Bunbury high school heritage listed

Bunbury Senior High School’s place in the city’s history was cemented on Thursday when it was added to the State Register of Heritage Places.

Picture by Jon Gellweiler: Bunbury Senior High School teacher - librarian Evelyn Dowley and third-generation student Taneta Kerr celebrated the much-loved school being added to the State Register of Heritage Places.

Perched high above the city with panoramic views of the ocean, the school is now protected from sale, subdivision and development.

Heritage Minister John Castrilli said the listing recognised the school’s commitment to providing quality education for nearly 90 years.

‘‘As a former student myself, it gives me great pleasure to include one of the State’s finest government schools in the register,’’ Mr Castrilli said.

The school was officially opened in 1923 by Premier Sir James Mitchell and at that timewas one of only two schools offering secondary government education in a regional area.

‘‘The solidly-built, well-designed buildings demonstrate how the Government was committed to providing a high-standard facility in this important regional town,’’ Mr Castrilli said.

Bunbury Senior High School acting principal Domenic Camera said the announcement was a reflection of a great deal of work from those with passion and enthusiasm for the school.

‘‘I have found there is a strong connection to past students and families who have a great respect for what the school has done for them,’’ Mr Camera said.

The school was the third government secondary school built inWA and the listing will enable the school to apply for government grants to maintain the impressive buildings and grounds.

Perth Modern School was the only Government secondary school built until the 1920s, after which Northam Senior High School — the first regional high school — and Bunbury Senior High School followed.

One of the school’s notable alumni includes the 29th Governor of WA, Lt-General John M. Sanderson.