Following an extensive review and community consultation, Coonalpyn Primary School will be formally closed, effective immediately.

The decision follows a steady decline in student enrolments at the primary school over the past decade. In 2022, there were no students enrolled at the school which led to educational services being suspended at the site.

In November last year, the Minister established a Review Committee and tasked them with considering the educational, social, and economic needs of the local community, along with the present and future use of the school and its facilities.

After broader community consultation, the Review Committee submitted a recommendation to the Minister for the school to be officially closed.

“I know the local community are keen to the see 102-year history Coonalpyn Primary School celebrated and farewelled," said Review Committee Presiding member Con Karvouniaris.

“The schools has played a significant role in the town’s long history and the Department will work closely with the community over coming months to find a suitable way to acknowledge and celebrate the end of this chapter.”

Last week, the Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer endorsed the committee’s recommendation.

Many students from the Coonalpyn area now attend Coomandook Area School, located 30km away, with bus services to help local students to and from school.

Coomandook Area School continues to provide former Coonalpyn Primary students with additional support as they transition to their new school.

Over the coming months the Department will work with the local community to sort through the practical details of closing the school, including the transfer of equipment and resources to local schools or community groups.

In addition, the department’s support team will ensure appropriate upkeep of the school grounds, including security of the site’s 4 buildings, playground and sports oval, while the future use of the site is determined.

The Coonalpyn Primary School Review Committee were unanimous in their recommendation.

Committee members were: