The Moorook Primary School community will celebrate 100 years of local education at a special event this weekend, while also saying farewell to the site following a decision to amalgamate with Kingston-on-Murray Primary School.

In 2022, the school had 7 students and it was anticipated that enrolments may drop further in 2023, leading parents to review the educational needs of their children.

Following extensive consultation, the Moorook parent community voted late in Term 4 on a proposed voluntary amalgamation with Kingston-on-Murray Primary School, with a vast majority of parents in favour of the move.

The amalgamation was approved by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer this month.

The former Moorook students all began the 2023 school year at Kingston-on-Murray Primary School, where they were also joined by their Principal Sonya Warren.

The local community are invited to attend an Open Day at Moorook Primary School this Saturday 25 March, starting at 3.00pm to celebrate this end to an era.

Kingston-on-Murray Principal Sonya Warren said Moorook Primary School has been a focal point in the local community for a century, and is sad to see the classroom doors close.

“t’s a decision our school community did not take lightly, with extensive consultation undertaken before resolving to amalgamate with Kingston-on-Murray Primary School," she said.

“I would like to thank the school’s Governing Council, parents and staff for their professionalism and support during this transition period.

“The Kingston-on-Murray community have welcomed us all with open arms and our students have really settled into their new school.

“The Open Day will be a fabulous opportunity to bring our community together to cerebrate and share our memories of Moorook Primary School one last time.”

The event will include memorabilia displays from the past 100 years, speeches by former staff and students, along with a special student performance. More details are available on the school’s Facebook page.

Over the coming months, skeleton staff will remain on site at Moorook Primary School to facilitate the closure. The Department for Education will ensure a regular maintenance program of the school grounds, including safety checks of the buildings, before determining the future of the site.