27 July 2026
Salmon Gums Primary School recently celebrated 100 years of teaching and learning in the tiny Goldfields town.
The celebration was attended by students past and present, staff and families.
The school was officially opened by, Jessie Nairn, a teacher, on 12 April 1926 as Salmon Gums School. It was originally housed in the Agricultural Hall and had just 23 students enrolled.
Two years later, in 1928, a separate school building was completed.
It was set up only a year after the town of Salmon Gums, located 106km north of Esperance, was established. Today, the school has just 15 students, but it's still seen as the heart of the community.
The centenary was celebrated with past and present students, staff and families gathering to share their memories. The school held an official ceremony, followed by a dinner at the town's community centre, hosted by the P&C.
Principal Andrew Robins said looking back through old photos and records was one of the most interesting parts of the celebrations.
"The buildings, classrooms and the way we teach have all evolved over the years, but when you look through the photos you can still see that real sense of community,” he said.
“Even after 100 years, that strong community spirit is still what stands out the most to me."
The handprint mural which was placed in the school's time capsule.
Current students and staff also put together a time capsule, containing a handprint mural, a questionnaire about their favourite subjects and teachers, a newspaper, a school newsletter and the current school shirt.
Mr Robins said the time capsule was a way of capturing the school's spirit today.
"It's a snapshot of a close-knit school where everyone knows each other, values relationships and enjoys learning together,” he said.
“Hopefully, when it's opened in the future, people will get a real sense of the positive culture and strong community spirit that defines Salmon Gums Primary School today."