Willow Grove Primary School 2520 began on the 9th of August 1883, as Latrobe River State School. The school was originally located approximately 11 miles from Moe and 10 miles from Trafalgar. The nearest school was Tanjil, located about 5 miles away. The land had been donated by Mr. Samuel Needham. The original school site is located on Old School Rd, Willow Grove and is now marked by a plaque.

In April of 1910, the Latrobe River State School name was changed to Willow Grove State School, more in accordance with the name of the local area.

In 1933, after many years of petitioning, the school was removed to the current site on Main Rd. or Moe-Willow Grove Rd. At the cost of the community the building was moved by bullock and dray from the old site. The move was instigated because the township of Willow Grove had become established and was now the centre of the area.

Enrolments have risen since the early days and now they average around 80 students. At its peak in the late 1990s, the school had 94 students.

The buildings have grown and changed over the years. In the 1950s the original building was replaced by the current wooden buildings. In 1998, another building was added to the end, due to a large prep enrolment (25 students). In 2011, the new BER building was installed.

The school had major celebrations for the 100, 120 and 125 year anniversaries. The next major celebration will be for the 150 year celebration in 2033.

History Article Links:

The Latrobe River State School

The Latrobe River State School 1883-1890

The Latrobe River State School 1891-1900

Teachers at the Latrobe River State School Before 1900

Our ANZACs

The Pre-War Years 1900 – 1914

1920 – 1930

Moving The School To The Current Site

1930 – 1940 From The Newspapers

Principals

1940 – 1950 From The Newspapers

1950 – 1960 From The Newspapers

1960 – 1970

1970 – 1980

1980 – 1990