history2

History of Norsewood School
1873-2006

Page 1 Page 2 Page3 Home

The school bell still used to signal break times has its own history: Originally the bell was erected over the Lutheran Church in South Norsewood circa 1900s. When the Lutheran Church was demolished in 1949, the bell was donated to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church and hung in a free standing belfry.

In 1968 the Anglican Church was destroyed by fire and the bell was stored until donated to St. Ansker’s Catholic Church. The bell was erected beside the church in the belfry from the empty Methodist Church. After the closure of St. Ansker’s in 1993, the bell and belfry were erected on the school site in June 1995, to be held in trust for the Norsewood Pioneer Cottage Museum.

The bell before the belfry was erected. The bell in its belfry (2006).

In 2004, due to dropping rolls across the district, Norsewood School merged with Matamau, Awariki and Ormondville schools. Due to this merger, funding was available to upgrade the school buildings to accommodate the increase of students and staff.

A new administration block was constructed along the Coronation Street boundary. Included in this block are a large office/reception area, large staffroom and kitchen, medical room, Principal’s office, interview room, variable teacher’s space/workroom and staff toilets.

Administration block (2006).

The main block was remodelled and now houses three classrooms, a new library and teacher resource room. The toilet block and extra teaching spaces were retained. The block was extended to include a new toilet block for the middle school and three teacher aide rooms. This was joined on to the prefabricated classroom (which housed the old library) and this room was extended to make a new variable teaching space/hall.

Main block (2006)

Two prefabricated rooms were moved onto the Scandi Grove site to house the two senior classes. These rooms were joined together by a cloak bay and art room. A cloak bay and toilets attached to the Year 7 and 8 classroom are in the process of being completed.

Senior classrooms (2006).

Two new playgrounds were built using both existing equipment from the merged schools and new items.

Junior playground (2006) Main playground (2006).

Now the renovations are complete and the school has been renamed as ‘Norsewood and Districts’. The result is an outstanding facility which will enhance the learning of all Norsewood and Districts pupils.

School Emblem 2006)