Commercial Road Primary School

Commercial Road Primary School
Location
Gippsland Morwell, Victoria, Australia
Information
School type	Primary

The Commercial Road Primary School is located on the main road in Morwell, Victoria, Australia. It was founded in 1879, and has undergone a number of changes over the years.

History

Morwell State School No. 2136 was opened on Thursday, 4 April 1879 on land off Tarwin Street. A permanent location where the school is currently found became the site for a new building in August 1880. The campus contained the school and a residence for the head teacher. At that time George Street separated the grounds from the Church of England, where St. Mary's church was built in 1886. Around 1960, George Street was closed at Chapel Street and the old church was incorporated into the school grounds. In 1906, the original structure was replaced by a brick building.

From 1946 to 1962, a number of additional buildings were added and others removed. At its height, the school boasted an enrollment of more than 700 children. The opening of other schools—Collins Street (1951), Tobruk Street (1954), Crinigan Road (1957) and Morwell Park (1969)—alleviated overcrowding. In 1992 the Collins Street school closed, and many families and resources were transferred to Commercial Road.

A Japanese school was established at Commercial Road Primary School in 1991. At that time up to fifty Japanese students and three teachers operated a unique school, wherein Japanese and Australian students worked side by side. The strong links with Japan are still evident at the school.

Coordinates: 38°14′18″S 146°24′02″E / 38.23833°S 146.40056°E / -38.23833; 146.40056