Established in 1969, Takari is located in the northern suburbs of Perth in the Balcatta area. At first, students were enrolled in junior and middle years only, as there were no upper primary classes. For the first six weeks students were taken by bus to Balga Primary School, as the buildings at Takari were not yet ready. Indeed, even after classes had begun on site, cupboards were still being constructed, and electricity was not connected for some months. The first buildings to be completed were the administration block and the western block, nearest Jones Street, consisting of classrooms one to six. Within two years the eastern block, with rooms seven to twelve, was completed. Student numbers increased rapidly. Besides new enrolments, middle school pupils advanced through years six and seven. By 1971, the numbers were such that the school was reclassified, so besides a new headmaster (the term principal became official at a later date) a deputy and first mistress were appointed. By 1973, a demountable was needed to accommodate the growing numbers of students. The first demountable stood where the library now stand. The library and canteen were built in 1974. The northern block, with rooms thirteen to fifteen followed, but still numbers of students exceeded accommodation. At one stage, besides the fifteen permanent classrooms, there were three demountables and one transportable classroom on site, and a class taken in Area C. With the opening of West Balcatta Primary School in 1977, the overcrowding at Takari was eased. However, numbers remained high for some years before gradually diminishing so that the school was again reclassified at the beginning of 1990 necessitating changes in administration. Takari’s first headmaster was Mr Reg Firns.
Description
The school caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. With an approximate population of 200 students, it is classed as a small school. Takari prides itself on being culturally diverse and students are encouraged to celebrate differences and welcome others into the school community. The majority of students are Australian however 30% of students’ families originated from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
