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The official opening of the remodelled and extended facilities to Farrer House, 1992
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Copyright owned by Carey Baptist Grammar School. Some re-use permitted (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND).
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CreatorCarey Baptist Grammar SchoolDescriptionThe remodelled and extended Prep School at Kew was officially opened on 6 April 1992.
The Mayor of Kew at the time, Councillor Daryl Oldaker, led the opening ceremony, which was attended by all Prep School students, along with representatives from other parts of the School, invited guests, and parents.
The updated Prep School brought together three areas: the Edwardian house that was once the Headmaster's Residence at 26 Wrixon Street, the old Victorian-era Prep School known as Farrar House, and a newly built Beginners’ area. Architect Ken Edmonds blended the three buildings beautifully, keeping features like leadlight windows, distinctive rooflines, gable fascias, and other well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian details. Soft colours and plenty of natural light created a space that felt like a cross between home and school — a comfortable, secure environment where Carey’s youngest students could begin their education.
The Prep School was first established in 1925, with Miss Marion Metcalfe as its founding Head. She remained in the role until 1944. In 1958, when the Prep School Hall was rebuilt on its current site, it was named Metcalfe Hall in her honour.
Beginners were first enrolled in 1966 in a large portable classroom under the care of Mrs Margot Manders. The Beginners’ Area was later named after her. In 1980, the house at 24 Wrixon Street was named in honour of Dr Keith Farrer, a respected scientist and Old Carey Grammarian.
The thoughtfully designed buildings supported the curriculum well, and students, staff, and parents quickly embraced and enjoyed the new Farrer House.
Date6th April 1992Year1992TypeOrder of service
The Mayor of Kew at the time, Councillor Daryl Oldaker, led the opening ceremony, which was attended by all Prep School students, along with representatives from other parts of the School, invited guests, and parents.
The updated Prep School brought together three areas: the Edwardian house that was once the Headmaster's Residence at 26 Wrixon Street, the old Victorian-era Prep School known as Farrar House, and a newly built Beginners’ area. Architect Ken Edmonds blended the three buildings beautifully, keeping features like leadlight windows, distinctive rooflines, gable fascias, and other well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian details. Soft colours and plenty of natural light created a space that felt like a cross between home and school — a comfortable, secure environment where Carey’s youngest students could begin their education.
The Prep School was first established in 1925, with Miss Marion Metcalfe as its founding Head. She remained in the role until 1944. In 1958, when the Prep School Hall was rebuilt on its current site, it was named Metcalfe Hall in her honour.
Beginners were first enrolled in 1966 in a large portable classroom under the care of Mrs Margot Manders. The Beginners’ Area was later named after her. In 1980, the house at 24 Wrixon Street was named in honour of Dr Keith Farrer, a respected scientist and Old Carey Grammarian.
The thoughtfully designed buildings supported the curriculum well, and students, staff, and parents quickly embraced and enjoyed the new Farrer House.
Date6th April 1992Year1992TypeOrder of service
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Place and PropertyFarrer House
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Copyright owned by Carey Baptist Grammar School. Some re-use permitted (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND).This licence allows you to download this work and share it with others as long as you mention us and link back to us, but you cannot change it in any way or use it commercially.
Carey Baptist Grammar School, The official opening of the remodelled and extended facilities to Farrer House, 1992 (6th April 1992). Carey Collections, accessed 04/05/2026, https://archives.carey.com.au/nodes/view/16135



