75th Anniversary of the School’s move to Yea
In 1942 the school moved to Yea after the School grounds were taken over by the Army, firstly as the site of the Australian Army Home Forces and from June that year as a training facility for the AWAS (Australian Women’s Army Service).
Bill Purcell from the class of 1924 was instrumental in facilitating the move arranging accommodation at Beaufort Manor in Yea. The School became an integral part of the Yea community with the townsfolk invited to School concerts and other events.
Over 140 boys went to Yea alongside the first overseas students from Malaysia. The School is still in contact with 37 of these students and most of them are now well into their 80’s. Reunions have been held over the years for them, many back at Beaufort House.
The two years at Yea were, for most, the greatest years of these students’ life. They were City kids in a country town enjoying the freedom of wide open spaces. Ferretting, bike riding and yes – some schoolwork. The Science Lab was in the bar at the Yea Showgrounds! Moving from the city to the country resulted in very different learning experiences for the 140 students and many horizons were broadened in this unique setting. Many after school activities involved helping out the locals in Yea and bonds were made.
Ivanhoe Grammar School has been educating young people since 1915, and while much has changed since its humble beginnings at St James’ Church, Ivanhoe, the philosophy of the founding Headmaster, The Reverend Sydney Buckley, is still at the core of practices. He believed that academic excellence and the development of individual character were paramount and encouraged a strong ethos of service to others. Rich in history yet thoroughly vibrant, diverse and innovative, Ivanhoe Grammar School provides a wonderful environment for students to flourish.
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