About Lesmurdie Senior High School
Lesmurdie Senior High School is an Independent Public School situated in the hills surrounding Perth, within the City of Kalamunda, Western Australia. Following a strong campaign by the local community, the school was established in 1981 and is still a focus of the local community maintaining an active School Board composed of community, parents, students and staff and an enthusiastic Parents and Citizens Association.
Set among natural bushland on the fringe of a residential area, the architecturally designed buildings evoke a sense of peace and space with a distinctly Australian flavour.
The Emblem
The use of local fauna and flora in our emblem illustrates the school’s stated intention to promote conservation of the environment. At an act of dedication on 18th September 1980, trees were planted on the site by students designate. The occasion was honoured by the presence of the late Dr Richard St Barbe Barker, world leader and founder of ‘Men of Trees’.
The emblem depicts a Dasyurus Geoffroii (a western native cat or Chuditch) on branches of a Eucalyptus Marginata (Jarrah) tree. Both are indigenous to the locality, the former being in danger of extinction.
Some of the characteristics of the Chuditch – its tenacity, intelligence and agility – make it a particularly suitable as a school emblem. The Eucalyptus Marginata is Western Australia’s most famous tree with a strong association with the area. Some of the earliest jarrah came from Mason’s Mill in the Lesmurdie area, the cut timber being hauled down to Mason’s Landing on the Canning River from where it floated on barges downstream to the main settlement.
The combination of Dasyurus Geoffroii and Eucalyptus Marginata links Lesmurdie Senior High School both environmentally and historically to the district in which it is located.
The Mural
To celebrate 40 years of Lesmurdie Senior High School, in 2021, a mural, reflecting the wonderful natural environment that surrounds our school was commissioned. Prominent mural artist Melski worked with students to create a stunning visual in the corral, a wonderful back drop for our celebrations.
Lesmurdie Senior High School – House System
Students are allocated to one of four houses, each named for a prominent resident from the Lesmurdie area
Owen – Yellow
Sanderson – Green
Wallis – Blue
Weston – Red
Our House system helps our students develop a sense of identity and ownership in their learning and in the environment as well as providing healthy academic, cultural and sporting rivalry across the school. New house logos, reflecting the native flora and fauna surrounding our school, and endemic to Noongar country, will be launched in 2023.