Join us on Sunday 25 August 2024, in the Warrandyte Neighbourhood House Hall, rear of 168 Yarra Street, Warrandyte
2pm Warrandyte Historical Society AGM – Come along, hear about the past year and consider joining the Committee
2:45pm Presentation by Valerie Polley
followed by afternoon tea (bring a plate to share)
FREE ENTRY
Presentation by Valerie Polley The Educational Adventure that was Koornong & the Tim Ellis Diary
Koornong School was established in 1939 beside the Yarra River in North Warrandyte, no doubt influenced by the natural and artistic climate of Warrandyte. It was envisaged as a modern self-governing school set amongst the eucalypt bushland beside the Yarra River in Warrandyte North.
It was founded on a progressive educational system where pupils voted for their own laws and there was no compulsion and little restraint. The school was considered well ahead of its time with a curriculum based around self-awareness and integrated learning of subjects.
Tim Ellis was a student at the Koornong School during the 1940s. He wrote a diary detailing his experiences there which gives a very personal insight, in his own words, into the life of the school and interactions between students and staff. Tim’s younger brother donated the diary to the Society. He knew of Tim’s enjoy-ment at the school and wanted others to also enjoy his record of events.
Tim’s diary has provided the inspiration for this presentation about his time at the school and beyond. Koornong always arouses great interest, whether in education, social or Warrandyte history. It is a fascinating subject.
