Pie Men and Pioneers: Mt Gravatt State School’s Legacy at 150 Years

Mt Gravatt State School
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Mt Gravatt State School, the heart of the local community for 150 years, will celebrate its rich history, recognising its role as a cornerstone of education and development in Brisbane’s south.



The event will take place on 2 November 2024 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Past students, current students and their families are expected to join the activities.

From a Slab Hut to a Thriving School

In 1874, the residents of Mt Gravatt, a farming district in Brisbane’s early days, decided their children needed formal education. They built the first school—a humble slab hut with a dirt floor—on land donated by Charles James, with local farmers pitching in to make it happen. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to spark the beginnings of what would become one of Queensland’s longest-standing schools.

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Mt Gravatt State School
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Back then, Mt Gravatt wasn’t much more than sprawling farmland, with cattle, vineyards, and a few timber homes dotting the landscape. The community was a melting pot of German, Chinese, Afghan, and European settlers, each contributing to the development of the area. Despite its agricultural focus, these families knew the value of education and worked tirelessly to establish this school.

Samuel Thomas Jackson: The Formidable Headmaster

For nearly 30 years, Samuel Thomas Jackson held the reins of Mt Gravatt State School. Arriving in 1887, Jackson quickly earned a reputation as a stern, no-nonsense headmaster. But while his approach may have been strict, his dedication was undeniable. He guided the school’s transition from a Provisional School to a fully funded State School by 1894. Under his watch, the school grew in size and its role within the community.

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Samuel Thomas Jackson
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Jackson’s untimely death in 1916—drowning while swimming at Currumbin Beach—shocked the school and the community. His legacy as a “fearsome headmaster of the old type” remains etched into the fabric of Mt Gravatt’s history. He lived in the teacher’s residence, converted from the original classroom, and was one of the first to experience the school’s growing needs as Mt Gravatt’s population began to swell after World War I.

Samuel Thomas Jackson death
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A Growing Community, A Growing School

As Mt Gravatt evolved, so did the school. By the 1930s, the farming community had given way to more settlers, and the school needed to expand. With three new classrooms and a headmaster’s office added in 1930, the school was now a bustling hub for local children. The small classroom setup from the early 1900s—a simple arrangement of wooden benches and a chalkboard—transformed to accommodate a more formal educational environment.

The school’s early days, with crowded classrooms, strict discipline, and an emphasis on the basics, were a stark contrast to the school of today. But those humble beginnings forged a strong connection between the school and the community, one that remains a source of pride for many.

The Pie Man: A Delicious Memory of the 1940s

One of the more delightful chapters in the school’s history comes from the 1940s when the “Pie Man” became a weekly highlight for students. Every Friday, he would roll up to the school with his pie van, much to the excitement of the children. 

Lining up eagerly, the students would clutch their pennies, waiting for their turn to grab a hot pie. It was a simple joy that has become a treasured memory for many of Mt Gravatt’s former students. Today, that story is a nostalgic reminder of the school’s role not just in education, but in creating lifelong memories for its students.

Mt Gravatt State School pie man
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A Community Stronger Together

Throughout its history, Mt Gravatt State School has been more than just a place of learning. It has reflected the growth and change in the area, evolving from a rural farming outpost to a thriving suburban centre. The school’s close relationship with its community has allowed it to thrive for 150 years.



The anniversary celebration will undoubtedly bring together generations of former students, teachers, and community members who have all played a role in the school’s long-standing success. From the days of the slab hut to modern classrooms, Mt Gravatt State School has remained a steady presence in the lives of countless Brisbane families, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Published 24-Oct-2024