the shop and pub. Marnoo Primary School’s history stretches back to 1875, when the school opened under headteacher John Reed, teaching 23 students.
By 1883, a new building with an attached four-room residence was constructed for £565, located east of Marnoo along the Wimmera Highway towards St Arnaud.
In 1918, the school was detached from the residence and relocated to the southern end of town, and a more permanent two-room brick building was completed in 1927.
During the move, classes were temporarily held in the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall.
The original wooden structure was then moved to Banyena South, where it was later destroyed by fire.
In 1962, the school expanded again, adding a Light Timber Construction (LTC) building consisting of a classroom, storeroom, and staff office, a structure that still serves the school today.
In 2025, despite having only three students, Marnoo Primary School remains and the community were determined to celebrate the beloved institution.
The day commenced with a lunch at the Marnoo Hub before guests converged on the school for the official celebration.
Acting Principal Erin Rabot said she was delighted so many people found the time to celebrate the historic school.
“I’m really honoured to be here to welcome you to our 150th anniversary celebration today and we are really thrilled there are so many people here in person to celebrate with us, especially those who have travelled many hours to be here.
“Today is about sharing the stories and memories that have shaped Marnoo Primary School, reconnecting and acknowledging the important place this school has held in the life of many of us, by taking time to reflect on what defines this schools character and what makes this school so special.
“I believe its greatest strengths lies in where every student is known, is connected and the learning is personalised to their needs,” she said.
School Council President Hannah Argall, whose three children are the only students at the school, said Marnoo Primary was an important part of the early lives of many local residents.
“I’m very grateful to have been a student here myself, but one of the many reasons being is it was where I met my husband Ben.
“Ben and I are very proud of our children who are doing incredible things here at this school and we are very thankful to the great staff who go above and beyond teaching them,” she said.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said it was a privilege to be part of the celebration.
“Opening in May of 1875, this small but mighty school has been at the heart of Marnoo and its wider communities for a century and a half.
“That’s 150 years of learning, laughter, life lessons and countless memories shared under the roof of this wonderful little school,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Today is not just a celebration of the current students and staff but every person who has walked through these gates, across the generations, every past student, every teacher, every volunteers, every parent.
“Marnoo Primary School has played a formative role in so many lives, helping to build character, nurture confidence and instil values that people have carried with them long after their time here.
“Here’s to many more years of growing together,” Cr Hyslop said.
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