A History of Central Coast Schools

Australia : 1788-1988

A History of Central Coast Schools

This publication has been funded by The Australian Bicentennial Authonty and Gosford City Counci l to celebrate Australia's Bicentenary in 1988.

Few areas in Australia will be able to present as a Bicentennial publication a book such as this.

The Central Coast was one of the first regions outside the Sydney Basin to be settled. It contained some of the earliest schools and because it has been a significant area of population growth it

contains some of the latest.

This book contains a brief history of each of these State schools.

You will find the photographs of great interest. They, together with the resumes, trace the development of school activities, architecture, dress and games. Those of you who like to look into

our past will be fascinated by such development. Those of you who like to look to our future will be able to give rein to your imagination — can the rate of change of the past continue? What will it

be like in our schools and our community ten, twenty, fifty, a hundred years from now? Will it be better?

My congratulations to the Committee which put this material together and to the teachers and students, past and present, who have made it possible.

R.G. Nicholls, Assistant Director

Published by The Department of Education sub committee of the Gosford Bicentennial Community Committee.

Department of Education P.O. Box 649 Gosford, 2250

1788-1988


A publication of the combined Public Schools of the Central Coast

A limited edition of 1000 copies

This book has been designed to be an historical record of the seventy schools on the Central Coast. Financial assistance given to the Bi-Centennial Education Committee, by the Gosford City Council Bi-Centennial Community

Comrhittee has made this publication possible.

The organising Committee wishes to express its appreciation to all teachers and pupils, past and present, who each in his or her own way has contributed to the development of the Central Coast schools system, and in particular to

those who took the time to research and type the copy for this book.

Designed, typeset and printed by Dunamis Press, Woy Woy (043) 41 8624


A v o c a Beach Publ ic School Page 4

Bateau Bay Publ ic School Page 6

Berkeley V a l e H i g h School Page 8

Berkeley Vale Publ ic School Page 10

Br isbania Publ i c School Page 12

Brooke Avenue Pr imary School Page 14

Budgewoi Publ ic School Page 16

Centra l M a n g r o v e Publ ic School Page 18

Chertsey Publ i c School Page 20

Chit taway Bay Publ i c School Page 22

Copacabana Publ ic School Page 24

Doora long Publ i c School Page 26

E m p i r e Bay Publ ic School Page 28

E r i n a Heights Publ ic School Page 30

E r i n a H i g h School Page 32

E r i n a West Publ ic School Page 34

Ettalong Publ ic School Page 36

Glenvale SSP Page 38

G o r o k a n H i g h School Page 40

G o r o k a n Publ ic School Page 42

Gosford H i g h School Page 44

Gosford Publ ic School Page 46

Gosford East Pr imary School Page 48

G w a n d a l a n Publ i c School Page 50

H e n r y K e n d a l l H i g h School Page 52

Holgate Publ i c School Page 54

J i U i b y Publ i c School Page 56

K a n w a l Publ i c School Page 58

K i U a r n e y V a l e Publ i c School Page 60

K i n c u m b e r Publ ic School Page 62

K u l n u r a Publ ic School Page 64

Lake M u n m o r a h Publ i c School Page 66

L isarow H i g h School Page 68

Lisarow Publ ic School Page 70

M a n n e r i n g Park Publ i c School Page 72

M o u n t Penang S S P Page 74

M o u n t W h i t e Publ ic School Page 76

Narara Publ ic School Page 78

Niagara Park Publ i c School Page 80

Northlakes H i g h School Page 82

O u r i m b a h Publ ic School Page 84

Peats Ridge Publ ic School Page 86

Point Clare P r i m a r y School Page 88

Point Wolstoncroft N F C Page 90

Pretty Beach Publ i c School Page 92

Somersby Publ i c School Page 94

Spencer Publ ic School Page 96

Tacoma Publ ic School Page 98

Terr iga l H i g h School Page 100

Terr iga l Publ ic School Page 102

The Entrance H i g h School Page 104

The Entrance Publ i c School Page 106

The Entrance N o r t h Publ ic School Page 108

Toukley Publ i c School Page 110

Tuggerah Publ ic School Page 112

Tuggerawong Publ i c School Page 114

U m i n a H i g h School Page 116

U m i n a School Page 118

Va l ley V i e w Publ ic School Page 120

Wambera l Publ ic School Page 122

Warnervale Publ ic School Page 124

W o y W o y H i g h School Page 126

W o y W o y Publ ic School Page 128

W o y W o y South Publ ic School Page 130

W y o m i n g Publ i c School Page 132

W y o n g H i g h School Page 134

W y o n g Publ i c School Page 136

W y o n g Grove Publ ic School Page 138

W y o n g Creek Publ ic School Page 140

Yarramalong Publ ic School Page 142

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Early Days at Avoca Beach Public School

B ui ld ing of the Avoca Beach Provis ional School was commenced on the 8th February, 1935, and consisted of a bu i ld ing of wood framed construct ion, l ined internally with wood. The outside was

to be of weatherboards and the roof of galvanised iron. The bu i ld ing consisted of one classroom wi th a hatroom and verandah and accommodated 24 pupils. The bu i ld ing was completed and first occupied on the 27th M a y , 1935, 4 years and 9 months after the first correspondence was entered into!

M r . A r t h u r H o g g was the first teacher to be assigned to the school. H e arrived wi th the qualifications to set up a new school having come straight from M o u n t White School which he had established i n January of 1935 and before that being Teacher- in-Charge of the one teacher school at O u r i m b a h Creek School for 9 years.

M r . Hogg took delivery of the necessary school furniture which consisted of:

3 L o n g Desks - 6 ' 8 " long x 2 6 " 3 L o n g Desks ] 6 '8 " long x 2 4 " 6 Forms for the above 1 Teacher's Table - Type ' A ' 1 Teacher's C h a i r 1 Press - Type ' D ' Enrolment day arrived with the following pupils

commencing after the June long weekend: Betty M i l l e r Dorothy Parsons Doris M i l l e r Jean Bryan

June Chapman Grace Lake Peg Chapman C o l i n Ca l lan

M a c k i n n o n M i l l e r Bery l White Heather Bryant Betty White Veronica Parsons Isobel Kirkness M a r i e Ives Nancy Bryant J o h n A l l e n The pupils that made up the rest of the 1935

enrolments were:-A l i ce , George and Arther Laidler who enrolled on

5 / 6 / 3 5 ; Er ic Pond - 1 0 / 6 / 3 5 ; Ethel Chapman 10 /9 /35 and Claudia Pond 3 0 / 9 / 3 5 .

These pupils must have appreciated this new school for instead of having to walk up to miles to K incumber School they now only had to stroll %\.oVi mile for some.

These early years saw the parents and P & C involved i n working bees maintaining and improv ing the school. As wel l as this many social activities were held. Concerts and Fancy Dress were held at "Br idgehaven" the bu i ld ing beside the Avoca Newsagency.

Break up day was celebrated with a picnic. School was deserted. H a r r y Price would drive everyone over to Toowoon Bay in his bus.

Every pupi l irrespective of his or her academic standing was given a book donated by the P & C. Some of these books are stil l housed i n family libraries.

The late 1930's and early 1940's (the war years) saw many families pass through the Avoca area with chi ldren attending school on a temporary basis. D u r i n g this time the chi ldren had A i r R a i d practice, they had to walk quickly to outside the bottom fence and hide i n the scrub facing towards their own home.

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Bateau Bay Public School

T he dramatically increasing enrolments at The E n trance and Ki l l a rney Vale Schools i n 1979, made the establishment of another school a necessity for 1980. To provide the required accommodation

immediately, a totally demountable school on a temporary site was established i n Brooke Avenue, while plans for a new school at Mar l owe Road were being prepared.

Bateau Bay Publ i c School opened on Tuesday 29th J a n u ary, 1980, with Pr inc ipa l M r . Roy Strange, 13 class teachers, a Cler ica l Assistant, Teachers' A i d e , Part T ime L ibrary Cler i ca l , Part T ime L ibrar ian and Part T ime Craft Teacher. Departmental officer M r . Trevor Harr i son , had carefully sited the pre-fabricated, steel buildings amid the surrounding bushland. The temporary school consisted of thirteen classrooms, an Adminis trat ion Block, L ibrary , Food Service U n i t and an outdoor assembly area. The Departmental Establishment Grant for the 167 Infants and 195 Pr imary p u pi ls , was $26,510. The school was officially opened by the

Min i s t e r for Education, M r . Paul Landa, on M o n d a y 13th October. This co-incided with the centenary of education in N S W celebrations throughout the coast.

The Bateau Bay district continued to grow. Eighteen months after opening, 3 additional classes and buildings were added for the 459 pupils and 17 teachers. Terr igal H i g h School was stil l occupying (in demountable accommodation), the site for the permanent Bateau Bay school. By 1984, the formerly much admired bushland setting was showing the effects of the many thousands of footsteps and the squeeze of the necessary additional accommodation. Parents were very anxious for the permanent school to become a reality.

The ultra modern brick complex at Waratah Street, was ready for Pr inc ipa l M r . A l l a n Johnson, 438 pupils , 16 classes and 23 staff to commence i n January 1985.

Add i t i ona l features included a cl inic , school counsellor's office, audio visual room, withdrawal rooms adjacent to

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classrooms, a pottery k i l n and wet-areas for craft. Provis ion has been made for 8 demountable classrooms as pupi l n u m bers increase. These facilities are indicative of the ever widening scope and growth of education i n the 80's.

Parental Support and involvement has always been a feature of Bateau Bay School. The prel iminary meeting of Parents of the future Bateau Bay pupils on the 22nd N o vember 1979 packed The Entrance H i g h School H a l l . The first P and C meeting i n 1980 had over 100 i n attendance and elected M r s . Teresa Barnes, President, M r s . Chris Pollock, Secretary and M r . Stan Steele, Treasurer. A news item i n 'The G u a r d i a n ' i n September mentioned that financial assistance had "been a record of $1,000 per month . " This was surpassed in 1981, wi th P and C members contributing over $20,000 to school needs. Parents have always been w i l l i n g helpers i n the classroom, l ibrary and sporting activities.

Students have excelled i n a variety of academic, sport and career fields. N e i l Turner represented Austral ia in Basketball i n the U S A . H e and M e g a n D o b b i n are currently at the Canberra Sport Institute. Matthew K i n g was running his own radio station at 14 and has moved into television with the A B C . L isa Heck ing was chosen for a T V part i n the State W i d e Television commercial for the Centenary C e l ebrations i n 1980. Three pupils have achieved state level representation i n sport.

Shane Forbes i n athletics, Laurie Pappalardo and Leanne N o r m a n i n tennis.

The schools is proud of its progress dur ing the last eight years. Under the guidance of the present Pr inc ipa l , M r . Bob Norr i s , the parents and staff are developing a tradition of a caring community school striving for achievement i n many areas.

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Berkeley Vale 'Community' High School

B erkeley Vale is located between W y o n g and The Entrance on Tuggerah Lake. Population growth had far exceeded the provision of community facilities and services when in 1983 the decision was

made to commence Berkeley Vale H i g h School at the N o r t h Gosford demountable site.

The first pr incipal was M r . Ted Doyle wi th M r . J o h n M c G e e as deputy. The staff" was small i n number but very enthusiastic. The science department was headed by M r . D o n Ritchie who was ably assisted by M r . Paul M c K i e and M r . A l i s ta i r M c L e o d who was the Ag. /Sc ience teacher. M r . George Kennedy was i n charge of the E n g l i s h / H i s t o r y department with M r . K e i t h McAl i s te r . M s . Rosemary Schmid was the Language /Art teacher, M r . Lindsay West M u s i c , Pam M c A l i s t e r Social Science. Jackie M c D o n a l d P . E . , Sharon Rochford H o m e Economics and Textiles, J o h n Doherty Maths , P h i l Tate Industrial Ar ts , and Annette Walsh was the L ibrar ian .

M r . Ted Doyle was determined to see that the commuting by the Berkeley Vale students to the N o r t h Gosford site would be restricted to the shortest time possible and that a new school wou ld be provided for them at Berkeley Vale . M r . Doyle was assisted i n this task by a very active and v o l atile parent community who formed the B . V . A . C . (Berkeley Vale Ac t i on Committee). Throughout 1983/84 the B . V . A . C . parent group was led by M r . Stephen Fowler and M r s . Robyn Heinke and their campaign for the new school was rewarded with the earlier scheduling of the new school to open i n 1986.

The early achievement and sense of commitment encouraged the school to make provision for parental part ic i pation when establishing the school's 'aims and objectives' and M r . George Kennedy and M r . D o n Ritchie conducted staff/parent workshops and a weekend conference in

1983/84 to develop the school's policies and procedures. In 1985 the school staff continued to expand with M r .

K e n Bunnett replacing M r . M c G e e as Deputy, M r . J o h n Smyth taking on the role as H e a d Teacher Maths and M r . Ra lph M u r r a y replacing M r . George Kennedy as Head Teacher Eng l i sh /His to ry .

In 1985 the early staff/parent links were further strengthened by P . E . P . funded staff/parent workshops and conferences to implement a re-structuring of the communi cation channels wi th in the school. This initiative led to the introduction of the House Counc i l system which effectively divided the school into four house vertically integrated wel fare networks. The four year patrons broadened their role to that of house co-ordinators and each became the democratically elected welfare leader of one quarter of the school's staff and students. Parents and students were represented on the School Counc i l which operated as the forum for school and community based democratic problem solving and decision making.

In 1986 M r . Ted Roberts became Head Teacher Social Science and in 1987 M r . K e n Bunnett was replaced by M r . Ted Wi l l i ams as Deputy. The school size by 1987 had grown to 600 students and a staff" of 50 teachers and with an ever expanding Year 7 school enrolment the school is projected to soon reach 1,000 students. The "needs" of the student population have been quickly addressed by M r . Ted Doyle and his dedicated staff who through the school W e l fare Committee carefully monitor the progress of a l l students attending their school. The school's welfare program has received particular attention and recognition from the Regional Director, M r . K e n M c K i n n o n who regards Berkeley Vale H i g h as an exemplar for the other schools in the region in the area of student welfare.

Ted Doyle, Pr inc ipa l

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1920 Group at Berkeley Vale Public School - then known as School. In use until 1979, when it was dismantled after the new Tumbi Umbi Public School. school was built.

Berkeley Vale Public School

A n application for the establishment of a provis ional school at Berkeley Va le , then known by the name of T u m b i U m b i , was made on 1 st September, 1911. It was stated that the nearest school

was over two miles away at Wambera l , while nine boys and seven girls resided i n the locality.

In December 1 9 1 1 a M r s . E. Hargraves offered a site for the school but it was not unt i l A p r i l 1913 that the work was commenced. However, i n M a y 1913 the work was suspended when it was reported that there were now insufficient chi ldren l i v ing i n the locality to establish a school. The following month M r . Inspector Reay stated that, as twelve chi ldren were available, the work should be recommenced and the school worked on a half-time basis with the proposed school at Tuggerah Entrance — now known as The Entrance.

A new school at Tuggerah Entrance opened on a half-time basis wi th T u m b i U m b i on 16th November , 1915. The first teacher was M r . Bernard Dagg, also a verandah was added to the school bu i ld ing at T u m b i U m b i in 1916.

The school site original ly comprised two acres, but i n 1924 the site was extended. D u r i n g this same year, on 8th

J u l y , the name of the school was changed from T u m b i U m b i to Berkeley Vale . Increasing enrolments necessitated the enlargement of the school bu i ld ing in 1927. M r . Al f red G a l lop, who had been Headmaster since 1920 was succeeded by M r . J o h n M c L e a n i n 1930. By 1932 the enrolment had increased to 57 and representations were commenced for the enlargement of the bu i ld ing and appointment of an as-

'sistant teacher. In September 1935 the enrolment at Berkeley Vale was

66 pupils , and for the next two decades, through the headmastership of Albert Wr ight , Leo Cheers. J o h n Asborn and W i l l i a m Hey , these numbers varied little. However by 1968 as a reflection of the general growth of the Central Coast, the school population reached almost 100 students.

In August of that year, the Department of Education approved the purchase of an area of 31 perches on Lot 85 P indarr i Avenue. In November the Department of Publ ic Works was asked to prepare plans and specifications for the

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erection of three brick veneer classrooms (kindergarten size with folding partition), office, store, toilet /ablution and septic system.

T h e awaited new buildings were not occupied until 1973 but the school was still split between two sites. This year marked the school's most rapid increase in numbers ever from 132 to 214 in one year. The staff rose from 5 to 7 teachers, with a librarian, craft/sewing specialist and clerical aide, under the principalship of M r . J . Leishman.

In the period from 1975 to 1978 while M r . D . Fotheringham served as Principal , enrolments rose from 253 to 455, causing acute accommodation difficulties. Severe space limitations, increasing demountable buildings and inadequacies of the site taxed the smooth functioning of the school. T h e need for a permanent structure finally was recognised and in 1978 work commenced on sixteen brick classrooms, an administration block, library, hall , canteen and associated A / V and multi-purpose rooms.

These buildings were officially opened by the then P r e m ier of N . S . W . The H o n . N . K . W r a n , Q . C . M . P . in October, 1979, the year M r . L . O ' M e a r a was appointed Principal .

T h e school's numbers have continued to grow steadily to the present record high of 730 pupils, necessitating the use of nine demountable classrooms in addition to the new structure.

D u r i n g 1980-82, several nearby residences were purchased and demolished to allow for playground expansion. T h e future of Berkeley Vale Public School seems assured.

Original Berkeley Vale School buildings (with extensions) in use until 1976. Now used as a Community Leisure Learning Centre.

New school buildings at Berkeley Vale. Completed in October, 1979

Group of pupils and teacher outside original Berkeley Vale School building, several hundred metres from the present site. Taken during 1920's.

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Brisbania Public School — The original portable (and school) with one of the early enrolments (all of the primary).

Brisbania Public School

P rior to the bu i ld ing of Brisbania Publ i c School, the pupils from Saratoga travelled by ferry to Woy W o y wharf and walked to school. The chi ldren from Davistown rowed across Brisbane Watqrs to

Empire Bay, then proceeded to walk to school. Because of these arrangements the community sought to

have their own school and Pat Bourke donated the present site to the Department of Education.

As the land was located near to Saratoga and Davistown border, a name to suit both areas was needed, hence Brisbania Publ i c School came into being, with its extensive, picturesque views over the Brisbane Waters.

O n 16th September, 1941, the school opened as a one room portable, with 11 boys and 11 girls, ranging in ages from 6-13 years, with M r . G.S. Walker as teacher-in-charge. (This portable is st i l l standing and is used as a Resource Room).

A s it d id not rain after the portable was erected and the water tanks completed, the pupils had to carry small bottles of water each day t i l l the first rain.

In September, 1947, A l a n Davis was contracted to supply materials to bu i ld a shelter shed 20 x 10 feet for £70.00. In October, 1948, another £28.00 was spent on additions to the shed.

The school remained a one teacher school t i l 1950, when

M r . E. M a l c o l m and M r . W , Ford were appointed to their positions. M r . W . Ford conducted classes, for the Infants, in the shelter shed t i l l the second bui ld ing was completed.

Gradual ly the school built up to five classrooms and teachers by 1969. M o r e land was acquired and because of the increased attendances Brisbania was given a 2 Stage B u i l d i n g Programme.

The 1st Stage; a double classroom, toilets, shelter area and administration block were opened in 1973.

As Departmental policy changed to bui ld ing whole schools, Brisbania never gained Stage 2 and spent years of boundary changes and added portable buildings.

1987 has seen the start of a new School Bu i ld ing concept, comprising of a L ibrary , Food Service U n i t , H a l l and ten classrooms. The expected completion date is M a r c h , 1988 and is eagerly awaited by pupils and teachers.

Teachers-in-charge/Principals 1941-48 - G.S. Walker 1950-60 - E. M a l c o l m 1961-62 - A . Burke 1963-68 - J . Carson 1969-82 - W . Gri f f in 1983-85 - R .R . Dark 1986- - R .F . Lock

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Brisbania Public School - Ladies of the first P^C with the caretaker of Davistown Progress Hall.

Brisbania Public School — marching down Mann Street to the Sports Meeting in the early fifties.

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Year 6 students dressed as convicts of the First fleet Education Infants pupils entertaining Senior Citizens! during Senior Week 1987. Citizens Week 1987.

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B.B.Q. set in the playground built by the Pi^C Association.

Brooke Avenue Primary School

B rooke Avenue Pr imary School is one of the newest on the Central Coast, having begun operations at the beginning of the 1985 school year. The school enrolment was 247 with 9 classes. The first P r i n c i

pal being M r . Al f . Roach. Population growth i n the K i l l a r ney Vale and Bateau Bay areas necessitated the establishment of yet another school, hence Brooke Avenue.

Brooke Avenue Pr imary School is housed i n the demountable accommodation which was formerly Bateau Bay Pr imary School. The new buildings for the Bateau Bay Pr imary School were completed at the end of 1984 and the staff and pupils of that school moved to their new site.

Due to the rezoning of the whole area i n 1984, the m a jor i ty of the pupils attending the new Brooke Avenue School were former pupils of K i l l a rney Va le and Bateau Bay schools. The majority of the teaching staff were also from those two schools.

The P . & . C . Association, with M r s . Lois M a s o n , the first President at the helm, was quickly organised and began working for the school. A t its first meeting on 19th February, a U n i f o r m Committee, a F u n d Rais ing Committee and a Canteen Committee were established. Each of these committees worked very hard and rapidly results were forthcoming. A uniform provided the identity of the new Brooke Avenue School and was proudly worn by pupils and supported by the parents. A Canteen providing the nutrit ional needs of the pupils was soon i n operation on a daily basis. F u n d raising activities i n the form of a S l i d e - A - T h o n at Forrester's Park Slide, D o l l and Craft Show and a School Fete, helped i n establishing the school i n the community as wel l as producing essential funds.

The school educational program, likewise had a good start. The services of a Resource Teacher were available i m mediately, as also that of a School Counsellor. E . D . S . A . C . C . stadium provided the venue of an excellent P . E . program. In 1985 the school along with K i l l a r n e y Vale school took steps to set up a Safety-House Program. It was officially opened by Sen. Cons. Hargreaves on 27th November, 1985. The main function at the end of the first year was the Christmas Concert and Presentation Night which proved to be a very popular and enjoyable evening.

I A t the beginning of 1986 M r . J . Deasey was appointed Pr inc ipa l following the retirement of M r . Roach. A n Infants Department was also established i n 1986. A second A . P . was appointed, M s V . Densmore, additional to M r . I. Wi t t , A . P . Pr imary .

D u r i n g 1986 and 1987, the school has continued to develop educational programs and improve its teaching resources. A Computer Education program is i n place and A p p l e Computers are part of the school resources. M u s i c has also been developed and much enjoyment has been achieved i n this area, especially wi th the recorders. Various staff development days have been held at the school, and these have been of great benefit to a l l participants.

Brooke Avenue is a growing school, A t the end of T e r m 3, 1987 the enrolment was 302. Due to the establishment of Pacific D e l M a r Hous ing Estate, enrolments are expected to increase considerably, reaching the 400's i n 1988. P lanning is wel l underway for the bui ld ing of a permanent school, on the present site, and the Min i s t e r is expected to announce the cal l ing of tenders, once planning is completed.

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Budgewoi Public School

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Central Mangrove Public School

S et in the lovely Mangrove M o u n t a i n area, Central Mangrove Publ i c School nestles on a hillside among the market gardens, orchards and poultry farms which serve the markets of Sydney two hours

south. A l l of its pupils come to school by bus, some from as far as 25 k m away.

The school is the youngest of the " M o u n t a i n s " area's schools and, in this Bicentennial Year , it has its 30th b i r t h day. O n 20th September, 1958 it was opened by the H o n . R .J . Hef fron, M . L . A . , then Deputy Premier and Min is ter for Education.

H o w times have changed! The original school with its basic amenities was erected for £5360.

The extensive grounds include three hectares of u n spoiled sandstone outcrop. Nature trails have been developed in this area and are continually being improved. The chi ldren show a healthy interest i n the bush and its creatures!

A small creek winds along the northern boundary. The natural setting is a unique feature of the school.

Year by year the active parent bodies and staff have developed two playing fields, gardens on the rock outcrops near the buildings and gardens around the classrooms.

The annual Mountains Schools Sports, a delightful pre l ude to the P.S.S.A. Athletics season, has been held at Central Mangrove since 1971. This day with its picnic at-

I,-

mosphere, races, dances, novelty events and tug-o-war is a joy for children and adults.

Unwelcome visitors over the years have included several bushfires, a cyclone which flattened fifty fully grown trees, the neighbour's bil ly-goat, which kept a class marooned in a demountable bu i ld ing , and various reptiles.

A feature of the school for the last ten years has been the children's involvement in the School Parliament, with annual elections for a Prime Min i s t e r and Ministers responsible for school activities such as sports and recreation, keeping the grounds tidy, health and cleanliness etc. The traditional elections and ensuing responsibilities are looked forward to eagerly.

Central Mangrove School's uniqueness revolves around three features:

1. Its rural setting. 2. The variety of backgrounds of its pupils and the way they

operate together. One- th i rd of the chi ldren come from Greek, Italian, Maltese, Dutch or German families.

3. The size and beauty of the school grounds. It is very satisfying to watch these features operating in

the school and developing a l ively, cooperative group of chi ldren.

H A P P Y 3 0 T H , C E N T R A L M A N G R O V E ! H A P P Y 2 0 0 T H , A U S T R A L I A . . .

Parliament meets.

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Administration Block and classrooms on the first day, third term, 1969 following the move from temporary quarters at East Gosford.

Section of the lower playground, later to be filled and developed as playing fields. The frequent appearance of snakes did little to deter the more adventurous children having exciting lunchtime games. Note citrus trees overgrown with brambles and barnyard grass.

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Chertsey Public School

C hertsey School at Springfield opened T h i r d T e r m i n 1969 with B i l l Ryan as the first teaching P r i n c i pal . The school site was originally an orchard, Chertsey, named after an Engl i sh town.

The main block was occupied i n 1972. The grounds at this time were very rudimentary and chi ldren and staff spent a lot of time improv ing them. Craft groups were used to establish rockeries, i.e. digging, cementing and planting. M u c h of this work was done under the supervision of M r . Vaughan O ' D o n n e l l and M r . J i m Baker. M r . J i m Hastings donated seventy Swamp Mahogany seedlings raised at E r i n a H i g h School for planting with in the school environs.

The playing fields at this time were sti l l an overgrown citrus orchard bisected by a slow flowing creek surrounded by paper barks and sheoaks and barnyard grass about two metres tal l . It was generally agreed by the staff that pleasant physical surroundings were necessary for the chi ldren, so

staff spent lunch hours mowing and burning the grass gradually making a suitable playground for the chi ldren. Snakes i n the grass and being caught i n the blades of the ride-on mower proved a serious problem. O n one occasion the fire brigade arrived much to the embarrassment of M r . Ryan and M r . Bob M o r r i s .

$60,000 worth of fill was put on to the lower playing area as parts of the playground were only one metre above sea level. Three housing blocks were resumed from developers and used for an extension on to the playground to give a second exit and entry into the school.

Stage two of the school was recommenced i n 1971 and Block G opened to use on 1.2.72.

M r . B i l l R y a n retired i n 1978 and was replaced by M r . Dale Fotheringham. A n Infants Department was established i n 1985, with Miss Yvonne Holmes being appointed as the first Infants Mistress (Assistant Principal) .

Grassy slopes of the playground set among trees resounding to the crystal clear ringing of bell-birds.

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Chittaway Bay Public School A Brief History

C hittaway Bay Publ i c School was established in 1982 in fully demountable accommodation, but on its present site. It was to cater for the western end of Berkeley Vale and thus has only a small

feeder area extending from Kingsford Smith Dr ive to O u r i m b a h Creek.

The enrolment on opening day was only 167 and a P r i n cipal and six classroom teachers had been appointed with a 2% days/week Cler i ca l Assistant and 2 days/week L i brarian. As enrolments grew the Cler ica l Assistant became full time and a full time Teachers A ide was appointed. Since then we have grown by approximately one class per year unt i l we now have twelve classes. O f the or ig inal seven the Pr inc ipa l , M r . Derek Adams, the Assistant Pr inc ipa l , M r . Trevor Weekley and M r . N e i l Fraser, are currently on the staff.

In 1986 our numbers had grown such that M i s s Pam Slough was appointed as Assistant Pr inc ipal (Infants) to head our Infants Department. Currently the Staff consists of, our Pr inc ipa l , two teaching A P's, ten classroom teachers, a face/face release teacher, a 2 day/week part time teacher, a 3 day/week Resource Teacher, a 3 day/week L i brarian, a F / T Cler ical Assistant and a F / T Teachers A ide . W e also have a General Assistant for 1 day/week , 2 F / T and one P / T cleaner.

O n June 22nd, 1987 we moved into our new permanent accommodation on the same site. W e were provided with a 'Core plus ten' complex. The core consists of an A d m i n i s tration Block, a L ibrary , a H a l l , a Canteen and toilets. There are 10 permanent classrooms and two demountables, which were re-located from the old site. As the school grows, and it should by one class again next year, demountable classrooms w i l l be added.

• •

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Copacabana Public School

F or many years school chi ldren from Copacabana attended either Avoca or K incumber Publ i c School. Avoca School became overcrowded and the site d id not allow for great expansion. M o s t Copacabana

chi ldren were then attending K i n c u m b e r Publ ic School. As the population of both Copacabana and K i n c u m b e r was continually increasing, it was obvious that the Department of Education would eventually need to open a Publ ic School at Copacabana.

In the early years of the Eighties, the K i n c u m b e r School was becoming very crowded and the K i n c u m b e r P. & C. A s sociation was i n contact with the Education Department for the commencement of a School as Copacabana. This resulted i n the p lanning of the Copacabana School for the start of the 1983 school year.

In 1982, at a very wel l attended meeting at the Copacabana Surf C l u b , M r . Fa irba i rn , Inspector of Schools at W o y W o y and M r . K e n Ison, Pr inc ipa l of K i n c u m b e r School outl ined to a l l the arrangements for the new school. A fully demountable Departmental School would be operating i n

1983 at Copacabana on public recreational land administered by Gosford Counc i l . This school would be used for approximately five years unt i l a permanent school was constructed on the Departmental land adjacent to the school.

Copacabana School opened i n 1983 with 170 chi ldren and the following staff:

Bruce Barnier — Pr inc ipa l R o d Watson — Asst. Pr inc ipa l Year 5/6 Dav id Paton — Year 4 /5 Ian Jones — Year 3 A d a Col l ier - Year 2 Glenda Bunning — Year 1 Sue M u l h o U a n d — Kindergarten K r i s Carmody — Resource Teacher

Joy Henderson — L ibrar ian A very active P. & C. Association was formed w i t h :

Peter Bates — President K a y Ahearn — Secretary K e i t h Stafford Smith — Treasurer

Page 24

This body worked extremely hard — holding functions to raise money for needed school equipment. W i t h financial support from Kincumber School and full co-operation from the Copacabana Fire Brigade and Surf C l u b , the whole population of Copacabana was fully supporting the newly formed Copacabana School. The School Fetes, Musicals , Band , Open Days, Family Fun Days, Social Activit ies , Speech Nights and educational programmes have a l l been main features of the school dur ing the years of operation.

Plans for the new school were prepared but were not suitable for the site.

Further plans were drawn and these were far more suitable as the flat land on the site was now being uti l ized for playing fields.

After a few minor alterations, work commenced on the permanent school i n A p r i l , 1986. The support of the P. & C.

Association and Education Officials from Metropol i tan N o r t h ; M r . K e n M c K i n n o n , Director, M r . Bob NichoUs, Assistant Director and M r . Rex Gardner, Inspector of Schools was tremendous i n having such a fine school plan drawn.

The new school was occupied on Monday , 17th August and Copacabana is very proud to have one of the finest schools i n the State. The school consists of two 4 Classroom blocks plus practical activity areas, a L ibrary with A . V . room. Administrat ion block. H a l l and Canteen. The school is excellently equipped to cater for modern teaching methods and the population is most appreciative of the efforts of a l l concerned for the construction of such a fine school. Numbers have steadily increased and i n 1988 the expected enrolment w i l l be 260.

Page 25

Page 26

Children riding to Dooralong School 1937. Henry Hitchcock, leading the hone taking Pattie, Marie and Frank Sewell.

Dooralong Public School

D ooralong Publ ic School opened on 19th August, 1903 wi th 15 pupils. Today after many rises and falls the chi ldren number 25.

In 1908 Samuel A r m o u r M c K i m m was appointed Teacher-In-Charge and remained there unt i l he retired in December 1950. H i s 43 years as Teacher-in-Charge is a record for the length of service i n the same one teacher school i n the W y o n g Shire, and probably is a record i n N e w South Wales. H e was very active i n district affairs — being the patron of the Local Cricket and Football teams and a member of the W y o n g Agr icu l tura l Society. The grandstand at the W y o n g Race Course (named after him), the S.A. M c K i m m Handicap on the W y o n g Horse Racing Calendar and the M c K i m m House at W y o n g H i g h School are a l l worthy reminders of the wel l respected man.

M c K i m m was a man of discipline — (he recorded the use of the cane 464 times dur ing his time at Dooralong) but never-the-less is remembered with great affection by his ex-pupils. The warmth of the man shows in the ex-pupils who visit the school and tell the many interesting tales about their adventures dur ing the time of M c K i m m . M a n y a Friday afternoon was spent in the rose garden!

The school inspector's comment on 24th August, 1921 was - " T h e enrolment is higher than at any previous inspection. The room is too small for present needs and an assistant teacher is urgently needed." The enrolment was 67 p u pi ls !

In June 1943 the inspector said, " T h e impression gained on entering this school that one has broken i n on the activities of a very busy family. The visitor is greeted i n a happy friendly fashion, made to feel quite at home, and then the chi ldren immediately return to their occupations." In

M a r c h 1955 the report says, — "Loya l ty to Queen and country as well as the ideals of neatness, appreciation of spiritual and aesthetic values and notions of fair play are regularly inculcated." These last two comments sum up the philosophy and atmosphere which sti l l prevail at the school today thanks to the dedication of the present Teacher- in-Charge, M r . Paul M a i s h .

The school has a tradition of high academic and sporting results. In recent years excellent results have been obtained i n the "Univers i ty of N . S . W . Maths Compet i t i on" , and the school has won two gold and one bronze medal i n the Smal l School's swimming relay at the State Pr imary Schools Swimming Carn iva l i n Sydney in the past three years. Last year 1987 the chi ldren broke the state record.

Ex-students of the school include former W y o n g Shire President Wi l f red Barrett, James Hoskins Pr inc ipa l of the James Ruse H i g h School and champion jockey Peter Losh.

D u r i n g the last few years the chi ldren have been fortunate to have had many parents who have helped in school activities. They have received assistance in reading, craft, music, spell ing, mathematics, sport and kindergarten activities. Whole school excursions and the above activities have enabled the parents and chi ldren to better understand each other and develop a real Dooralong School Spirit .

Peer Support development is a new undertaking in the H i g h Schools, but this has always been the case in the smaller type schools like Dooralong, where the older c h i l dren protect and care for their younger school mates.

P h i l l i p Bailey E x - P u p i l 1951-57

P & C President from 1981

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Cockle Creek Public School (Empire Bay) mith teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Langford on the left in white dress. The children included Palmers, Settrees, Rileys and Beatties.

Empire Bay Public School

E mpire Bay's name has changed over the years from Cockle Creek to Davis Town to Empire Bay and so the first official school was called Cockle Creek Publ ic School and it opened on Monday ,

2nd M a y , 1881 and by the end of the month had a healthy enrolment of 42. The teacher appointed to this weatherboard bui ld ing wi th its shingle roof was a M r . Jeffreys. In 1883 M r . Jeffreys was transferred to Howe's Val ley School and M r . J o h n Robinson took charge.

D u r i n g the nineteenth century it seemed the school was attacked by white ants and the chi ldren were affected by epidemics. In 1888 £9.11.0 was spent on repairing timbers wi th in the school and painting the structure. The school was closed on many occasions with outbreaks of diptheria i n 1888, scarlet fever i n 1895 and whooping cough in 1896.

In 1902 it was proposed that the name of the school be changed to Davis Town because it was the name of the local post office but in 1910 the name was again changed to E m pire Bay because the Empire Bay Post office was only %

mile from the school and on the western side of the Cockle Creek (the same side as the school). The school at that time was surrounded by bush on three sides and the creek that crossed part of the grounds was said to harbour snakes.

There was a dramatic increase i n enrolments i n the 1970's. In August 1977 enrolment was 105 and i n August 1980 it reached 221. The increase i n enrolment also meant a change in staffing. In 1972 the school had one teacher in charge and in 1973 an assistant was appointed. In 1977 the staff numbered 4 and i n 1987 this had become 9 permanent class teachers with a non-teaching principal .

The history of Empire Bay Publ ic School would not be complete unless mention was made of M r . A r t h u r (Leo) Jones who was the school's longest serving teacher. M r . Jones was Teacher-in-Charge from J u l y 1940 unt i l his retirement in 1971. In recognition of his 30 years service in the school there stil l exists a plaque unveiled by the District Inspector in 1970.

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Empire Bay Public School - 1910's

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Erina Heights Public School

T he first school at E r i n a was located on four acres of land presented by M i s s Donnison, being or ig inally part of Wi l l oughby Bean's 2,000 acres. It was in a gully known as "Moscato T o w n " . It was a

C h u r c h of Eng land school built i n 1868 of wooden slabs with a shingle roof and an earth floor. The school had one long desk which was used i n turn by the scholars when wri t ing . This was known as M r s . Capper's School. For some unknown reason it had closed, leaving over thirty chi ldren without a school.

In 1873 M r . Charles Newman applied to the Counc i l of Education for aid to establish a provisional school. In those days a provisional school was one i n which the local community provided the bu i ld ing and furnished it and the C o u n c i l of Education provided a teacher, paid his salary and supplied educational equipment and books.

The Counc i l agreed to the application and M r s . Jane Coulter became the school's first teacher i n A p r i l 1873. This school, held in the Ang l i can premises was bui lt of slab and stood about a quarter of a mile along Serpentine Road and i n the valley below. H e r salary was £60 per annum plus whatever was paid in fees. In 1873 fees only amounted to £3.15 so she would not get r ich on these. Th i r ty seven c h i l dren enrolled i n that first year but only about twenty five were regular i n their attendance. Lunches had to be hung from the rafters because of the prevalence of goats.

Some of the families who sent chi ldren at this time were of W i l l i a m H e n r y J . M i l e s , W i l l i a m A d r i c k , R. Wright , A . W i l s o n , James Swadl ing, W i l l i a m Robinson, R. Hitchcock, S. A n s o n , T. Duncan, W i l l i a m Crane, J . Blake and Christopher C l u m p .

In 1874 the Inspector of Schools visited the provisional school at E r i n a and reported on it as follows: 1. The bu i ld ing is tolerably suitable and in passable repair,

but inadequately furnished. The stock of apparatus and books is tolerable.

2. The moral tone is fair. 3. The occupation is suitable and fairly arranged and the

instruction tolerably intelligent and painstaking. 4. The average proficiency is nearly tolerable.

For 1874 and for a provisional school this was a reasonable report. Certainly many other schools received reports which were much worse than this.

For the rest of the 1870's the school continued to be held in the Ang l i can premises and the Counc i l of Education paid a rental to the Brisbane Water Church of England.

W i t h the passing of the Publ i c Instruction Act 1880, education was provided for a l l chi ldren irrespective of means or creed. It was free, compulsory and secular.

The only sign of change for E r i n a in the 1880's was the general deterioration i n the conditions of the school b u i l d ing and residence, so towards the end of the 1880's there was a movement made towards erecting new buildings.

However action was delayed by the financial difficulties of the early '90's.

Mrs. Coulter - First Erina Teacher

The first school board, formed in 1891 consisted of Messrs. W m . J . A u b i n , J o h n Dening, Robert Dening, W m . Smalley and J . Aust in . They held their meetings i n the Aust in house.

Considerable discussion took place over the choice of a suitable site for the new school and much criticism was levelled at the board over the selection of the present site of five acres on October 13th, 1891, at the junct ion of The E n trance and Serpentine Roads.

A new stone school was built on this site i n 1892 at a cost of £200 by the Wright Bros, of Er ina . The original gaol type bu i ld ing has undergone remodell ing several times. A large verandah was added and the windows lowered and enlarged in 1914 and a new room was added in 1919.

It was designed to accommodate forty pupils , though i n early 1893 enrolments had risen to just over forty pupils.

The next major event i n the school's life was the gaining of a second teacher. Pr ior to this, enrolment had been near to the sixty mark for several years and this was more than one teacher could handle. So i n J u l y , 1914, M i s s Kathleen Loane was appointed to assist M r . Walter Weiss, the headmaster.

However the population of the area was beginning to grow at an accelerated rate and by 1918, the 1914 bui ld ing was too small for the enrolment. Thus i n 1919, additions costing £450 were added to accommodate the 120 chi ldren enrolled.

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By the 1930's the enrolment had risen to nearly 150. A t this stage the old wooden desks and forms were stil l i n use and it was decided in 1935 to replace them with more modern dual desks.

A few years later the school went even more modern by the addit ion of electric light.

Since 1950 when the school's name was changed to the present E r i n a Heights, enrolment which dur ing the forties had dropped to around 100, began to rise again. By 1960 it was 130 and by 1965 nearly 220. As a result the school was raised in status from a Class 3 to a Class 2 school.

By 1970 the school was moving quickly towards the 300 enrolment mark. A t the conclusion of 1972 the number had c l imbed to 350 with eleven teachers.

A t the beginning of the 1973 year, the number of pupils enrolled was sufficient to divide the school into two departments — primary and infants and M r s . Miche lsen , a former pup i l at E r i n a Heights was appointed as the first infant's mistress.

In 1963 M r . Don Fitzpatrick was appointed headmaster with a staff of 4 one of whom was Gerry Davies, who was later to return in 1976 as the next headmaster on the retirement of M r . Fitzpatrick.

In M a y 1973 the centenary of the school was celebrated with many former pupils and staff returning for the day.

The development of new subdivisions in the Wamberal area meant that in a comparatively short time the population of the area and consequently school enrolments i n

creased quite rapidly. A new brick administration block with two classrooms, a new kindergarten bui ld ing was completed, septic toilets replaced, the old pan system and town water was laid on in 1974.

In 1986 M r . D o n Fitzpatrick retired and was replaced by Gerry Davies who had previously been at the school as an assistant teacher. By now the school was literally bursting at the seams, there were 6 demountable classrooms, while there were 8 buses transporting children to and from the school each day.

It was obvious at this point a new school had to be built at Wamberal to accommodate the chi ldren from Wamberal , Forresters Beach and T u m b i areas. By the beginning of 1981 that school was completed and approximately % of the school enrolment transferred to it. E r i n a Heights returned then from being a school with a staff of about 26 to a staff of 8. That year also saw the retirement of M a r y Michelssen and in 1981 Yvonne O 'Donne l l was appointed Infants M i s tress, again a teacher with past connections with the school. A l l her chi ldren were past pupils.

The general falling enrolment i n N . S . W . also affected E r i n a Heights and unfortunately M r s . O ' D o n n e l l was not able to stay as headmistress after only two years.

So after nearly ten years E r i n a Heights once more became a single department school. O n l y during the last year has the enrolment steadied and perhaps slightly increased.

Gerry Davies retired at the end of 1986 and M r s . J i l l Yates became our pr incipal in 1987.

A few of the children assembled at Erina's first public school in 1885for this photograph. The school was situated on a 4-acre Government reserve in the centre of the Gosford Model Farm Estate. The floor was of earth, the walls of slabs and the children sat on rude slab benches split from trees grown nearby and smoothed off with an adze.

Page 31

Page 32

Erina High School

E rina High School was to be built and ready for educational purposes by the beginning of the first term, 1964, but was not ready until second term, 1964.

The school comprised: a classroom block, two Science laboratories and Homescience unit. Another block was to house Industrial Arts and Art rooms. A general services unit containing a shelter area, toilet blocks, and a food preparation centre and three more stages were to be completed by 1969.

The new school was to cater for all high school students from Erina, Matcham-Holgate, The Entrance, Avoca Beach, Kincumber and all localities east of Erina.

In the first year the school attendance was 210 students and 11 teachers. This record has now risen to over 1,300 students and 88 teachers. The first Headmaster of Erina High, Mr . C.O.G. Thomas, retired at the end of 1964, and a new arrival, Mr . A.J. Connor, was to take his place. Mr . V.W. Lynch was the first Deputy Headmaster.

Erina High was very successful in sport. Sports were very limited at first, but the range has widened. Swimming, Athletics, Softball, Soccer and Basketball were the main sporting events.

Fund raising events were often organised, such as fetes and school dances. Speech nights were also held, and these nights were for the allocation of awards and certificates to students.

The current Headmaster is Mr . Howard Bellamy, who has been at the school since 1981. Mr . Bellamy has dealt with tremendous growth in the school size over the last six years. Both students and staff now await the development of the new school at Kincumber, which should once again take some pressure off Erina, just as Terrigal did earlier.

Meri Treers Steven Gambrill Craig Wickham

Year 9

BiivHnii i i i •iiiilillBr^

i^Miiiii

The earlier uncrowded playground. The afternoon crush

Page 33

The original School Building (1893) still in use today.

Erina West participating in a march through Gos/ord in 1953.

Page 34

Erina West Public School

E r ina West Publ ic School was original ly named Woodport Publ ic School. In the early years E r i n a was known as Woodport. It derived its name from the small ships that crept along E r i n a Creek and

after loading timber to capacity, returned on the outgoing tide. E r i n a d id not have a direct land l ink wi th Gosford unt i l 1884 when the first punt bridge was built over E r i n a Creek.

The original school in the area was described as, "composed of slabs and bark, the rafters and bark rotting - the roof allows sun and rain to stream i n onto the c h i l d r e n . "

James Legge, a local resident, pressed the government for a new school to serve the chi ldren of Woodport. Woodport Publ ic School was opened i n 1893 on land purchased from M r s . J . Legge for £80. The original enrolment was sixty one pupils. M r . George Spalding was appointed teacher in charge in January temporarily and was replaced by W i l l i a m Metcal f i n M a y 1893.

School life in those early days were very formal as were the visits from the inspector. These visits were trying for both teacher and pupils. Inspector Walker visited the school in June 1910 and was crit ical , among things, of the lack of a vegetable garden and the failure of the chi ldren to use the school l ibrary.

In 1919 the teacher M r . George Walpole took the c h i l dren of Woodport on their first excursion. The school population at that time was fifty two. They travelled by train to Sydney Zoo. In addition to his teaching duties M r . Walpole organised a committee to raise funds for bu i ld ing a W a r M e m o r i a l at the junct ion of Terr igal Dr ive and The E n trance Road. This memorial now stands i n the Salvation A r m y grounds.

Woodport Publ ic School had its name changed to E r i n a West i n 1927 to avoid confusion with other schools i n N e w South Wales. In 1976 moves were made to close the school as the school population had fallen drastically.

There have been eighteen principals i n E r i n a West's ninety five years. In later years growth in the Green Point and E r i n a areas has seen E r i n a West grow dramatically. The school population is now 344. In 1982 new brick l ibrary and administration buildings were completed. The original school room is currently being used as a kindergarten room.

Today chi ldren at E r i n a West are able to enjoy their spacious grounds and the beautiful trees which are the legacy of past generations.

Head Teachers at Erina West Public School 1893 - George Spalding 1893 - W i l l i a m Medcal f 1895 - Al f red Fox 1909 - W i l l i a m K i n g 1916 - A r t h u r Davies 1919 - George Walpole 1921 - Ernest Jones 1927 — Ar thur Davies 1935 - V i c tor M i d d l e t o n 1940 - W i l l i a m McPherson 1943 — Denis McEnearney 1948 - W i l l i a m Trewhi^lla 1960 - J o h n Harr i son 1966 - Herbert Paine ' 1973 - Dennis Scully 1979 - Rosemary M c N a b 1981 - Douglas Govey 1986 - Margaret Cash

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Ettalong Public School

D ur ing the afternoon of Saturday, 30th June , 1928 the official ceremony of opening a new school bu i ld ing at Ettalong was carried out. The first pupils had been enrolled on Wednesday 6th

June . The Gosford Times reported that, " T h e weather was fine and the school looked pretty i n its bush setting, a little to the south of Ettalong H a l l . The bu i ld ing was decorated wi th flags, and seats were placed on the verandahs. There was a considerable attendance of parents and friends, and the proceedings were enlivened by the presence of the Gosford Band , which attended under the conductorship of M r . R . L . Wel l s , Bandmaster, and played a number of items. Pr ior to the ceremony, the youngsters were interested i n a number of races, for which the prizes were d istr ibuted . "

T h e n , as now, time elapsed between the recognition of a need by the community and the satisfaction of that need by the relevant authority. A petition, signed by 71 Ettalong residents was presented to Walter Bennett M . L . A . i n M a r c h 1924. The petitioners sheweth: * That Ettalong chi ldren travel by M o t o r Boat and M o t o r

Bus at the State's expense to W o y W o y and i n wet weather the chi ldren run the risk of exposure.

* That the present W o y W o y school w i l l need to be enlarged at considerable expense to an amount which , together with the saving on conveyance of chi ldren, should go far towards the erection of a N e w school.

* That i n addit ion to some 160 permanent families there are always a large number of Tourists and temporary residents who would avail themselves of the proposed school.

* That the Bui ld ings i n the District are increasing very rapidly , being erected at the rate of nearly one per day.

* That a site can be obtained i n every way suitable and convenient for the erection of a School. By January 1925 the citizens of Ettalong were complet

ing the departmental Appl i cat ion for a public school at Ettalong. Parents and guardians were supplying family details which had to "be written by himself ." Twenty four families wi th chi ldren ranging i n ages from 2 to 14 years completed the form wi th one family having 8 potential p u pils.

In M a r c h 1925 the Min i s t e r for Education visited Etta long "for the purpose of inqu i r ing into the requirements and i n reply to a deputation he intimated that he was i m pressed wi th the need for some extra prov is ion . " The residents met i n J u l y 1925 and decided to ask the Department to secure the present school site as original ly selected by

M r . Inspector H e n r y and to ask the Min is ter to receive a deputation on the matter.

By December 1925 the C r o w n Solicitor was preparing a contract to purchase a school site the perimeter "containing an area of 2 acres 0 roods 13 persches by the above measurements a little more or less" for £950. The asking price had been £1200 but this had been considered too high and the matter was allowed to remain in abeyance as "the necessity for a school at this place is not pressing at the moment . "

The site grew by "about 23 perches" i n August 1926 when a public lane running through the original site was formally closed and the lane area dedicated to the school.

Louisa Jenner , grandmother to 18 grandchildren, was moved to write on 19th M a r c h , 1927 about delays i n establishing the school. "People are afraid to send young ch i l dren from here to W o y W o y i n the Bus which runs. I send you a paper where you w i l l see how one boy fell and was u n conscious for a day and night. There are several chi ldren about who would go to school if there was one here. The early years are most important, as you very wel l know, but if the young idea is left to idle away, the way the twig is bent the tree w i l l grow."

Documentation related to the letting of contracts for the erection of the original bui ld ing has not been sighted. H o w ever, by 3rd A p r i l , 1928 a local carter, C . V . Shakespeare, wrote to the Minis ter observing that the school " i s pretty wel l finished" and off'ering to supply any clay or soil for filling and to cart School Furniture. H i s offer was declined but on the very day he wrote the Furniture Workshops of the Department of Education despatched the school furniture to Ryan & Moore , the Contractors. The furniture was despatched per steamer to Booker Bay on SS Er ina .

The Ettalong residents continued to lobby for improvements at Ettalong School. Successes included: 1. In A p r i l 1933 a Vigi lance Committee was formed with

encouragement from the Department "for the protection of school premises."

2. In M a y 1933 the P & C was granted £ 4 6 / 1 0 / 0 for material to erect a shelter shed. Cost of erection to be met by the P & C.

3. In October 1933, M r . K n i g h t M . L . A . i n a question asking that classes be reduced to approximately forty pupils cited Ettalong where "123 pupils are being taught by two teachers."

4. In December 1933 temporary accommodation was secured from the local Presbyterian Church at a rental of

Page 36

10/ -per week, inc luding sanitary services and cleaning. £323 for additions to the school was accepted, their ten-A d d i t i o n a l teacher appointed. der being the lowest of five tenders received.

5. In February 1934 a school bel l was supplied and erected The original school bu i ld ing plus the addit ion men-by the P & C after many requests to have a bel l supplied tioned above was retained dur ing the rebui lding pro-by the Department. gramme undertaken between 1974 and 1976 but how the

6. In February 1935 unprotected windows on the north side parents of Ettalong convinced the Department to rebui ld is of the school were to be shaded at a departmental cost of another story. However, the anecdotes mentioned above £ 1 7 / 1 5 / - . have the flavour of truth because we fight similar battles

7. In J u l y 1935 the tender of Messrs. C . L . M e a k i n & Son for today.

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Glenvale Public School (S.S.P.)

G lenvale evolution commenced with the small group of parents forming a branch of the Subnormal Chi ldren 's Welfare Association i n 1962. A church hal l was hired at K i n c u m b e r to com

mence a small school group. This moved a year later to East Gosford and then to the Fairhaven site at Point Clare i n 1964. In 1966 at the request of the S . C . W . A . the N S W E d u cation Department commenced its first Opportunity ' F ' class. The S . C . W . A . school and the Education Department's school co-habited at Fairhaven School unt i l 1977 when at the S .C .W.A. ' s request the Education Department assumed responsibility for a l l 7 classes at Fairhaven. Due to continued growth the school was relocated at Narara and renamed Glenvale i n the last school week of 1984, with 11 classes. Current ly there are 107 pupils and 13 classes.

" G l e n v a l e " is a School for Specific Purposes situated at Narara . It caters for chi ldren with moderate, severe and profound intellectual handicap. C h i l d r e n are enrolled i n the

Living Skills/Work Skills

school either by transfer from other similar schools or by referral to the senior Guidance Officer by School Counsellors. C h i l d r e n may be enrolled at age 4 and continue i n the school unt i l they are 18, with a yearly review of progress after they turn 16. The school is staffed by the Education Department with Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy and Oc cupational Therapy Staff provided by the Heal th Commis sion.

Because of the diversity of age and handicaps, programmes are very indiv idual and include provision of emotional security, encouragement, and understanding; realization and acceptance of their own capabilities and limitations and the development of a positive and realistic self image; social acceptance both of others and by others; acquisition of skills and acceptance of responsibilities in a wide variety of areas and situations; experience of success, confidence, dignity and sense of personal worth; and increase in independence, self reliance and resourcefulness.

Workshop skills.

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Cross Motor Programme.

Classroom activities.

Gorokan High School

G orokan H i g h opened i n 1976 i n demountable buildings i n Dudley Street, Gorokan, the site of the present Pr imary School. The first intake was 250 Year Seven students and there were 21 staff

members — the Pr inc ipa l M i s s G . Foley. Deputy Pr inc ipa l M r . G . Owen , 14 teachers and 5 ancillary staff were appointed to the school that year.

In 1977 the school body moved to the first buildings on its permanent site i n Goobarabah Avenue Gorokan and a further 250 students and 15 staff j o ined the original group.

Stage 2 of the buildings were completed dur ing the year and i n 1978 the school moved into the completed permanent buildings with 800 students and 70 staff.

By the time the first School Certificate group finished Year 10 the school had grown to over 1300 students and 85

staff and because of this rapid growth a new high school was developed at San Remo. This was to become Northlakes H i g h School. The first group of Gorokan H i g h School students sat for the Higher School Certificate i n 1981. Since this time the school population has stabilised at just over 1000 students and there were 78 staff in 1987.

There have been changes over the years and the school body has changed with the times. The first Pr inc ipa l M i s s G . Foley stayed at the school for 7 years. O n her retirement M r . D . Bailey took over for 4 years and the current P r i n c i pal M r . K . Bunnett j o ined the staff i n 1987.

W i t h the addition of several demountable buildings the school has continued to grow and develop on the Goobarabah Avenue site. M a n y new courses have developed to suit the community and the school has a proud history in sport and music as wel l as a strong acacemic tradition.

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(-

Present School Principal Mr. Neville Foubister with the P.^.C. President and Secretary.

The school librarian working with the children.

J987's Captains and Prefects assembled in the school foyer.

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A parent helper working in one of the classrooms. Kindergarten children using one of the school computers.

Gorokan Primary School

G orokan Pr imary School opened i n 1980 as a 21 classroom school, wi th 543 pupils and a staff of 23 permanent teachers.

Gorokan was one of the first schools i n the State to be designed to an architectural brief for pr imary schools to suit new adaptable and flexible teaching methods and community use of the school after school hours.

The classrooms were designed i n units of three or four, clustered around the L ibrary , Communa l Areas, Aud io V i s ual areas and the administration.

Each of the units acts as an integrated teaching area i n corporating unit p lanning areas for teachers, practical activity areas, withdrawal areas, toilets and store rooms.

A system of s l id ing doors between the classroom prov ided a variety of flexible teaching spaces to suit different teaching methods.

Three fully air-conditioned audio visual rooms have also been provided.

The school is imaginatively designed around a large i n ternal walkway which incorporates a series of practical activity spaces. These areas have ki lns , cooking tops, ovens and facilities for paint ing and other craft activities.

M r . Ted Toml inson was appointed Pr inc ipa l of the new school wi th M r . Warren D e l l as Deputy Pr inc ipa l . M r s . Elaine Ca l lan was appointed Infants Mistress assisted by M r s . Lynette Scholte as Deputy Mistress. M r . Toml inson (1984) and M r s . Ca l lan (1981) have since retired and were replaced by the present Pr inc ipa l M r . Nevi l le Foubister i n 1985 and Deputy Pr inc ipa l Infants M r . Peter Newman i n 1983. M r . Russ Sheumack replaced M r . N e w m a n i n 1987.

The chi ldren began school life at Gorokan in K a n w a l Pr imary School uniform unt i l their uniform was finalised. By the end of the year a l l children were attired i n the royal blue and gold.

Gorokan Publ ic School named its four school houses after local pioneering families — Brooks, Buck, Gascoigne and Thwaite.

A school song was written to the tune of " W a l t z i n g M a t i l d a " and these names figured prominently i n the song.

By J u l y the first Book Week Parade for the community was held and by the end of the year Gorokan School had successfully participated i n a Fete, Open Day, Sports C a r n iva l and a celebration to commemorate the Centenary of Education i n N . S . W . The chi ldren and staff came appropri ately costumed.

The school was officially opened on Friday 24th J u l y , 1981 by H i s Excellency, A i r M a r s h a l l S ir James Rowland, K . B . E . , D . F . C . , A . F . C . , Governor of New South Wales.

The school's first musical production " T h e Deeper Y o u D i g " was held on December 1, 2 1982, and was a great success. A l ink which has continued over the years was established wi th Fairhaven Special School, when an extra performance was given especially for them.

This successful production was followed by " T h e W i z a r d of O z " (1982) " T h e Thousand and Second N i g h t " (1983) " M a n u t e a " (1984), " W h i c h W i t c h is W i t c h " (1985).

In recent years the school has moved to K - 6 involvement and an Austral iana Day was held i n 1986 and this year (1987) the Theme of Mag i c and Make Believe was developed.

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Left to right - Mr. Chaplin, Mr. White (P.H. U.) Stage 2 of building - 1966

First three headmasters — from left to right Mr. Bamborough, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Rattray

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Physically Handicapped Unit - 1977 Building of East Gosford School -July 1960

Gosford East Primary School

G osford East Pr imary School opened on October 17th 1960. There were five teachers and 183 students from Kindergarten to Grade Five. M r . T . H . Bamborough was the Headmaster and had

been transferred here from Walgett Central School. A t that time, only the present Infants block and wash-sheds had been built . The first chi ld enrolled was eight year old M i c h a e l Johnson who l ived in the East Gosford area. L ike the majority of the new students, he was a transfer from Gosford Pr imary School.

The community worked very hard to establish the new School. The playing field was cleared of rubbish and long grass by parent volunteers. Ch i ldren planted many shrubs as wel l as the grass for the front lawn. The school badge was designed by Kathy A l l e n i n 1961 and two House system was inaugurated — Y o r k House and Webb House.

Enrolments increased rapidly, and a separate Infants Department was established and Miss Dora M a k i s o n was appointed the Infants Mistress. Classes had spilled over into three local halls. The new Headmaster, M r . Al fred Rattray, arrived from Sawtell Publ ic School in 1966. In the same year the main bu i ld ing was opened as Stage Two of the development was completed. The standing timber at the bottom of the school grounds needed clearing. A g a i n , parents volunteered to help. W i t h their help and a money grant from the Education Department, the land was cleared and terraced, and a water course was diverted to give East Gosford some of the best playing fields in the District . The present four-house system had been formed in 1967.

School enrolments kept pace with the rapid growth of the East Gosford/Springf ie ld area, and by 1968 there was another accommodation problem. Classes were again moved out into local halls. The parents started lobbying the G o v

ernment over the planned new Chertsey School. A t the beginning of the 1969 school year, Chertsey opened with 102 chi ldren transferred from East Gosford.

M r . Rattray retired in December 1971 and East Gos-ford's third headmaster was M r . Al fred S. Taylor . As student numbers fell , he envisaged the possibility of using spare classroom facilities for children with special needs. In 1973 two Special Education classes were formed under the guidance of M r . Er i c Outram and M r s . Joan Cra ig . These were the first classes of their k ind in the Gosford area..

Gosford East began to develop something of a reputation as a progressive school for chi ldren with special needs. A class for Deaf and partially sighted began i n 1975 — another " f i r s t " at a regular state school. In June 1977, a Physically Handicapped U n i t was opened here as a jo int venture by the Department of Education and the Health Commission. M r . Bruce White was appointed teacher-in-charge. There were init ia l ly 17 enrolments from pre-school to high school.

In September 1981, the older students moved to H e n r y K e n d a l l H i g h School. These classes were designed to br ing students wi th special needs into the mainstream of ordinary school life, and the co-operative team effort of the entire school has been responsible for achieving that goal.

Another addition to the School was the George Kent M e m o r i a l L ibrary which was opened in 1981. M r . Kent had been Deputy Headmaster at the time of his death in 1968.

M r . Taylor retired in 1985 and his replacement was M r . Bob C h a p l i n from C o r r i m a l Prirhary School, who carries on the traditions and high standards. East Gosford continues to encourage community involvement i n the school with its "open door" policy, which is i n keeping with the concepts of modern day education.

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Friends together -an important part of high school life, (a March Past 1953. group of seniors — 1980)

The first High School in the district — opened in 1929 with an enrolment of282 pupils. In 1988, we expect an enrolment of 1120 pupils. How different from those early years when Gosford was a small country town!

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Gosford High School E A R L Y D A Y S

Before 1929, high school pupils i n the Gosford district either boarded in Sydney or attended Gosford Publ i c School which was a "distr ict school" unt i l 1922 and then an "Intermediate School" . W h e n the new high school was opened i n 1929 it served a district stretching from Brooklyn to Awaba , and from Wiseman's Ferry to the coast, with p u pils arr iv ing at school by trains and country buses or s imply walking if they l ived i n the town.

B U I L D I N G S The bu i ld ing was extended several times as the school

grew. In 1937 the two wings were added; in the late 1960s a "u - shaped" three storey bu i ld ing was added to the north of the old bu i ld ing ; i n 1976 the Assembly H a l l was opened and in 1981 the new l ibrary block completed the school.

H I G H L I G H T S What are the events that come to m i n d when former stu

dents are interviewed? Everyone remembers the divis ion of the playground into boys' and girls ' areas with a high fence running down the middle. W e sti l l have the sign " B o y s " and " G i r l s " over the doors at each end of the main bu i ld ing - kept there as a reminder of earlier attitudes to co-ed schools.

In the Depression the school increased i n numbers with many chi ldren from the city coming to live wi th relatives. Ex-students from the war years remember how each class was responsible for pasting strips of cloth i n a criss-cross pattern over the windows to prevent glass flying i n a bomb attack. Each class was also given the job of digging a section of the " z i g - z a g " a i r - ra id trenches where the H a l l now stands. O n l y once were those trenches ever used. For almost a full day each class sat i n its own section of trench wait ing for the threatened a ir - ra id to eventuate. However, it proved a false alarm and the trenches were soon neglected, filling with water unt i l finally the soil was returned and the trenches forgotten.

B ig changes came i n the 1950s with the growing population of the Central Coast area requir ing two new high schools. Gosford H i g h is now only one of fourteen high schools in the area.

Some of the big events of this period are remembered with nostalgia. Everyone looked forward to the "annual march through the t o w n " in which al l the local high schools took part, and to the O l d Students' Ba l l which had been held every year since 1934 in that great barn of a bu i ld ing ; the Dwyer Pavi l ion .

In 1979 Gosford H i g h celebrated its fifty years anniversary and ex-pupils from a l l over the State returned for a special weekend of reunion activities. M a n y people have very fond memories of their years at Gosford H i g h School.

Gosford High from the front - 1929.

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History of Gosford Public School

G osford Publ i c School was first established i n 1865 i n a bu i ld ing that was also used for church purposes.

A one acre site at the top of Georgiana Ter race was dedicated i n 1873 and a new sandstone structure was opened on the site i n 1877. This is now the stone b u i l d ing i n the grounds of the T . A . F . E . College. M i s s Honar ia M c G r a t h was the teacher for these first 12 years.

The school continued to grow and when M r . Charles Peck was appointed Pr inc ipa l i n 1887, he had two assistants, a M i s s Cook and a M i s s Capper, and 173 pupils .

Br ick extensions were added to the school i n 1892. M r . Peck retired i n 1910. As numbers increased and wooden portables were added some classes were placed i n the basement of the School of Arts (now the Resources Centre w i t h i n the present school grounds.)

Another long serving Pr inc ipa l was M r . George Walpole appointed i n 1933 who retired twenty years later.

D u r i n g the late 1930's it was suggested that the mangrove swamplands on the waterfront should be acquired and

filled for the proposed new school. As some of the land belonged to the Police Department an exchange was made in 1938 with the Education Department.

The new buildings were opened in 1954 but six classes sti l l remained i n the wooden portables.

W i t h the coming of the new rai l l ink to the city in the early sixties the numbers increased rapidly and classes were housed in a number of halls and demountable buildings.

N e w schools at W y o m i n g , Niagara Park and Val ley V iew were built to ease the problem.

Today most of the chi ldren come from N o r t h Gosford, K a r i o n g , West Gosford and parts of Point Clare with an enrolment nearing 600.

One hundred years on, six wooden portable classrooms are sti l l used, as wel l as demountable rooms, as the school population begins to grow.

Gosford Publ ic School is proud of its fine record and its contribution to educating thousands of chi ldren during the past 123 years. The traditions live on with today's children and stafi^ continuing the honoured record established by the many who have gone before.

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'Temporary Premises'- 1961-1966

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Gwandalan Public School

T he first school at Gwandalan was opened on Tuesday, September 12th, 1961, i n temporary premises. The instigation of this temporary school was brought about by the problems facing the parents

of a number of chi ldren who had been unable to attend Lake M u n m o r a h School for some 5 months due to the regular school bus service being discontinued.

The first teacher i n charge was M r . J i m Waters and 17 chi ldren enrolled on that first day. The premises were i n deed " temporary" — a 30 foot by 12 foot unl ined fibro' bu i ld ing rented by the Department on a small piece of land.

The " temporary" premises remained unt i l 28th October, 1966, when after much agitation from parents, the community and the media, a new school on the present site was opened by the then Assistant Min is ter for Education, M r . W a l Fife.

As the school has grown since then, demountable b u i l d

ings have been added, t i l l now i n 1987, there are eight permanent classes wi th an enrolment of 200 chi ldren.

In 1984, the school was reclassified from a 3rd to a 2nd Class school.

Plans are now under way for a new school and this could possibly be opened some time i n 1989.

Because of the relative isolation of Gwandalan, the school has been the focal point for many extra curricular activities to broaden the education of its pupils. Sport, music, art, craft, cultural activities play a leading part i n the school's programmes along wi th welfare functions such as swimming , lifesaving, bicycle education.

The interest of the local community and parent groups has enabled a plentiful supply of resources to be assembled. This , coupled wi th enthusiastic staff', over the years has provided a sound, a l l round education for Gwandalan children.

..at Wyong District Sports Day - 1962

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History of Henry Kendall High School

H enry K e n d a l l H i g h School takes its name from the poet who l ived wi th in the present drawing area of the school i n West Gosford from 1872-4. A l though H e n r y Kendal l ' s residence was short

in duration, his years in the Gosford region were amongst the happiest and most productive of his life and, as a result, he has become widely identified with the area. It is only fitt ing, therefore, that a new high school, established in 1970 close to his residence, should honour the poet by being named after h i m .

Pr ior to becoming a high school, however, the site was used from 1958 on as an annexe to Gosford H i g h School which , at the time was experiencing serious accommodation problems because of the rapid expansion taking place on the Central Coast. In these early days, the annexe was semi-autonomous, and only jo ined with the mother school on special occasions. It was staffed separately, and in 1958 it came under the control of a senior teacher, M r . R o n Cole. In 1959 the position was assumed by a deputy pr inc ipal , M r . V i c Cooke.

F r o m its inception as a school i n its own right, the newly appointed pr inc ipal , M r . Leo Hickey , together with the staff and students, set about creating a distinctive identity. H i s a im met wi th some difficulty, however, as the first intake of 160 First F o r m students had to share the school with 470 students in the Second and T h i r d Forms, who were stil l annexed to Gosford. Nevertheless, w i th in a few years, H e n r y K e n d a l l H i g h School had established such a commendable

reputation, particularly i n academic and sporting achievement, that the term "annexe" soon dropped from local reference, and the school's independence gained recognition. This reputation has been further consolidated by the pr inc i pals to follow M r . Hickey — M r . Lyle Cameron (1972), M r . H a r o l d Fraser (1977), and M r . Terry Devine (1982).

Students are drawn from a very wide area, inc luding East Gosford, West Gosford, Point Clare and Tascott, and the mountain areas of Somersby, M o u n t White , Peats Ridge, Central Mangrove , K u l n u r a and Spencer on the Hawkesbury River . The school has maintained an enrol ment of over 1,000 students for many years now, with a significant number having diverse ethnic backgrounds, particularly Greek and Italian from the farming communities.

The school is a mixture of architecture. The four wooden buildings from the annexe days remain, and when the school was established in 1970 a brick teaching block was built . In 1976, a brick A d m i n i s t r a t i o n / L i b r a r y block and a Mult ipurpose H a l l were added, and these extensions were opened by H . R . H . Princess Alexandra on 27th September, 1978.

Late i n 1981, a Physically Handicapped U n i t was established at the school. The work of this unit is to integrate students into the normal programme. This was the first scheme of its type to function i n a state high school and its success i n br inging disabled chi ldren into the mainstream of everyday school life has warranted its becoming a full department in 1988.

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Holgate Public School

H olgate Publ i c School is a small school, nestled in the beautiful valley of Holgate.

Today the school has 125 pupils , 5 classrooms and a L ibrary/Adminis t ra t ion block

grouped i n a friendly fashion around a central square lawn, wi th beautiful tall trees seeming to tower protectively over them.

It was due to a group of residents who worked hard and long that the school became an actuality. These residents formed themselves into a Progress Association i n 1924 and began submitt ing applications to obtain a school for the chi ldren of the valley.

Eventual ly 3 acres was resumed for the school and in 1927 the Progress Association formed work ing bees every Saturday to clear the land unt i l it was completed. In October the tender was let for the b u i l d i n g of the school.

A s the school neared completion, a committee was formed to organise events on O p e n i n g Day. A bush shelter was built for the Afternoon Tea and was later used for the chi ldren to have their lunches i n .

The or iginal school was officially opened on 21st January, 1928 and consisted of one classroom with a corridor room alongside a front verandah.

A t the opening, children's races were held, after which they were supplied w i t h ice cream, lollies and nuts, songs were sung and opening speeches by C l r . A . C . L . Taylor , Shire President and other various officials were made and a flag raising ceremony was held.

The first teacher was M i s s Jeff'reys who taught the 29 p u pils for the first year and was succeeded by M r . A . Clarke in 1929.

The Progress Association also acted as the P . & . C . Association and worked very hard to raise funds for equipment for

the school. The association built fences, planted trees, helped to make flower and vegetable gardens and eventually buil t a tennis court for the school. A Sun D i a l was donated to the school, a concrete map of Austral ia built , and the weather shed was totally constructed by members of the association.

Enrolments i n the next few years grew unt i l i n 1935, wi th an enrolment of 59, another classroom was built and an assistant teacher was assigned to Holgate.

Over the ensuing years enrolments have varied up and down, sometimes losing a teacher, but, especially in later years, gaining extra teachers and rooms. There are now 5 permanent teachers at the school wi th an addit ional 3 part-time teachers, a l l of w h o m inc luding the secretary, are caring and dedicated people who do their best for their p u pils.

In 1947 the Progress Association became the P . & . C . A s sociation, which kept up the previous traditions of working hard to raise money and equipment for the school and cooperating closely wi th the teachers and chi ldren for the betterment of the school and the enjoyment of a l l involved. Even today, wi th the growing number of new residents and pupils from new sub-divisions, there is st i l l that close i n volvement and caring necessary to the running of a happy school.

In 1967, the Department of Education resumed another piece of land for the school playgrounds, br inging the size to a total of just over 4 acres.

In 1981, school uniforms were introduced. The basic colour scheme of maroon and gold check dresses for the girls and grey shorts and maroon T-shirts for the boys was i n troduced and al l the chi ldren now proudly wear these colours both at school and wherever they represent the school.

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Jilliby Public School

T he early residents of Jilliby were not only timber cutters and farmers, but, at some stage of their lives, were probably students at the Jilliby School.

The original school opened as a provisional school in May 1889 with William Baldwin as its first teacher. It was called the Jilliby Jilliby School.

The school has a colourful history. It was located at its present site onji l l iby Road in 1891 and was made a provisional school. Its name was changed to Jill iby Public School in 1910.

Whether this upset somebody terribly we will never know, but shortly afterwards the school was destroyed by fire - together with all the old records. The present building dates only from 1912.

The two photographs represent the earliest surviving and latest photographs of the school and its pupils.

The two photographs represent the earliest surviving and latest photographs of the school and its pupils.

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Circa 1949. Many ex-pupils will recognize the old palm trees that are still there today.

The first school building at Kanwal called Wamervale after Mr. Warner who donated the land. As it was only a few yards from the Kanwal Post Office the name was changed in 1926.

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Kanwal Public School

I n 1910 the district known as K a n w a l (which means heavy forest) began to be opened up for settlement. In June of that year a petition for a provisional school was sent to the Education Department and it was ex

pected that the in i t ia l enrolment would be 18. The settlers were farmers on small holdings of from 25 to 100 acres. The application was granted and M r . A . H . Warner , of Sydney, owner of the Wamerva le Estate offered a site of two acres free to the Department.

The bu i ld ing was constructed at a cost of £107 and was completed i n February 1911. The first teacher was W i l l i a m M a r s h a l l , or " O l d M a r s h a l l " , as the pupils called h im because he must have been fully 35. M r . M a r s h a l l l ived i n W y o n g and drove to school i n a sulky. The road was no more than a bush track. In 1918 he reported he was unable to reach the school because "the road has been ploughed up, and owing to the heavy rain it is quite unsafe." M r . M a r s h a l l had to walk to school.

M r . M a r s h a l l tended to vary the school timetable w i t h out authority, closing the school for occasions such as E m pire Day and making up time lost by keeping school i n longer on other days. This earned h im the displeasure of the Education Department.

" M r . Marshal l ' s ideas of observance of regulations and instructions seem to be somewhat elastic, and it is time that he had learned to carry out the spirit of an instruct i o n . "

M r . Marshal l ' s successors were M r s . E m i l y Pratt (1919-20), M r . Percival Ruane (1921-22), and M r . Frederick Breakwell (1923-26), M r . Al fred Clark (1927-28), M r . Sidney Trautwein (1929-32), M r . George Hicks (1933-47), M r . K e i t h Saladine (1948-1960), M r . K e i t h M a n u e l (1961-63), M r . James Hughes (1964-68), M r . B i l l Hopkins (1969-1974), M r . Ra lph Bryant (1975-1987).

F r o m this humble beginning K a n w a l grew to be the largest Pr imary School on the Central Coast in 1979 with an enrolment of 1,050. A t this stage a new primary school was built at Gorokan and 500 of the K a n w a l chi ldren were transferred there.

Current ly K a n w a l has 740 children attending i n 26 classes. This is a far cry from the days when the pr incipal requested 10 shillings and 8 pence for hessian to divide the infants class from the pr imary when two teachers were appointed.

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Killarney Vale Public School 1970

Although the school began in 1969, it was officially opened in March, 1970. The first Principal was Mr. L. Weiss. Classes only went to Year 3.

1972 Enrolments extended to Year 6, and a building pro

gramme began. However, Tumbi Hall was used as a classroom.

1974-75 J . Bone, Principal. This period saw the growth of the

school extend to 420. The Administration and Primary classrooms were completed.

1976

R. Scobie, Principal.

1977

J . Rutherford, Principal. The school was growing rapidly. In 1977 it reached 605 pupils.

1978 Enrolments passed the 800 mark and Bateau Bay School

was opened to relieve the pressure.

1979 Library/Hall and Canteen building programme was

completed — but still demountables were used as late as 1984 to house pupils until Brooke Avenue School was opened.

1980-87 The school began a series of unique programmes: "School Without Walls" "Australia's Heritage" "Health and You" which have benefitted, all children who have passed

through the school, thanks to the leadership of Jim Rutherford who will retire this year. A new era of history is about to unfold in Killarney Vale's history.

iHHiB I

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Killamey Vale Public School 1970

New canteen, seating and grassed areas 1986 Returned Soldiers Memorial erected in school grounds in 1919.

Kincumber Public School

K incumber was proclaimed a village i n 1885. It was once the scene of four ship bu i ld ing yards and its inhabitants were mainly boatbuilders, t imber getters, farmers and fishermen.

It is thought that an immigrant chaplain from Northern Ireland, W i l l i a m Davis with the assistance of his daughter, was associated with the first school i n the early 1840's. In 1848 M r . H e n r y Lane became the schoolmaster of the C h u r c h of England Denominational School. H e held this position unt i l it closed on 1st M a r c h 1870, fail ing to meet the required 30 pupils.

A Provis ional School, pupi l requirement of 20, was opened on 1st M a y , 1870 with the same teacher, M r . H e n r y Lane. It was closed i n 1871 and a Publ ic School was reopened across the road i n 1874.

A combined school and teacher's residence was erected from sawn slabs dur ing 1874 on a site adjacent to the Ang l i can parsonage and the first Publ ic School teacher was M r . D . Eden from Blackwall Provis ional School. H e was succeeded by M r . J o h n Kent in 1875 who had taught at the

Terr igai Provisional School. M r . Kent was replaced by M r s . Chr is t ina W a l d r o n followed by M r . Dav id Cowan i n 1879. A M r . Taylor commenced duty i n June 1885 and remained there unt i l M r . Chr is t ian Kohlhoff 's appointment i n June , 1886. In this year a new classroom, kitchen and weatherboard shed, of a l l of sawn timber were built . M r . Kohlhof f taught for 12 years and had the distinction of owning the first four-wheeled buggy i n Kincumber .

M r . J o h n Pryce came to K incumber i n 1899 i n a horse and sulky from the M o n a r o District to replace M r . Kohlhof f . H e was to remain for 38 years, teaching three generations of some families.

The buildings were o ld and damage caused by white ants resulted in replacement of the school and residence in 1908. W h e n M r . Pryce first arrived there were only 13 pupils , but i n 1915 the school became a two teacher school when M i s s CoUess was appointed as an assistant. By 1922, enrolments had reached 75 and the bui ld ing was extended. Ch i ldren walked from as far as Empire Bay, Green Point , Davistown,

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M c M a s t e r s Beach and Avoca Beach. D u r i n g the Great W a r (1914-1918), the girls knitted socks using needles cut from number 8 fencing wire. A tree was planted i n the school grounds for every soldier at the war and a Returned soldier's M e m o r i a l was opened i n the school grounds by G e n eral M c A r t h u r Ons low i n 1919.

In 1937 the Pryce era ended, the school boasted 90 p u pils. M r . Buttsworth became headmaster 1938-1948. D u r i n g his stay M r . Buttsworth always observed Empire Day with sports afternoons and the year always concluded wi th a Christmas Tree.

M r . A l a n W i l k s was headmaster from 1948-1966 and as soon as he arrived he involved K i n c u m b e r School i n Gos-ford District education celebrations, where there was a float procession and games afternoon at Graham Park. H i s era saw many changes. M r . W i l k s initiated the annual school fete, the Bookmobile started coming to the school and he i n troduced the school uniform. M r s . G l o r i a Smiles came to

the school as an assistant teacher in 1955 and stayed unt i l her retirement i n 1984. M r . Wi lks was due to retire at the close of 1966 but died suddenly in M a y of that year and M r . J o h n James from Pretty Beach School was appointed headmaster.

T o mark the school's centenary, 50 shrubs were planted i n the school grounds and a third teacher, M r . Er ic Betts was appointed.

M r s . Margaret Cash was pr inc ipal from 1975-1977 followed by M r . D o n Anderson 1978-1979. D u r i n g this period K i n c u m b e r became the centre of booming urban development and by 1979 there were 11 teachers.

Principals , M r . Peter Newman 1980-1981 and M r . K e n Ison 1982-85 saw vast changes i n school enrolments and facilities. Today with M r . Bob Gorman as pr inc ipal and 28 teachers, the school has an enrolment of 619 pupils , new administration block, ha l l , l ibrary, staffroom and class-

Old school building 1908. New hall 1986

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Kulnura Public School

K ulnura Pr imary School w i l l celebrate its sixtieth birthday dur ing the Bicentennial year. It is quite a young school compared to schools not far away i n the Yarramalong Val ley . This reflects

the relatively slow development of the M o u n t a i n Area i n comparison to regions closer to the coast.

" K u l n u r a " is an aboriginal word which means "v iew of the sea" and its development as a citrus growing area can be traced back to the early part of this century. A s wel l , passionfruit and tomatoes were also grown.

The first school bu i ld ing only recently demolished, was bui lt by a M r . B. Smith of Berkeley Vale at a cost of $700. The new classrooms, completed i n 1986 were bui lt at a cost of some $225,000 wi th construction by Lusted of Wyong .

The school has a very large feeder area — probably the largest of any pr imary school i n the Metropo l i tan N o r t h Region wi th chi ldren l i v ing up to 30 kilometres apart attending the same school.

The in i t ia l enrolment totalled 27. Some sixty years later it has 90 pupils , most of whom travel by bus.

The bu i ld ing of Mangrove Creek D a m meant the loss of some available land and may i n part account for the school's relatively slow growth. Most chi ldren from K u l n u r a attend H e n r y K e n d a l l H i g h School.

One l ink stil l remaining with the earliest buildings on the school site is the weather shed facing Wi l l i ams Road, which was built i n 1933.

The school has always enjoyed an excellent relationship w i th what was and can sti l l be a relatively isolated community. In very early years the K u l n u r a Agr icu l tura l Bureau and since 1947, the Parents and Citizens Association have provided the school with excellent resources.

It is worth noting that electricity wasn't connected to the school unt i l 1955 and very rugged bush country is but a short walk away. M a n y families have had long associations wi th the school wi th th i rd generations of Shorrocks, Gibsons and Col l ins currently enrolled to name but three.

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The current staff of four teachers, M r s . Gregory, M r . N o l a n , M r s . A l f o rd and M r . Cairncross is the largest the school has had. M r s . A l f o rd has given the school over twenty years of service.

M r . Leon Lentfer spent some eleven years as Pr inc ipa l at the school from 1973 to 1983 wi th M r . Doug Govey, presently Our imbah 's Pr inc ipa l in the role from 1969 to 1973. Both these gentlemen contributed greatly to the beautiful garden setting pupils now enjoy. The current pr inc ipal , Robert Cairncross has returned to the school after teaching there from 1970 to 1972.

The future is a little uncertain for K u l n u r a and w i l l largely depend on land use legislation. The horse racing and stud industries look set to play an increasing part. U r ban development stil l looks a very long way off.

K U L N U R A P R I M A R Y 1978-1988 The decade following the school's fiftieth birthday has

been one of stability followed by a period of marked change. Fol lowing Leon Lentfer's transfer in 1983, 1984, 1985

and 1986 saw three different principals — M r . A l w y n Braye in 1984, M r . Chr is Bayliss i n 1985 and M r . Robert Cairncross in 1986. As wel l , the original school buildings were demolished and replaced by a magnificent 2 room learning unit i n 1986. It is worth noting thai M r . Cairncross has returned to the school after teaching there from 1970-72. M r s . Elizabeth Alford 's and M r . Michae l Nolan 's presence dur ing most of the decade has greatly helped the school continue to provide an excellent service to what is geographically, a widely spread community. The school's parents continue to provide welcome support and encouragement i n a l l the school attempts.

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Lake Munmorah Public School E A R L Y S C H O O L H I S T O R Y

T« he families who settled first i n the area were widely scattered. A t Elizabeth Bay were the Hutchinsons, Hams , Hancocks and the C a m p bells. A t the end of what is now T a l l Timbers

Road were the Freemans and Bridges. In C h a i n Val ley were the D 'Arcys and O ' N e i l l s . Halfway between the main road and C h a i n Val ley were the Carters. W h e n it was decided to bu i ld a school, it was placed geographically central to these areas. That is the present site, and later it gave rise to much agitation as the population and traffic increased (Bailey Bridge etc.)

Hitherto the chi ldren of school age had attended C a t h erine H i l l Bay School. The breadwinners of a l l the families i n Lake M u n m o r a h were miners.

School attendance was a fairly desultory affair before the Lake M u n m o r a h School was built . The chi ldren walked to school and i n some cases it means five or six kilometres each way. In 1923 shoes were not worn , feet hardened and there was always a " k i c k e d " toe or two.

The playground was bare and stony with a few stunted trees. The slight, poor topsoil and lack of water made gardening impossible. However , one of the early teachers planted three myal l wattle trees on the western side of the bu i ld ing and they flourished, growing into grand old mon-archs providing shade and a shower of spring gold. The present myal l wattles i n the playground are the descendants of these or iginal three.

The scrub surrounding the school ground was resplendent wi th coastal wildflowers i n early spring and the c h i l dren had opportunity to observe birds, l izards, insects and even the odd echidna at close range. The school ground was a haunt of red-bell ied black snakes.

A view of the school today.

S C H O O L D E V E L O P M E N T The original school built i n 1922 sufficed for accommo

dation for forty years. Few of the pupils i n the twenties went to high school, most were school leavers at fourteen. Boys from the area went to stay at home, work on the farms or occasionally enter domestic service around Wyong .

Population growth was slow due to the lack of industry in the immediate area, and the generally isolated nature of it.

B A R R E D W I N D O W S The original school bu i ld ing was a wooden structure

with a corrugated i ron roof, 18' x 18' with a porch on the western side. It faced the main road which was then a narrow road following the o ld gravel road to Swansea. Some years later another small porch was added to the eastern side to house the water tank. This was because motorists with dry radiators made free use of the only visible water for miles; the outside school tank. Irons and bars were also added to the windows to restrain thieves and vandals.

B A C K L E S S W O O D E N F O R M S The furniture i n the bui ld ing consisted of long desks

seating up to six chi ldren (depending on their size) on backless wooden forms. A l l ages sat on these benches, and legs dangled or arms stretched accordingly. The desk tops were punctated wi th holes for inkwells.

The Teacher's table and chair, a couple of presses for exercise books, chalk, nibs, pencils and various other items of equipment completed the classroom furnishings. There were two blackboards on easels on either side of the room. Smal l chi ldren wrote on slates. This meagre equipment remained i n the old bu i ld ing unt i l 1950.

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E X T E N S I O N S T O T H E S C H O O L B U I L D I N G S The first additions to the original bu i ld ing built i n 1922

were begun in 1961 and completed and occupied i n 1962. A n assistant to the teacher-in-charge was appointed i n 1960. She had the lower divis ion of the school i n the o ld schoolroom and M r . O ' C o n n o r had to manage with the upper divis ion i n the porch. It wasn't unt i l 1962 that the first addit ional classroom was available. It consisted of a classroom teacher's room and a small storeroom. In 1966, as the school population had grown, a further extension was added i n the form of a large kindergarten room.

In 1970 it was decided that the further addit ion of a n other classroom was necessary with an office for the P r i n c i pal as an adjunct.

Since then eight demountables have been acquired and form part of the school complex.

S C H O O L ' S H I S T O R I C B E L L This is a l ink wi th the past. The S.S. " M u n m o r a h " ; a col

lier of 1,273 tons was built at Le i th i n Scotland i n 1934 for

the Wal larah C o a l Company. She traded between Newcastle, Sydney and Bel lambi .

It has not been used as a school be l l , but is of historical interest.

S C H O O L H O U S E S Freeman House: Freeman House is named for Al f red

Freeman. H e and his bullock team actually hauled the t i m ber from which the school was built .

O'Connor House: O 'Connor House is named for Dav id O 'Connor who was i n charge of the Lake M u n m o r a h School from 1941 to 1961.

S P O R T These days Lake M u n m o r a h School has lots to offer the

chi ldren in the sporting area. Fixed equipment like a tennis court, cricket nets, cricket pitch, goal posts, vol leyball court and gymnastic bars are a l l used on a dai ly basis. Besides that, bats and balls, hoops and ropes, mats and bags are in constant use.

Original school house with first addition.

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Mainly Year 10 1987 Lisarow High January 1980 — Temporary school, comer Jarrett & Dwyer Streets, North Gosford.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

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Lisarow High School

L isarow H i g h School had its first intake of 120 students i n January , 1980. The first pr inc ipal was M r .

J . O l i ver and the first deputy M r . B. Pearsall. There were ten teachers and five ancil lary staff. O f

the original staff, five remain, they are M r s . J . Jackson, M r s . M . H i ckson , M r s . M . Smith , M r . D . Hopkins and M r . J . Langlois .

As the school has grown we have had changes in the executive staff. M r . O l iver was succeeded by M r . A . Harvey and then by our present pr inc ipal M r . J . Paine. M r . Ferguson followed M r . Pearsall and now we have M r . D . Fraser as Deputy Pr inc ipa l .

The school badge was designed by Duncan Fisher then, i n 7A, i n 1980. The school motto is 'Strive ' .

The school was first housed i n temporary buildings on the Department of Education site at the corner of Dwyer and Jarrett Streets, N o r t h Gosford. Or ig ina l ly the proposed site for the permanent buildings was in W y o m i n g . W i t h negotiations for this site being unsuccessful, the present site at Lisarow was selected.

The init ia l plan was for Stage 1, which would house 800 students, to be built . A future Stage 2, to house an addit ional 200 students, was planned. A t present. Stage 1 is complete and houses 918 students, 64 teaching staff and 13 an

cil lary staff. The school's students come from Lisarow, O u r i m b a h , some areas of Narara and Niagara Park and the northern end of W y o m i n g .

The school moved to its permanent site i n December 1982; those who helped with the move sti l l remember the heat. It wasn't unt i l 1983 that lessons in the new buildings really got underway.

The first time students from Lisarow H i g h sat for the Higher School Certificate was in 1985.

F r o m the outset the school's staff have always been interested i n encouraging the growth of caring, competent and well -rounded people. As wel l as attention being paid to the academic life of the students they have been encouraged to participate in other areas. W e have had and have students who are performing well at the state or interstate level either indiv idual ly or as a team. Students are also active i n debating, public speaking, performing i n musical and dramatic events and community work. A n example of the latter can be seen when i n 1980, students made wooden toys for the Salvation A r m y / S m i t h F a m i l y / C e n t r a l Coast Express Christmas Appeal . This tradition has continued to the present where Year 12 are raising money for a local charity and Year 11 Home Science are involved i n teaching basic cooking techniques to students of Glenvale SSP.

First school assembly — Lisarow High January 1980

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Lisarow Public School

L isarow School opened on the 28th M a y , 1928. However , this was the successful conclusion of a battle for a school which began i n November, 1907. The Progress Association applied for a pro

vis ional school i n that year which they proposed should be sited where Higg ins and N e i l d now stands. A further app l i cation was denied i n 1911, but a subsidy, i n aid of private teaching i n accordance with regulations, was recommended. However , we have no evidence that this was ever paid. In 1916, the Progress Association was again unsuccessful, a l though the proposed site was now M c D o n a l d Road. By 1921, Lisarow residents were p lanning to bu i ld a Publ ic H a l l , which they hoped to hire to the Education Department for a Publ i c School.

M i s s Hutchinson ran a private school i n the H a l l from January. 1924 to December, 1925. C h i l d r e n provided their own books and pencils. The fees were one guinea per year. Later M r s . Vo lver ran her school i n Taylors Road unt i l the Publ i c School opened.

The Department of Education was always adamant that there was no need for a school at Lisarow because Narara and O u r i m b a h schools were both with in 2 miles measured from Lisarow station. There was 'excellent transport' and 'a very good road' to both schools. The Department became interested when the numbers became greater and the site proposed was in M c D o n a l d Road thus shortening the walk of chi ldren who could walk down that road to the station.

By 1923, the parents were signing "prayer fu l " petitions, which were also rejected. However, i n 1925, a decision was approved to obtain land for the bui ld ing of a school. There was a spirited and heated debate about the siting of the school. The possible sites were the present one, owned by the W i l s o n family, the cricket pitch site i n M c D o n a l d Road, owned by M r . Humphreys and the present site of Clifton's Sawmil l .

A deal for the land was negotiated with M r . W i l s o n and a relative, M r s . K r u m i n for the sum of £375. Unfortunately, the sale was very slow i n being completed and poor M r .

Lisarow Public School 1951

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W i l s o n had a long wait and a great deal of inconvenience before he got his money. M r . W i l s o n had to move two houses from what is now school grounds and i n front of one of them were two spiky Acacia bushes. Those spiky Acacias have stood the test of time and after 50 years of determined chopping and poisoning they are stil l f lourishing madly i n the Eastern corner of our school grounds today and we are sti l l wondering what to do with them.

M r . M c D o n a l d cleared the ground of fruit trees for £5 , after a complaint from the Agriculture Department.

By December, 1926, the need for a school was recognised as extremely urgent and a contract for bu i ld ing our school was awarded to M r . M i l l i g a n of Taree of the sum of £598.

M r . M c L a c h l a n was appointed Headmaster and the school commenced enrolments on the 28th M a y , 1928. One month later, M r . M c L a c h l a n wrote to the Department that the school was too small . Bui l t for a total of 44 pupils , there was an enrolment of 60 already. Canvas blinds were suppl ied for the verandah and the overflow was accommodated when extra furniture was delivered.

A n assistant teacher, Miss Beeston was appointed i n A u gust, 1928. The next year, in M a r c h , the school was closed for the day when M r . M c L a c h l a n and M i s s Beeston were married.

A contract for a second room was let in M a r c h , 1929 at a cost of £ 3 7 3 / 9 / 0 . This basic two-roomed bui ld ing remained virtual ly unchanged, although up-dated to the present day conditions. However, the bui ld ing works being carried out at the moment w i l l completely change the old school's profile.

M i s s M a r g i n became Assistant i n 1931, while the now M r s . M c L a c h l a n became the sewing teacher, replacing Miss

M c L a c h l a n . Later, along came the teachers M i s s Ramsay and Miss Herbert.

M r . Dennison was appointed Headmaster i n December, 1933. H e is remembered as an excellent teacher. M r . Demas was followed by M r . M c K e n z i e and then came along M r . Snowdon, who became longest serving Headmaster with 10 years service to his credit. M r . Korsch stayed two years and then M r . Cummings arrived i n 1957 and stayed for a period of nine years. M r . Cummings was then followed by Messrs. W i l s o n , Strong, Cl i f ford and the present H e a d master, M r . Cope, who commenced in 1975.

Miss Jones was Assistant teacher at the end of the forties and must have been a very popular lady, for she is st i l l remembered today with a great deal of affection by her ex-pupils and parents.

The school enrolment rose to 120 pupils and M r s . Brodie, who stayed for a number of years, was the third teacher. She also taught sewing to the girls and would sometimes tell of her experiences in India whilst the girls sewed. There was a severe shortage of room in 1950 and M r . Bloomfield had a class on the open verandah that year. The blinds were no longer there, so it was chaos when it rained. It must have had limitations as a classroom and it was very cramped, but being out in the fresh air and the sunshine was a delightful place to do school work.

A wireless was purchased by the P . & . C . i n 1945 for £15 and the power was connected to the school at the beginning of 1946. " B l u e H i l l s " was available to any one interested at lunchtime.. . It was compulsive listening to addicts.

By 1987 the school had grown to a 4 teacher school, with an enrolment of 106 pupils.

Lisarow Public School 1971

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Mannering Park Public School 1

T he first settler i n the Garth's Point area, which was later to become M a n n e r i n g Park, was James Vinrace Va le , who, i n 1911 took up 640 acres of land purchased for £320. H i s or iginal home was

bui lt where the barbecue stands in the playground, a permanent home, which was destroyed by fire i n 1926, being bui l t some distance away later. The name, M a n n e r i n g Park, was given to the property by Vale 's wife — there was a l ready a M a n n e r i n g Creek and M a n n e r i n g Bay in the area. N o school amenities existed for the chi ldren of the people who settled around the foreshores of the lake i n the ensuing years and they travelled to either K a n w a l or M u n m o r a h for their education.

W h e n a decision was made to bu i ld a power station on Vale 's Point it was evident that school facilities were necessary for the chi ldren of the residents and the large number of workers arr iv ing to start the project. A temporary school was opened i n the C . W . A . H a l l on 12th September, 1961, the Teacher- in-Charge being M r . G . Jackson. Twenty two pupils were registered and the Infant School was named M a n n e r i n g Park Pr imary School, catering for Kindergarten and 1st grade pupils. M r . Jackson was replaced by M r . R. Sharp in 1962 and the school's enrolment increased during that year.

In 1963 the Progress H a l l came into use as a second classroom and the year began with M r . A . Sandercock as Pr inc ipa l , teaching grades 1 and 2 while Miss D. Moss taught Kindergarten , there being a total enrolment of 54 pupils .

The Department of Education purchased the land previously owned by James Vale and work commenced on the present school on 28thJuly , 1963. The school, a contemporary bu i ld ing of white brick veneer, consisted of a four classroom bu i ld ing and a separate office-staff room section and was bui lt by W . A . W e n h a m Builders, of Newcastle, for the contract price of £25,000.

Classes commenced i n the new school on 28th January, 1964 with 109 pupi ls , many being grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 returning from K a n w a l School. The staff was: M r . Sandercock (Principal), M i s s D . Moss , M i s s R. M u d i e and M r . I. M o r r i s .

The official opening of the school was performed by the M i n i s t e r for Education, M r . E. Wetherel l , on 16th October, 1964, the enrolment at that stage being 120.

A dedicated P . & . C . Association, formed with the opening of the original school, had completed the landscaping of the

playground, planted lawns and set out gardens with shrubs donated by residents and business houses.

Enrolments increased during 1965-66 to reach 137 when the first change in the staff was made. A fifth teacher was appointed in 1968 and a new classroom erected.

In M a r c h 1974 M r . Sandercock retired due to i l l -health after a term of 12 years. M r . H . Gartner acted as Pr inc ipal unt i l the end of the year, dur ing which time, M r s . M . Briggs was appointed as a Cler ica l Assistant.

In 1975 M r . P. Pritchard became Pr inc ipa l with a greatly changed staff and 137 pupils. Numbers increased rapidly dur ing the next two years as the area grew and a sixth teacher was appointed. Accommodation problems became pressing and in 1977 the first demountable classroom was erected, office extensions were carried out and a weathershed and storeroom constructed.

M r . P. Newman replaced M r . Pritchard as Pr inc ipal at the beginning of 1978 and major changes took place in the school. A demountable l ibrary was provided, a L ibrar ian appointed, staff changes occurred and M r . Newman relieved of classroom duties.

1979 was a great influx of families to the area as the second section of the power station was being constructed and the enrolments reached 200. This resulted in another classroom being erected and the staff being increased to seven. It was at the end of this year that the school was re-classified to become a Second Class one.

M r . Newman was replaced as Pr inc ipal by M r . T. Weeks i n 1980 and the first Deputy Pr inc ipa l , M r s . R. Keevers was appointed. Later i n the year another teacher jo ined the staff as well as a Teacher's A i d e , while yet another demountable classroom was placed in the grounds.

The further increase in enrolments during 1981 led to another demountable classroom arriving and a demountable Food Service U n i t being made available.

D u r i n g 1982 school enrolments reached 242, two more demountable classrooms were erected to cope with the i n flux as wel l as demountable staff room and a new A d m i n i s tration block complete with offices and storerooms.

W i t h the completion of work on the power station famil ies to move again and in 1983 one teacher was lost from the staff and one classroom removed.

In the last several years there have been flunctuation in enrolments at the school with 1986 showing 220 pupils. The staff consists of 10 teachers, a Teacher-Librar ian, Resource Teacher and a Relief Teacher from face to face teaching as wel l as four ancillary staff.

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Page 73

Mount White PubUc School

T he M o u n t Whi te area was opened up i n the early 1930's as a Homestead Farm settlement, whereby the early settlers were granted parcels of land for a period of 5 years. By the end of this period they

had to have developed the land as a profitable concern. After the land had been cleared, passionfruit, citrus fruit and vegetables were mostly grown.

The first application for a public school was made through M r . R. Walker M L A by M r . E. Cooper i n January 1933. Included i n the application were the names of 22 prospective students. A further application was made in M a y of the same year by the then recently formed M o u n t White Progress Association.

G a i n i n g approval was not easy as the authorities doubted the permanency of the settlement. However, with M r . Walker 's continued efforts and the persistency of the letter writers of M o u n t Whi te , the Min i s t e r finally agreed in the November of 1933 to the establishment of a school at M o u n t White .

The school site, almost 3 acres, was dedicated in J u l y 1934, and a tender of £255 by M r . T. Cook for the construction of a timber bu i ld ing with a galvanised iron roof was accepted. The bui ld ing was half its present size and was designed for 16 chi ldren.

O n the morning of Tuesday 29th January 1935, M r . A r thur Hogg , the first Teacher in Charge, opened the door of M o u n t White Provis ional School and accepted enrolments for the first time. Three boys and four girls were enrolled that day, with another boy and three girls the next day and a further boy and g i r l the following Monday . Schooling had finally arrived at M o u n t White .

M o u n t White has always been a one teacher school, so numbers have always been small , the highest being 37 i n 1958. The school was closed i n 1944-1946, due to lack of numbers and since 1970 the fear of closure has remained. In 1950 nearby Calga School was closed, with al l the chi ldren, the teacher and a few year later the bui ld ing being transferred to M o u n t White .

I

Mount White pupils 1939

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The original building prior to extensions. (It is now twice this size).

Mount White pupils — 1987 outside the cubby house that they built in the back playground.

O u r current enrolment is 8, five short of the thirteen that were enrolled i n 1935. A l though the numbers are much the same as i n our early years, as are the ages of the chi ldren, from 5 years to 12 years, there have been many changes i n the form of education that the chi ldren receive. In addit ion to their one teacher the chi ldren have a part time teacher who comes i n for M u s i c (provided through the D i s advantaged Schools Programme), L ibrary and Science and another teacher for Hea l th , Safety and Craft.

Schooling is not restricted to the school grounds as it was i n the past, but instead they venture to many other areas on

the coast or Sydney on educational excursions. The chi ldren j o i n i n with the other one teacher schools on the coast for swimming carnivals, athletics carnivals and Easter Bonnet Parades. W e also visit Peats Ridge School once a month for sport.

In addit ion, the chi ldren benefit from the more interesting aids inc luding computers that are available now than in the past. The parents are just as active in the school life as they were in the past, but nowadays instead of just being fundraisers, they are heavily involved i n assisting in reading in the school and providing transport on our excursions.

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Mt. Penang School for Special Purposes

M t. Penang S.S.P. was commenced under the auspices of the Department of Educat ion at the beginning of the 1981 school year. The school operates w i t h i n the bounds of the T r a i n i n g

School. Since a l l boys are over age 15, they may elect to either at

tend school or undertake other training i n the T r a i n i n g School. The school caters for 48 boys at any one time. The boys may attend school for varying periods of time.

The programmes i n the school are designed to meet the needs of the boys. The programmes are d iv ided into three main groups, i.e. Remedial Educat ion, External Courses through the Department of Technical and Further Educat ion, and normal school Academic Courses. This means i n fact that the school caters for boys experiencing problems w i t h reading and mathematics through boys doing Tech. Courses i n such areas as M o t o r Maintenance, Introduction to Data Processing (there are some 40 such courses) to boys doing their School Certificate and H i g h e r School Cert i f i cate.

In addit ion the above courses the boys do L i v i n g Skil ls , C o o k i n g , Industrial Arts , Sport and Electives. The electives include studies i n Guitar , Pottery, Copper Enamel l ing , A d vanced C o o k i n g and String A r t .

The boys have a say i n the running of the school, where representatives from each class form a School Coun c i l . This C o u n c i l presents ideas to the staff" on programmes, school rules, sports and outings.

Boys are awarded certificates for completed courses of work.

Excursions are a regular part of the school programme and are based on vocational and educational basis. Such excursions have included Sterland Bros. M i l l , Vales Point Power Station, Gosford Meats , Fo rd M o t o r Company, Goodyear Tyres, Taronga Park to name a few.

The boys of the school have also entertained boys and girls from St. Lucy's School for the B l i n d and they also assist w i t h the swimming programme for the handicapped ch i l - , dren from East Gosford Publ ic School.

At sport Building Shed for Car Maintenance and Car Detailing

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Excursion to Sterland Bros.

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Narara Public School

N arara School is fast approaching its Centennial Year. In 1887, M r . H u g h Campbe l l , prominent citizen of Narara , together wi th Messrs. J o h n Fountain, James Fargie, W i l l i a m Cook, C .

Gavenlock, and Methodist clergyman Edward Briscombe submitted an application to the Department of Publ i c I n struction requesting that a school be bui lt i n the area. The application was approved i n December, 1888.

Subsequently, land situated on the M a i n Government Road, now the Pacific Highway , was resumed at a cost of £151.11.10 and i n 1889 Creighton, Son & Coulter built the schoolroom at a cost of £379.0.0.

Narara School opened its doors on 2nd September, 1889 wi th George I. Foott formerly of the W o y W o y School as Teacher- in-Charge wi th an enrolment of 8 pupils.

1890 saw the appointment of M r . W . R . Thompson as Teacher- in-Charge, a young single man who saw many changes i n his twenty years at Narara . In his first years he boarded i n Gosford for 10/ -per week but after his marriage he requested the provision of a school residence. After much persistence a residence was erected i n 1899 (things haven't changed, have they?)

Assist ing M r . Thompson i n the classroom was pup i l

Narara School 1934.

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Narara Float in the 1960 Empire Day Celebrations at Graham Park.

teacher, M i s s cook, who was required to study after school hours to gain her qualifications.

Disc ipl ine i n those days was quite different as the records i n the punishment book show-

1892 10 pupils detained after 3.30 for leaving hats off at play on a very hot day.

1896 10 year old boy received 4 strokes for insult ing a tramp before the arrival of the teacher.

Principals i n the next 20 years were: T . D . Cre igg 1910-1911, A . D . Sellars 1912-1926, W i l l i a m Drew 1927-1929.

Two ex-pupils remember this period — " T h e playground was terribly steep, with rough pebbles and no grass". — " T h e teachers wore full aprons over their frocks." — "Large charts hung behind the door from which we recited sounds, spelling and tables." — " W e walked l ) ^ miles to Lisarow Station, caught the train to Narara , then walked past the hal l and through a paddock to the school ."

Subsequent Principals were: M r . Faux 1930-1935, M r . Lane 1936, C .J . Cold i tz 1937-1948, M r . Harr i son 1948-1960.

These years included activities such as Heal th and T e m perance Exams, Bursaries, Citrus Week Festivals, Dipther ia Immunisations, free mi lk and speech days.

M r . Brett arrived in 1960 and remained unt i l 1971. In 1964 a 75th Anniversary was celebrated i n the form of a Wattle Day Fete. There were several hundred o ld pupils present and a large 75th Birthday Cake was cut.

The last 17 years has seen great fluctuations i n enrol ments under Principals R. Lytton , M i c k Broadfoot, Rex Melva ine and M r s . Ronnie van Wees with Doug Tate as Deputy for 13 of these years. The original classrooms have been refurbished but unfortunately the residence has been demolished.

W e look forward to celebrating our Centenary i n September 1989, and invite any ex-pupils or teachers who have photos or interesting tales to tell to please contact the school.

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Niagara Park Public School In 1979 our first Infants Mistress, M i s s Narel le Rogers,

was appointed. W i t h boundary changes i n 1979 Niagara Park's School

population doubled to over 500. M r . Jack Clark was appointed Pr inc ipa l i n 1980 and

plans to replace the 17 demountable classrooms with a permanent structure were put into operation.

In 1982 the bu i ld ing programme was completed. N i a g ara Park now had a brick administration bui ld ing , ha l l , l i brary and 21 very modern classrooms.

M r . Peter Brown was appointed Pr inc ipa l in 1986. Today, i n 1987, our School has an enrolment of 750 ch i l

dren. There are 26 classes and a staff of 35 teachers and 8 ancil lary staff. As M r s . Rowe who has taught here since the School started, and M r . K e n Cooke who arrived a year later commented, " It is very different from 1974."

RGR Niagara Park School September 1980 before building the new school. New school site in foreground.

I t would have been hard for the teachers and pupils who started at Niagara Park School in 1974 to agine how large this School has grown i n fourteen years.

O n 30th January, 1974, Dean W i l s o n was enrolment N o . 1 at the new School of Niagara Park. M r . Peter Day was the first Pr inc ipa l and M r s . Strange, M r s . M u d r a z i j a and M r s . Rowe were his teaching staff. 123 pupils were enrolled dur ing the first year.

The school buildings consisted of three brick classrooms and administrative rooms.

Before the end of the first term one demountable classroom was needed.

The School grew gradually and more demountables were added. M r . Roy Strange succeeded M r . Day and Pr inc ipa l i n 1977 wi th M r . Ian Wi t t as Deputy Pr inc ipa l .

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Some of the demountables at Niagara Park School 1980.

Buildings at Niagara Park School 1987.

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Northlakes High School

O n the 6th June this year, Northlakes H i g h School was officially opened by the Min i s t e r for Education, the Honourable R. Cavalier .

It was an occasion as formal and as important for a school as any, except perhaps, for a centenary, and the students present responded magnificently. The large group of distinguished guests were most impressed wi th the observable standards of the school and its students, wi th the smoothness of the organisation and the standard of performances. M r . Caval ier made the comment, " I t was one of the two best official openings I have attended."

D u r i n g the opening, M r . Cavalier presented three official Department of Education ties, (for "cont inued valued service to education"), to M r , K . M c K i n n o n , (Director of Educat ion, Metropo l i tan N o r t h Region), to M r . R. B i r d , (District Inspector) and M r . D i n n i n g and fol lowing the offic ial ceremony, specially invited guests had the opportunity to sample an excellent lunch and inspect the school.

Thanks were extended by the Min i s t e r and others to a l l those who assisted and, i n particular, to the many students who acted as guides, ushers, hosts at luncheon, officials, performers, and audience.

N O R T H L A K E S A S P E C T Settling into their newly designed school has been a "de

l i g h t f u l " experience for students and teachers at Northlakes H i g h School on the Centra l Coast.

Evidence of the positive effect the pleasant new environment has had on the school community is obvious, according to pr inc ipal , M r . Des D i n n i n g .

" O n the whole they are quieter, more enthusiastic, more committed and there is a real sense of identity now," he said.

Northlakes, wi th enrolments around the 900 mark, was needed to serve the burgeoning northern lakeside communities of San Remo, Lake M u n m o r a h , Doyalson, M a n -nering Park and Gwandalan.

It existed for a number of years i n demountables on land directly opposite its permanent site i n Goorama Avenue, just off the Pacific Highway.

Staff at the school were able to contribute their ideas and the end result is an eye-catching complex with excellent teaching facilities inc luding a multi-purpose hal l which can be shared by the local community.

W h e n the school first opened the location seemed isolated, but today newly constructed homes are nearby and other amenities such as a community centre and sporting grounds have been added.

" R u n n i n g effective programs from demountables had its difficulties but moving into such an outstanding school was worth wait ing for," said M r . D inn ing .

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School hall.

As we were.

Page 83

School hall.

As we were.

Page 83

Pencil Drawing by Kathie Underwood for School's 50th Anniversary — celebrated in 1981. The original school building.

Page 86

Peats Ridge Public School

P eats Ridge was named after George Peat, who carr ied mai l from Sydney to Singleton on horseback. It was settled i n the early 1800's. A Communi ty H a l l needed to be built and money was raised.

L a n d was donated by M r s . F. W o o d , and i n 1928 the present clubrooms were built and opened.

Education for chi ldren in Peats Ridge was provided by Correspondence or the chi ldren transported to Kooree School at Mangrove , but it necessitated much travell ing. It was difficult to convince the authorities of the need for a school. Eventually a teacher was provided but the residents had to provide a bui ld ing .

The School commenced i n 1931 at the Clubrooms — rental being 25c (2/6d) per week. The first Teacher was M r . J . Byron with 18 pupils . H e was replaced by M r . M . L . Morrissey i n 1933 with 16 pupils. Grounds for the school were donated by M r . Pinkstone, the Education Department supplied the materials for the school bu i ld ing , which was erected by the community i n 1935.

In 1936 education in Peats Ridge was transferred to the new Peats Ridge Publ ic School and M r . Morr issey was sti l l Teacher-in-Charge. Inspector P .F . Cane stated " i t was a great improvement on the gloomy and unsuitable h a l l . " E n rolment was 13 pupils , and chi ldren by this time were being transferred to H i g h School.

School population gradually increased and by 1950 there were 26 pupils enrolled. A t this stage there was no P . & . C . Assocation and money was raised by the local N . S . W . A g r i cultural Bureau. In 1953 a Parents and Citizens Association was formed and the purchase of equipment and other educational items were the earliest priorities. By 1954 the school enrolment increased to 44 — too many for one teacher. That year a second teacher, M r . A . L . Johnson was ap

pointed. The younger chi ldren were instructed i n the C l u b -room.

M r . J . F . K e n n y was appointed as the School's first P r i n cipal with its reclassification i n 1955 as a T h i r d Class School. In 1956 a new bui ld ing was provided. School enrol ments had, by this time reached 57 pupils. The P . & . C . had purchased a radiogram, radio's, microscope and gramophone. The bookmobile visited the school regularly each fortnight and supplemented the books i n the school l ibrary.

A new weather shed was constructed by parents i n 1960. In 1963 a new classroom greatly improved accommodation. Further acquisition of land in 1967 greatly improved the previously narrow site. A school residence was constructed on the eastern boundary of the school grounds. A new ab lu tion block and toilet was constructed i n 1973.

Due to increasing enrolments a third teacher was appointed in 1976. The original bu i ld ing was reinstated as a classroom unt i l a new demountable arrived. A part-time Teacher-Librar ian was appointed i n 1979 and i n 1981 an E . S . L . (English as a Second Language) Teacher was appointed.

Due to the heavy traffic a slow lane was constructed outside the school grounds and a new bus bay and entrance road were constructed. The P . E . area near the original bui ld ing was also relevelled and asphalted. The grounds have been planted with most varieties of Hibiscus and natives and have had considerable success in the Gosford City Garden Competit ion since 1978.

W i t h reduced numbers the school lost a teacher i n 1987 leaving 54 pupils wi th two Teachers. The demountable was taken away. Traffic has reduced considerably since the Sydney to Newcastle Expressway was opened i n December, 1986.

Page 87

The School - It's first Fete.

The School on the Official Opening Day.

Page 88

Point Clare Primary School

P oint Clare Pr imary School was opened on June 2nd, 1955 with two teachers and an enrolment of 53 chi ldren. Grades ranged from Kindergarten through to Year 5, organised into only two Classes,

an Upper and Lower Div is ion . These chi ldren previously attended W o y W o y or Gosford Pr imary Schools and were so saved a long and crowded bus journey every day.

The first Pr inc ipa l was M r . P .J . Farrel l and his assistant was M r s . C .Johnson . The two roomed wooden bui ld ing had a long verandah which faced north. It was sited where the present Adminis trat ion Block now stands. This or iginal bui lding is stil l in use as it was retained and moved to its present site elsewhere i n the playground.

The School was officially opened by M r . E. Waterhouse, District Inspector of Schools, on 22nd September, 1956.

Plans for additions to the school were well underway in the early sixties when the next Pr inc ipa l , M r . Parslowe, arrived in 1963. A th i rd teacher, M i s s Shirley Staniland, was also appointed that year. O n 24th M a y , 1963 the new bui ld ing , a classroom and offices, was opened.

By 1965 the enrolment had increased to 88 chi ldren and the fol lowing year, M r . Ross C u m m i n g was appointed as

the new Pr inc ipal . Three years later he was succeeded by M r . H a r r y Cooper.

As enrolments continued to increase another bui ld ing programme was planned and in 1970 another bui ld ing , i n corporating a Staff Room was added. M r . B i l l Streater was appointed Pr inc ipa l i n 1972 to the School which now had a Staff of eight teachers.

By 1974 the bu i ld ing programme was complete with 10 permanent classrooms, a staffroom, L ibrary , Canteen and Administrat ive Block. The present Pr inc ipa l , M r . Dennis Scully, was appointed in 1979.

The next few years saw the enrolment reach a peak of 350 which necessitated the addition of four steel demountable classrooms. However, in common with many schools, enrolment has dropped over the past couple of years and only two of the demountables remain.

O u r present enrolment is now 320 with a Staff of 17 teachers and three Anc i l l a ry Cler ical Staff. This includes our L ibrar ian (3 day/week), our F / F Release teacher, a P a r t / T i m e (Craft) teacher (2 day/week) and a Resource Teacher (1 day/week). W e also have three F / T or P / T members of the Cleaning Staff and a P / T General Assistant.

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Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre

P oint Wolstoncroft Centre is one of five S.S.P.'s i n N . S . W . staffed wi th teachers of the N . S . W . Department of Education and operated in co-operation with the Department of Sport and Recreation. As

wi th many of the other Sport and Recreation Centres, the Point Wolstoncroft site was selected by M r . G o r d o n Young , (Director of Physical Education) and a Nat ional Fitness C a m p was officially established i n 1948. Whi l e Point Wolstoncroft Centre has had a number of name changes and has been under the administration of several Departments, the basic purpose and ideals have not changed greatly. Each week between 120 and 130 pupils from N . S . W . P r i mary Schools participate i n the Pr imary Outdoor Education Program provided by the Centre. The pupils are given the opportunity to experience a variety of recreational activities, learn social skills and develop self reliance associated wi th commercial l i v ing and through study and comparison, develop an appreciation for the particular environment of Point Wolstoncroft.

Point Wolstoncroft S.S.P. is on a peninsula of land extending into Lake Macquarie . It covers an area of 121 hectares, most of which is natural bush. The community of Gwandalan is about two kilometres from the Centre.

M o s t pupils travel to W y o n g by ra i l and a bus brings them to the Centre. The earliest campers — i n the early 1940's - were ferried by boat from Dora Creek. Some groups walked the 7 kms from the Pacific Highway to the Centre unt i l a trafRcable road was constructed.

The in i t ia l accommodation was i n tents and the first permanent buildings were erected in 1945. The present Mess H a l l was completed and officially opened i n 1948. The hospital and swimming baths at the edge of the lake were also completed i n 1948.

F r o m 1945 Point Wolstoncroft was a camp for Senior

girls. The programs were of fifteen days duration followed by a six day leave for staff.

By 1950 the Centre has the following additions :-44,000 gallon water storage tank H o t water for the ablution block — supplied by a coke "donkey" boiler A n earth dam for future septic A l l weather gravel road Electric light to Mess H a l l from a generator Telephone service In 1954 the camp was re-classified as an S.S.P., huts 1

to 12 were completed and 98 girls accommodated. In 1956 the programs went for 10 days with four days

leave. In 1960 the emphasis changed from Senior girls to

J u n i o r girls camps. The septic system was in operation using water from a

bore. 1964 saw the introduction of co-educational primary

school camping which has continued to the present. D u r i n g the past ten years the following constructions

have been undertaken :-Boatshed and Recreation H a l l , Conference Centre/Staff

Room, Tennis Courts, 25 metre Swimming Pool , Barbecue A r e a and L o w Cost Family Units .

In 1982 the program was changed from 10 days to 5 days. Greater emphasis was placed on the attendance of school/class groups accompanied by class teachers. Previously only a few places were allocated to each school in the program. The class teachers are given the opportunity of selecting available activities for the weekly program to best meet the needs of their class group.

The following activities are available for inclusion i n the program at the Centre:-

Banksia Lodge - Airing the Bedding - Woollahra girls.

Page 90

Environmental observations and comparisons; specific studies of trees, soi l , leaf litter, lake, shells, fresh water pond and insects; nature craft; night time explorations; sensory awareness; beach excursion; visit to power station; bivouac and cookout; specific activities requested by the school; canoeing; archery; orienteering; new games/boomerangs; abseiling; grass ski ing ; sai l ing; bike education; water safety and dance.

Since the end of 1985 a Senior Cit izen's Program has been run concurrently with the Pr imary Outdoor Education Program. Between 16 and 20 Senior Citizens use the low

cost units and share the Mess H a l l and some equipment with the children.

D u r i n g vacations the Centre is used for Family Camps. As the name suggests these cater for M u m . D a d and the chi ldren and they are able to enjoy similar activities to those offered in the Pr imary Outdoor Education Program.

To meet the ever increasing needs of the pupils who attend. Point Wolstoncroft S.S.P. is constantly changing and developing so that the best possible environment and selection of activities is available for the pupils.

Wendy, Hughie and Brownie distribute fruit.

Woollahra Girls returning — Mac distributing mail.

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Pretty Beach Public School

retty Beach Publ i c School opened in January 1927. Before the school was constructed the c h i l dren had to take a long journey by foot, pony or boat to a peninsula school for their education.

It was through the efforts of dairy farmers M r . and M r s . M i c k Myers which saw the construction of a single room and porch at Pretty Beach. It was constructed on a twelve acre site. The land cost £610 and the school house cost £600. It was constructed by H . E . M i l l i g a n of Taree.

M r . Charles A l l e n was appointed teacher-in-charge on January 18, 1927. M r . A l l e n spent twenty two years at Pretty Beach School and his termination of service was caused by his death. M r . A l l e n travelled each week day by boat from Booker Bay. M r . A l l e n d id not receive an assist

ant unt i l enrolments rose to 65 in 1932. Appointed was M i s s Florence Roach. Her room was ready in 1933.

M r . A l l e n was replaced by M r . W . Ingram 1950 followed by M r . A . Cains 1955, M r . J . James 1962, M r . W . Gibbons 1966, M r . J . K e r r 1976, M r . F. Flanagan 1977, M r . C. Owens 1981, M r . C. Tarbox 1982 and M r . F. Bridgement 1986.

The school now has six classrooms with a teaching p r i n cipal . A n enrolment figure of 155 is expected i n 1988.

The photo shows Pretty Beach School in the 1920's. The pupils at the school today stil l enjoy the scenic bushland beh ind the school as well as the beautiful view of the bay at the front of the school.

Page 92

Page 93

Somersby Public School

T he Somersby area has been settled for approximately 100 years and was originally known as Penang Mountain. However, mail from overseas often went astray and so the name was

changed to Somersby, after a village in Lincolnshire, England, from which came one of the local residents.

Progress was steady on the mountain with citrus gradually becoming the main crop. A part-time school and a private school ran for short periods but most mountain chil

dren by the 1920's made the daily trek to Gosford Public School.

By 1926 it was thought that sufficient pupils were available and so a one room weatherboard building was constructed at Somersby. The first day of instruction was 31 st January, 1927. Twenty five pupils were enrolled in that first week with Mr . Prentiss, a World War I veteran, as teacher in charge.

Some of the family names of 1927 are still well-known in

High Jump in Progress

Page 94

School Concert Band 1984

B E 3 S f = l B E EIQE

the district today: Allen, Sylvester, Studds, Moore, Wood, Chivers, Robinson etc.

The school area was two acres and was held by the Department of Education on lease from Mr . Jack Studds for one shilling per year.

The first 25 years was a hard time for education. Communications were poor, roads were bad and the depression of the thirties was followed by World War II. M r . Lorimer took over the school on Mr . Prentiss' retirement in 1946 and set about improving the environment of the pupils. The parent bodies worked very hard constructing level playing areas, planting grass and trees and generally changing the

playground into a beautiful park-like area which by this time had been expanded to seven acres.

The parent bodies combined in the 50's to build a school assembly hall making Somersby one of the very few schools of its size in the state to have such a hall. In 1970 a modern brick building containing classrooms, office, septic toilets etc. was completed to the dehght of pupils and teachers alike.

These days the pupils of Somersby are renowned for their athletic prowess, soft ball skills, musical talent and sound academic attainments.

There must be something about the air in Somersby, in its 61 year history it has had only three principals.

Page 95

Spencer Public School

A lthough there has been a school at Spencer since approximately 1898, it has existed in four different locations. It was originally sited in a valley north of present day Spencer and was there until

approximately 1920. The school then moved into the Byrnes house for ap

proximately six months; the Collier house for approximately eighteen months and then into its present building in 1922. It was at this time that the school's name was changed from Fernleigh to Spencer.

Although modifications have been made to the Collier house, the original 20' x 16' classroom has remained struc

turally unaltered. The house is still standing and has been owned by members of the Cox family for the past forty years.

In recent years attempts were made to have the school closed due to a lack of pupils. The present enrolment of 14 and a projected 15 in 1988 suggest that Spencer will remain a one teacher school as it always has been.

An ex-pupil who made a name for himself in the Gosford district was Father Austin Woodbury. Another ex-pupil who gained wider fame was Vic Patrick — a former world boxing champion.

The School's Honour Roll.

Page 96

Three members from this 1908 school photo are still alive today. This building became the Collier house.

Tacoma Public School

T acoma School opened as a one-teacher school i n 1905, with an enrolment of 24 pupils , the first teacher being M r . W . H . Smee. The school served the small fishing village of Tacoma located on

both sides of the W y o n g River near its junct ion with the Tuggerah Lakes.

The first Tacoma School, a wooded structure, was built on a most unsuitable site several hundred metres back i n the scrub off the South Tacoma Road, and i n wet weather the pupils were not able to reach the school because the area flooded easily.

The following item was published in the Gosford Times dated June 28, 1906:

" T h e lakes are very high now since the amount of rain that has fallen. The Tacoma School is shut up owing to the school grounds being cut off as the track along which the chi ldren have to travel is covered with water about

one foot deep. It is time something was done to make an inlet and outlet to the school grounds so as the children can get out with dry feet." The final solution was to move the school much nearer

the road where the now disused bui ld ing still stands. This school closed in 1969 when the present school, a

brick veneer structure, opened in large well-grassed grounds on a low h i l l in Hil lcrest Avenue, Tacoma, on the northern side of the W y o n g River , where most of the population of Tacoma is now concentrated.

Demountable classrooms and l ibrary have since jo ined the single brick room to house the school's present population of 71 chi ldren and 3 permanent staff members.

Bib l iography: " A Pictorial History of the Wyong Sh i re " by Edward Stinson.

Page 98

Page 99

Terrigal High School

I n 1987 Terr igal H i g h School celebrated its tenth birthday. Or ig ina l ly , the school was situated i n demountables at Bateau Bay, built as a showpiece by the Department of Education. This was to prove that,

with landscaping and careful siting, demountables could be a pleasant transition stage.

In 1978 M r . D . Ross was the first Pr inc ipa l and M r . T . Head was Deputy. M r . W . M a i d e n replaced M r . D. Ross,

and M r . T . M a r s h a l l became Deputy. A t present, M r . G . W i n d e r is our Pr inc ipal and M r . M . Scott is Deputy.

Terr iga l H i g h now has a large school population of over 1200 students and is an important part of the local community. The modern and attractive buildings and surrounds are appreciated by a l l staff' and students and are used regularly by local community groups and even the A n n u a l Arts and Crafts Exhib i t i on as an " A R T G A L L E R Y " .

Page 100

Page 101

Terrigal Public School

A t the turn of the century, there were only four houses i n Terr iga l and the few chi ldren i n the area walked along bush tracks to attend E r i n a Heights School. However, by 1909, Terr igal resi

dents had begun to agitate for a school of their own, and in 1910, a Provis ional School was opened i n a cottage i n W i l l -oughby Road, rented by the Department of Education from M r . G . H . W i l s o n , at a cost of seven shillings and sixpence per week.

The in i t ia l enrolment was 18, and Miss Ol ive H u n t was appointed as our first teacher, opening the school on 10th October, 1910. In September 1911, Miss H u n t married M r . Berre l l , continuing as Terrigal 's teacher unt i l 1933.

O w i n g to difficulties with rented accommodation, the school moved to other cottages in 1911 and 1912, inc luding one rented by M r s . Berrel l herself.

However, on 2nd September 1912, a one-roomed timber bu i ld ing was erected at The Haven , (then known as

Terrigal Primary School - 1911-12

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Terrigal Primary School 10th October, 1985.

Fishermen's Beach), at a cost of one hundred and seventeen pounds, five shil l ings. It measured 18' x 17', w i th a closed in verandah fitted up as a hat room and wash place.

M r s . Berrel l remained Terrigal 's teacher unt i l the end of 1933. She proved to be a remarkable woman, a strict and devoted teacher who spent much out-of-school time with her pupils. It was not uncommon for her to take chi ldren to Sydney by train from Gosford to visit the zoo, factories and shops, and especially the Theatre. Weekend picnics around Terr igal and N o r t h Avoca provided many fond memories for some of our early students who spoke very highly of her at Terr igal School's 75th Anniversary Celebrations in 1985.

By the 1930's, the original bu i ld ing was overcrowded and parents were campaigning for a change in the location of the school. In J u l y 1937, a two roomed weatherboard bui ld ing was occupied at our present address i n Havenview Road, M r . A l y Clarke having been appointed as Teacher-in-charge in 1934. The original bui ld ing at The Haven was demolished and re-erected at the new site, where it was

used as a weathershed (and emergency classroom!) for many years.

O n October 10, 1960 Terr igal School commemorated its 50th Anniversary and a number of our original pupils , • along wi th their former teacher, M r s . Berre l l , attended the 'celebrations.

By 1978, the enrolment of the school exceeded 600 and our modern brick complex was officially opened by the Governor General , S ir Roden Cutler.

Terr igal School i n the 1980's is a First Class Publ ic School of more than 700 students, who enjoy fine educational amenities, inc luding a wel l stocked l ibrary, a computer network system, and a wide variety of sporting opportunities much of which have been provided by our hard working and supportive Staff, P . & . C . Association and In fants' Mothers C l u b .

W e look back with pride in our School's past, and forward to the future with enthusiasm.

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The Entrance High School

P R E H I S T O R Y The chi ldren of The Entrance area d id not always find

that educational services were close by. U n t i l the first P r i mary School was opened at The Entrance i n 1922 the 30 chi ldren of the area were carried by launch to Wyong . The population grew steadily in the 1920s and the N o r t h E n trance Pr imary School opened its doors i n 1926.

Education past Pr imary Level was a more difficult matter. J u n i o r secondary students could attend Gosford District School but anyone wishing to pursue an academic education needed to study Languages and this required commuting to

Sydney! After 1929 the " language" was available at Gosford H i g h School and, by 1947, at Wyong . :

N E W H I G H S C H O O L S The growth of the Central Coast i n the 1950s and 1960s

demanded more H i g h Schools and in 1964 E r i n a H i g h was opened to cater to most of the coastal areas.

By the late 1960s it was inadequate and so, in 1968, the decision was taken to bu i ld at Long Jetty over the old airstrip which had been used for joy flights.

In 1969 the newly formed Parents and Citizens Execu-

Page 104

tive which included names such as Squires, Duhigg , Baker, Swadling, Chmelar , Byles and G i l l a r d decided upon a u n i form. D u r i n g 1969 one hundred and ninety five students wearing that new uniform and identified as The Entrance H i g h were boarded at either E r i n a or W y o n g H i g h School. Meanwhi le the Long Jetty site was prepared and three square buildings were erected — A , B , and C blocks.

In 1970 the new H i g h School was established at its present situation with Years 7 and 8 and 25 staff. The first few weeks were inauspicious as the heavens opened and converted the already messy construction site into a quagmire.

The first student council consisted of Matthew M c K i n -non, Cathy Clarke , R o b y n Duhigg , M e l v i n H o l l a n d , Athena Hawkswel l , Beth Hodge, Fay Anderson , Warwick M c K i b b o n , M a r k Landow and Kathy N a r l . The new P r i n c i pal was M r . Dav id T u r n b u l l .

Over the last seventeen years of the school'soperation the staff and student body has excelled i n the fields of academic achievement, sport, musical drama and educational pioneering. It is currently one of the largest schools i n the state with school population always hovering around 1300. Nevertheless esprit de corps is i n a healthy state.

Back Row (I to r): Ray Judge, Ed Raftery, John Baker,Danny Bond, "Digger" Hilton, Wally Howe, John Russell. Middle Row: Kay Turton, Ethel Woodward, Marie Goldsmith, Betty Ford, Wendy Bentley, Kay Hunter, Marcel Macnamara, Esther Hutchenson, Liz Cook, Gay Beresford. Front Row: Bev Hobson, Helen McCurdy, George Coulquhoun, Dave Turnbull, Esther Macdonald, Laurie Flynn.

Page 105

mm

The Entrance North PubUc School

T he Entrance North Pubhc School nestles beneath the sand dunes between Hutton Road and the Tasman Sea, east of Wilfred Barrett Drive and neighbour to North Entrance Surf Club. This site

was occupied by the first Public School in 1928, but education in the community dates back to 1926 when, through the generosity of Mrs. Walter Denniss; a one-roomed structure was built almost opposite the present school site, closer to the lake, and used as a school, church and community meeting hall. This school saved children of The Entrance North from a twice daily punt trip across the channel to attend The Entrance School.

Records show an enrolment in January 1926 of thirty children, listed below:

Boys: Walter Clifford, Morris Hutton, Pat Clifford, Charles Denniss, John Huntingdon, Owen Clifford, Reg Denniss, Allan Freeman, Cyri l Freeman, H . Freeman, Robert Kennedy, Athol Atkins, Garry Clifford, Charles McCloskey, Alfred Clifford. Girls: Silvia Clifford, Iris Clifford, Mavis Clifford, Sylvia Denniss, Joyce Foott, Eileen Starkey, Mary Clifford, Patricia Clifford, Zona Robins, Laurel Foott, Lizzie Clifford, Edie Clifford, Gwen Clifford. The school has varied from a two teacher to four teacher

school and at present has three permanent and two part time teachers. Enrolment topped 92 in early 1981 and 1982. Currently there are 63 children enrolled.

A new four room brick building was completed in 1982 bringing the school into the 80s architecturally as well as educationally, and is now equipped with an excellent l i brary and many modern items of equipment.

Principals and staff tend to have long terms of service at The Entrance North Public School, It is not clear who had charge of the children of The Entrance North for those first two years, but since the official Public School opened in 1928 the school's Principals have been:

Mr. J . Roberts 1928-May 1955 (Mr. Roberts died whilst Principal and a Mr . Snowdon was relief Principal from May to July 1955 until the appointment of Mr . Moylan) - 27K years. Mr. Ken Moylan - July 1955-Dec 1978 - 24% years Mr. Robert Pegg - Jan 1979-May 1985 - 6% years Mr. Ian Wells — May 1985 — present time 2K years

Assistant Teachers: Mrs. Gallagher, Miss Innes, Mrs. J . Roberts (Princ. Wife), Mrs. C. Field, Mrs. M . Parkes, Mrs. J . Jones, Mrs. J . Flanagan (Sept. 68 to present time - 19 years), Mrs. R. Blackman (Jan-May 1971), Mr . B. Chittick (Feb. 72-Jan. 75) Miss S. Garner (Mrs. Williams) Sept. 1976-Dec. 1983), Mr . Ralph Taylor (Jan.-June 1981), Mrs. L . Hamilton — Foster (June 81 to present time). Ancillary Staff: Mrs. D. Taylor (Feb. 1975 to present time) Part Time Teachers: Mrs. C. Moylan (Principal's wife), Mrs. C, Baker (Feb/Mch 1979), Ms. J . Morris (March 79-Sep. 80), Mrs. E .D. Paskal Qan 81-Dec. 83), Mrs. F. Doyle (April-Dec 83), Ms. H . Burke (Feb 84 to present), Mrs. A . Clymo (Jan 84-Dec. 85), Mr . G. AttriU Qan.-Dec. 85), Mrs. M . Imbruglia (Sept.80-June 85), Mrs .H . MuUey (June-Dec. 1985), Mrs. D. Tatham (Feb 86 to present time). Cleaners: Mrs. J . Waddington (1977-1979), Mr . L. McKay (1977-1981), Mrs. R. Lalor (1979-1984), M r . R. Crutcher (1981 to date), Mrs. N . Cross (1984-1987), Mrs. R. Crutcher (Part time 1980-1987, full time 1987 to date).

Page 108

First School, 1926 (not a Department of Education structure). First Principal, Mr. J. Roberts and some pupils, 1928.

First Public School building (now demolished) and new building on hand-over day, 1982.

Page 109

/ # (If

The Entrance Public School as it is today.

Page 106

The Entrance Public School

B etween 1910 and 1914 several applications were made for the establishment of a school at Tuggerah Entrance. The requests were declined unt i l June , 1914 when the Secretary of the E r i n a

Shire U n i t e d Progress Associations, M r . W . Ross, stated that sixteen chi ldren were in need of educational facilities. H e was duly informed that a provisional school was to be established, and that steps would be taken to erect the requisite school bui ldings.

A contract was let to M r . George Simpson in June, 1915 for the erection of a schoolroom, measuring 18 feet by 18 feet, on a site leased from M r . R .B . Taylor . The work was completed i n August at a cost of £ 1 8 9 . 1 0 . 0

Records are rather vague as to subsequent events but it appears that the school opened on a Half - t ime basis wi th T u m b i U m b i on 16th November , 1915. The first teacher was M r . Bernard Dagg.

In M a y , 1916, M r . Inspector Frazer recommended that both schools be converted to full time, as settlement in the district was progressing rapidly. The recommendation was adopted and Tuggerah Entrance was converted to a ful l time provisional school in Ju ly . It was later raised to publ ic status in Ju ly , 1919.

Increasing enrolments necessitated the extension of the school bu i ld ing i n August , 1923. The fol lowing year the Church of England H a l l was rented as a temporary classroom at £ l per week.

For many years Tuggerah Entrance experienced seasonal increases i n enrolments due to holiday makers who rented cottages for considerable periods. By 1926 the accommodation position had become acute and two addit ional classrooms and a weathershed were erected. Both rooms, each

capable of accommodating 48 pupils , were occupied in N o vember.

In 1927, the school site, compris ing three rods and 32^2 perches was given to the Department as a gift by M r . R .B . Taylor . The land had original ly been held under lease from h i m at a peppercorn rental. A t the same time a total of one acre and 31 perches was purchased from M r s . Denniss for £ 1 7 5 , while one rod and 15 perches was acquired from the Commonweal th L a n d and Agency Company i n September.

The name of the school was changed to The Entrance i n January, 1935 to conform with the designation of the post office. The enrolment at this time stood at 203 pupils with average attendance of 184.7.

By August of that year the enrolment had risen to 240 as the number of permanent settlers i n the locality was i n creasing, the C h u r c h of England H a l l was subsequently re-occupied at a rental of 10/-per week.

A n addit ional acquisition was made to the school site i n 1936. The land, fronting Gosford Road and comprising 31 % perches, was purchased from M r s . D J . Inglis for £ 1 2 5 .

In 1960 the Infants' Department moved to a site two blocks south of the Pr imary Department, fronting O a k l a n d Avenue and extending nearly to the lake. N e w Pr imary Department bui ldings were opened in 1965.

LIST OF TEACHERS IN CHARGE/PRINCIPALS Bernard Dagg, November , 1915. M i s s A l i c e Barden, De

cember, 1916. M r s . Constance Baker, Ju ly , 1919. M i s s M a y MacGregor , A p r i l , 1920. Stewart Blair , January, 1923. Alexander M c M u U e n , M a y , 1934. Samuel M c M a r t i n , M a y , 1941. H e n r y Fo rd , January, 1944, and December, 1961. A . D . Smith, January, 1962. W . A u l d r i d g e , 1974. E J . Doyle , 1979.

Picture taken in 1927 after two further additions to the school.

Page 107

Toukley Public School 1891

1892

1920

1938 1939

1940

1947

The first school opened in September. Confl ict ing reports exist as to the exact location. However it is generally accepted that the school was built adjacent to Brisbane Street, Norah Head , in the vicinity of Jenny D i x o n Reserve. A clearing in the scrub with a couple of palm trees nearby supposedly stil l marks the place of the former school. The first pupils were mainly the chi ldren of the lighthouse keepers. A M i s s Hargraves was reputed to be the first teacher. However, departmental records state that the first departmental teacher was a Charles Rackitz who was appointed on 2 4 / 9 / 1 8 9 1 . School temporarily closed on 31st December unt i l 17 /2 /1897 . School closed unt i l 1935 but two Hargraves girls, though they were not fully trained, filled in as teachers. Bessie taught from 1920-1932 and Ruth from 1932-1935. In M a r c h , 1921, the total enrolment was 15, with an average attendance of 11. By 1934 the total enrolment had increased to 23. M r . Jack Evans was appointed as Teacher-in-charge. The present school site i n M a i n Road, Nor'aville was donated to the Education Department by M r . N e d Hargraves. The school's name was changed to Toukley Publ ic School despite being situated just across the border i n Noravi l le . The name 'Toukley ' is of abor ig inal or ig in , being the single barrel version of the original name appearing in the early records as 'Toukley Oukley ' . The word 'Oukley ' or 'Ookley ' seems to have derived from an aboriginal word for one of the local bramble- l ike shrubs growing hereabouts and a logical meaning for Toukley would be 'The Bramble Bush ' and for Toukley Oukley would be ' M a n y Bramble Bushes' or 'The Bramble Patch' . The school burnt down and another bui ld ing was erected on the same site i n 1941. There were 19 pupils i n attendance.

The first teacher at the new school, who was appointed to the old school in 1938, was a M r . Jack Evans who l ived i n Wyong . Prior to the opening of the Toukley Bridge on 29th A p r i l , 1939, he drove to Wal larah Point. Gorokan each day, rowed across to

Toukley by boat and finished the journey to school by push bike. M r . Evans remained as Teacher- in-Charge unt i l M a y , 1947 when he was accidentally ki l led . Whi l s t preparing a demonstration of equipment for other district teachers at his home, he was electrocuted when the power to a projector donated by the P . & . C . was inadvertently switched on as he was connecting two leads. Evans Road, which runs beside the school, was named after h im. M r . Ted Jones became principal after M r . Evan's death, the enrolment then being 50.

1961 Construction of new accommodation, inc luding one kindergarten room with folding partition and terrace, 2 infants' classrooms, new toilet and ablutions blocks for boys and girls, an office, staff'room and clinic commenced. Total cost was £21,872. M r .

Jones retired and M r . E. M a l c o l m was appointed in his place. The enrolment was 225 and there were 6 teachers. 70 chi ldren transferred from Toukley to attend a new school opened at Budgewoi in the same year.

1973 M r . M a l c o l m retired in M a y and Miss D. Campbel l was appointed as Pr inc ipal . The enrolment was 550 and there were 22 teachers and 4 ancillary stafT members.

1976 The school was made a First Class School. M i s s Campbel l was transferred and a new princ ipal , M r . L . Irvine, was appointed to Toukley.

1978 M r . Irvine retired and M r . J . Foley became pr inc i pal . School enrolment was then 620 with 10 infants and 13 primary classes.

1984 H a l l was constructed at an approximate cost of. $120,000. M r . Foley transferred to Coff^s Harbour at the end of the year and M r . P. Veech was appointed. M r . Veech retired at the end of 1986.

1987 M r . G . Wi l l iams was appointed as principal . School enrolment is currently 434 and there are 7 infants and 10 primary classes. A current bui ld ing program including four classrooms and the revamping of existing classrooms into a new l ibrary, w i l l be finished i n September, at a cost of $750,000.

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Page 111

Tuggerah Public School

O n 21st M a r c h , 1890, the District Inspector M r . W , Dwyer, submitted an application to the Department of Publ ic Instruction for the establishment of a public school at Tuggerah on behalf of

the residents of the district, three of whom were George Fowler, W i l l i a m Smith and M . C . Smith. Despite opposition from the W y o n g Publ ic School that it was unnecessary to establish another school in the district so close to W y o n g or Kangy Angy schools, Tuggerah School was opened in 1892 having been built at a cost of £45. School furniture came from the old M u l l e t Creek School.

The school opened with an enrolment of 27 pupils with M r . Thomas Taylor as its teacher. M r . Taylor , despite being involved i n gross misconduct i n examinations at Fort Street T r a i n i n g School and being declined re-admission to complete his Second Class Tra in ing Certificate remained at the school unt i l the K a n g y A n g y School was closed in 1894 and its teacher M r . M i c h a e l Tuohy appointed to Tuggerah. The parents objected to M r . Tuohy's appointment and d id not send their chi ldren to the school.

M r . J o h n Richards was appointed two weeks later on 25.1.1895 and was replaced on 17.9.1895 by M r . J o h n Beattie, when the enrolment was 35 pupils.

In approximately 1895 the school was re-sited in its present position. The old Kangy Angy School was demolished i n 1895 and some materials were used to bu i ld the weather shed at Tuggerah.

In 1913 the Head Master M r . Nathaniel Pye reported an

enrolment of 73 pupils. N o record exists to show if M r . Pye had any assistants.

The school was reclassified from a Pr imary Class 4 to P r i mary Class 3 on 13th September, 1960 with M r . J o h n Chambers and Pr inc ipa l .

Today the school has an enrolment of 39 pupils and the present Pr inc ipa l , M r . J o h n Selwood, being the twenty-seventh teacher in charge of the school. Centenary celebrations are planned for 1992.

Kangy Angy School which Tuggerah School's establishment caused its closure.

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Page 113

Tuggerawong School. New classrooms and Administration Block.

Tuggerawong School — Original Building.

Page 114

Tuggerawong School "The Cottage". Mural painted by children in 1986.

Tuggerawong Public School

T uggerawong Publ ic School is situated on the Western side of Tuggerah Lake between Tacoma and K a n w a l Schools.

It opened as a two-teacher, th i rd class school at the commencement of the 1957 school year, 29th January, with an enrolment of 44 pupils , 34 of whom transferred from an overcrowded W y o n g Publ ic School, wi th two from K a n w a l Publ ic School. Previously, local pupils had been transported by bus to Wyong .

The first Pr inc ipa l was M r . A l l a n Burke and his assistant was M i s s Doreen Agnew.

Fol lowing A l l a n Burke, the Principals at the school have been Ra lph Bolton (1961-64), Bob Passlow (1964-69), Ted Cameron (1970-72), A t h o l Griffiths (1973-82), Rex Melva ine (1983) and J u d y Tur ley (1984 - ).

The honour of being first i n the Admiss ion Register goes to Barry Ri ley who transferred from W y o n g School and entered 5th Class. M r . Ri ley stil l lives i n the Tuggerawong district. However , the dubious honour of being top of the " h i t " parade goes to Paul Schuback then aged 9, who received one stroke of the cane on 7 /5 /57 for mishandl ing school furniture.

The opening of the school i n 1957 was regarded as one of the major steps of progress for the Tuggerawong-Wyongah district and was achieved by a small but w i l l i n g group of men and women who canvassed for numbers, and cleared and fenced the ground through voluntary working bees.

The first presidents of the P . & . C . Association were E n i d

Warbr i ck , J o a n Daniels and Carmen Innes. M r s . Daniels was made a life member of the P . & . C . for her outstanding service over ten years.

In early years the school population fluctuated from 75 in 1963 down to 41 in 1968 and a third teacher was actually appointed for one year in 1966.

In 1973 it became a 3 teacher school again with 66 pupils and since then has grown only steadily to its present size of approximately 200 pupils with 7 class teachers plus P r i n c i pal .

Tuggerawong became a second class school i n 1983. The original portable wooden bui ld ing of two classrooms

is sti l l in operation while imposing brick buildings comprising an Administrat ion Block and two classrooms were completed and occupied i n 1982.

Add i t i ona l classrooms and the l ibrary are demountable buildings.

A landmark at the school is " T h e Cottage" a fibro weekender which was retained as teacher accommodation if needed when the property was resumed.

Over the years it has been used as a canteen, l ibrary and classroom. A t present it is used as a Craft room and it has a colourful mural covering one exterior wal l .

The reasonably spacious playground surrounding these buildings contains many impressive native trees, enhanced by wel l -planned lawns, gardens and shrubs, providing a picturesque setting ro a l l connected with the school as they strive to uphold the school motto of "Participate W i t h E n thusiasm".

Page 115

Umina High School

A decision was made i n 1974 to open a new H i g h School at U m i n a to ease the overcrowding at W o y W o y H i g h School and to cater for the expanding population wi th in the area. U m i n a H i g h School

opened its doors for the first time i n January, 1976 with some 300 pupils i n Years 7 and 8. The school's first P r i n c i pal was M r . R o d Dunwoodie who transferred from W o y W o y H i g h School to take up the position.

A competition was suggested by M r . Dunwoodie to establish a Motto for the school. The motto finally selected was that devised by Graham Moulds in Year 8 —

" W e B u i l d T o m o r r o w " from

" O u r father's father built yesterday O u r father built today

A n d we bu i ld tomorrow." T o bu i ld a tradit ion of close l inks with the district's his

tory the school's four (4) houses were named after — 1. D A V I S - the ship builder, Rock Davis 2. W E B B - the farmer, James Webb 3. B O O K E R — the convict who founded Booker Bay, and 4. C R O M M E L I N - the district's first postmistress

After a very special beginning, the new U m i n a H i g h School was finally opened officially for inspection by members of the Communi ty on the 4th and 5th M a y , 1976.

The first P . & . C . meeting was held on 2 1 / 1 0 / 1 9 7 5 where M r . George Retford was elected as inaugural President. It is at this meeting that the distinctive M a r o o n colour was selected as the predominant colour for the school's u n i forms.

M r . Dunwoodie was later succeeded by M r . D . Foster our second School Pr inc ipa l . O n M r . Foster's retirement, the school's present Pr inc ipa l , M r . J o h n Henry , was appointed i n charge of the school.

The school has undergone extensive bui ld ing additions since 1976 and presently accommodates approximately 1150 pupils.

The school has enjoyed considerable success i n both the academic and sporting fields. Pupils who have achieved notable successes are Donna Gow, the first student at K u r i n g a i College to achieve a l l Dist inct ion passes i n a l l her courses;

M a r k Pegg, first class honours in History at Sydney U n i v e r sity; Cra ig Smith who has an outstanding record as a B io -Chemist. There are many other students who have achieved similar academic success.

Sporting champions include Brett Austine, winner of a W o r l d Championship in Trampol in ing and Warren Peters, Austral ian Beach Sprint Champion .

U m i n a H i g h School has a proven record of achievement in many varied fields since its inauguration in 1976.

Page 116

Page 117

Umina Public School -p mina Publ ic School was founded i n 1956.

B Leonard Carey was appointed as the first I Headmaster. H e had a staff of three teachers to ^ ^ ^ ^ assist h i m . They were He len Winwood -Smi th ,

W y l v a Wi l l i ams and M y r a Ell iott . W a u d r i n a Keetman taught needlework. In M a y 1956 the school had four classrooms and total enrolment of 192. This gave the teachers an average class size of 48. In those days the school telephone number was W o y W o y 425.

Since 1956 the school has had four Principals , Robert M u r r a y (1960), Elsie Ba i rd (1962), Ronald Lazarus (1967) and V i c tor Colditz (1974). M r . Colditz retired i n 1985. Apar t from M y r a El l iott , who retired i n 1986, V a l Brandrick and K e i t h Atkins have been long-serving teachers at U m i n a .

The original school was bui lt by M r . A . G . H i l l of O u r i m -bah at a cost of £11705-5-6 and was officially opened on 25th October, 1957 by the then Deputy Premier and M i n i s ter for Education H o n . R .J . Heffron.

The Parents and Citizens Association at U m i n a dates from the school's first year. Then as now, the P . & . C . con

ducts the school " tuckshop" . In 1957 a profit of thirty sh i l lings per week was made. In 1987 the weekly profit is considerably higher. The first canteen was in a tent which was erected on Sunday night and taken down on M o n d a y night.

A n interesting early donation to the school was a large bell . This bel l is sti l l in the school. It now hangs i n the school hall as a constant reminder to the chi ldren of the school's early days.

The first g i r l enrolled at U m i n a was Suzanne Stebbing and the first boy was K e v i n M c L e n n a n . Umina 's most famous ex-pupi l is Brett Austine who has won world championships i n trampolining. M a n y of the school's pupils have gone on to w i n national titles i n a variety of sports.

Today U m i n a Publ ic School caters for 580 pupils and has a staff' of over twenty teachers. There is a very fine assembly hal l and a very modern administration bui ld ing . As well as the P . & . C , a Mother 's C lub has been active for some years.

Last year U m i n a celebrated its thirtieth Anniversary and the school looks to the future with confidence.

Page 118

Valley View Public School

L ot 14, Chamberlain Road, Wyoming, was resumed for a public school on 28th October, 1966. The area consisted of orchards and farms but in the early 1970's many subdivisions were

commenced while settlement in the vicinity of Valley View gained impetus in the late 1970's.

Incentive for development was provided in 1974 when Wyoming Shopping Centre and Alan Davidson sporting area were developed and again in 1977 when sewerage became available.

On 16th May, 1978 a contract for $1,960,886 was awarded to G . M . Pluim Construction Pty. Ltd. for Valley View School to be built. The school was handed to the Education Department on 26th September, 1979.

In line with current educational aims of providing for individual needSj interests and talents, the school is flexible and adaptable in design to provide for the years leading to the end of the twentieth century. Sliding partitions between the home bases allow for team teaching, while withdrawal rooms and practical activity areas encourage co-operative decision, parent involvement and group work.

Storerooms in each home base, pottery kilns in each block, unit preparation rooms for teachers and air conditioned audio-visual rooms provide pupils and teachers with facilities not normally found in older schools.

The library, centrally located, provides ease of access from all learning units but also a degree of isolation from the noisier elements of school operation. It provides a main resource area, audio-visual workroom, group-discussion area, workroom, teachers' reference storage area and an office.

Donations to the school for use of the hall, together with proceeds of concerts has enabled stage curtains and a sound-system to be installed. A lighting system is to be installed in the near future.

The late Paul Landa, Minister for Education, officially opened the school on 13th October, 1980.

Pupils of Valley View in 1980 were drawn from Narara and Wyoming. Six hundred and twenty-five pupils were enrolled in 1980 and by 1983 had increased to 683, with three demountables in use. Since 1984 the enrolment has gradually declined to 535.

End-of-year productions, including several musicals written and directed by staff' members, have received enthusiastic acclaim.

Outstanding achievements in sporting, academic and extra-curricula activities have been made in our brief history. In 1985, our soccer team won the State Knockout competition and was runner-up the following year.

Parental involvement has been of prime importance since the school's inception. Initial meetings to establish the school attracted attendances of 150 people.

A very active P.&.C. organises social functions as well as fund raising activities.

Although the Principal and Mistress commenced duty in term 2, 1979 they were based at Wyoming School until Valley View was handed over to the Department of 26th September, 1979.

Pupils and teachers commenced at the beginning of 1980 and the late Paul Landa, Minister for Education officially opened the school on 13th October, 1980.

Every student and teacher at Valley View in its first year have had their names preserved for posterity. The names have been etched into the earthenware tiles which make up a mural of the school badge on an outer wall of the school.

Other murals of earthenware tiles have been placed around the school as a "gift" from each year six as they complete their primary schooling.

They are a constant reminder of the excellent relationships that exist between pupils, teachers and parents at Valley View Primary School.

Page 120

Valley View — Parental involvement evident during a Book Week Parade.

of every child and teacher who attended the school in its inaugural year, 1980,

Page 121

Wamberal Public School

T he first school opened on 11th June , 1877 i n a schoolhouse built by W i l l i a m Long on his property and leased by the Counc i l of Education for £13 a year. The first teacher was a local g i r l , M i s s

Theresa A n n a Gleeson, and the first pupils were from the families of:

Cornel ius Swadling James L o n g Al fred K e l l y James Channells W i l l i a m Long

George Swadling M r s . Margaret Watkins Matthew Campbe l l Robert Go ldsmith W i l l i a m Salisbury

In 1885 two acres of land adjoining the or ig inal site, and to the south of it, were resumed for the purpose of a school site. In 1891 a new schoolhouse was bui lt by A l m a

Charles Watkins for a total cost of £70.12.3. The site of this school is sti l l designated as Wamberal Publ ic School and is on The Entrance Road, Forresters Beach, directly opposite the new Amusement Park Bowl ing Centre.

It is interesting to note the long distances which chi ldren were required to travel to school. The Taylor family (The Entrance pioneer family) came 5 miles to school from their home near the present location of The Entrance Infants' School, and Maggie Davis also came 5 miles from Terr igal where her father T o m Davis was a boat builder. Other chi ldren came from the T u m b i U m b i / K i l l a r n e y area, which at this time appears to have been known as 'Tuggerah Lakes, Wamberal l ' . Three days a week many of the chi ldren were required to walk to Wambera l Post Office to collect mai l before going home.

Attendance at the school dwindled, due partly to the

Page 122

decline of the timber industry and the resultant removal of many families from the district. The school closed in 1895.

D u r i n g the next five years many efforts were made to have the school re-opened, either as a full time or half time school. W i t h the opening new Crown L a n d sites for homestead leases or free selection a number of new settlers were attracted to the area, thus i n 1900 the Min i s t e r for Publ ic Instruction approved the re-opening of Wambera l School on a new site.

A C r o w n L a n d site i n Bellevue Road near its present intersection with T u m b i U m b i Road was set aside for a school site, and i n 1901 a bui ld ing was erected by Al fred Ernest Watkins (one of the original pupils) for £31.15.0. School opened on 17th M a y , 1901 wi th M i s s Ethel Dent as teacher.

The attendance at the school slowly increased and the bui ld ing was extended i n 1915 at a cost of £45.19.0 to meet the demand for addit ional accommodation. The school residence was provided in 1915 when the house in T u m b i U m b i being rented for the teacher, M r . Paul N o l a n was sold.

In 1924 a new bui ld ing was erected by M r . A .

Partr idge-Wal l for £542.10.6. The teacher at this time was M r . W i l l i a m Hayes.

Attendance at the school gradually dechned, and i n 1947 the teacher M r . A d r i a n Russell was instructed to close the school at the end of the year. The school buildings were moved to Toukley Publ ic School, where they sti l l stand. M r . Russell now lives in K i a m a .

The present Wambera l Pr imary School was bui lt on its present site i n Lea Avenue, Wamberal by Lusted Constructions Pty. L t d . at a cost of approximately $1.85 mi l l i on .

The school commenced operating i n January, 1981, with an enrolment of 371 children. Enrolment presently stands at 486. The school is a 17 classroom complex.

Other features are, a Communal H a l l which contains a Food Service U n i t , a spacious, carpeted L ibrary , Aud io V i s u a l rooms, and an Administrat ion Block containing facilities for the use of teaching and ancillary staff members.

The physical advantages that this school possesses have assisted staff members greatly i n the establishment of practices that truly promote the K - 6 concept.

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Page 124

Warnervale Public School he very first " W A R N E R V A L E " School was not i n

the hamlet of Warnervale as it is known today. The Warnervale School, established in 1911,

was built at K a n w a l , 3 k m east of Warnervale Rai lway station.

A t the turn of the century a large tract of land between N o r t h W y o n g and Wal larah Creek (Gharmhaven) was owned by a M r . A . H . Warner . Subsequent subdivisions since 1910 resulted i n an increase in population.

The first teacher of Warnervale School (at Kanwal) a W i l l i a m M a r s h a l l drove a sulky out from Wyong , daily. M a r s h a l l often abandoned his sulky when the "Paci f ic H i g h w a y " became impassable in wet weather with carts and drays bogged to the axles.

In the twenties, residents agitated to have the school moved from K a n w a l , closer to the railway l ine, the only reliable all-weather route. K a n w a l residents were equally anxious to retain the school and change its name to K a n w a l — this eventually happened. (See history of K a n w a l school in this publication).

A Warnervale resident, M r . Perc Cawthorne led the agitation to have another school established nearer the Warnervale Rai lway Station. M o s t Warnervale school age children caught the 8 a.m. train to W y o n g to attend school,returning on the 4.30 p.m. M a n y chi ldren, inc luding Kindergarteners were not reaching home unt i l after 5 p.m., on those days when the trains were not delayed. Perc Cawthorne's perseverance paid off. Warnervale residents cleared the Department's school site and a single room

school and weather shed was built and opened in 1958. Over forty chi ldren jammed into the smallish room, their ages ranging from 5 to 13 years. They presented a real challenge to the sole beginning teacher M r . V i v Davenport. C o -incidentally M r . Davenport is now Deputy Pr inc ipa l at K a n w a l Publ ic School, and he recalls that the Warnervale community worked energetically to make their school the focus of community life. Bonfires, barbecues and fetes were memorable events i n the school's early days.

Parents built a tennis court and shed i n the grounds and many trophies were won and lost on the day.

One of the first pupils , M r . Rob Butler recalls the days just prior to the bu i ld ing of the school when the land was being cleared, levelled and sown with blue couch. Rob says the mound of dead timber and stumps i n the middle of the school yard made a magnificent Empire Night bonfire — which burnt for many days.

The school has progressed gradually over its 30 years with a current enrolment approaching a hundred. There are now 4 permanent teachers at the school ( including the teaching-principal , of 12 years J o h n Maher) . Other staff" i n clude a full time clerical assistant (Rosalie Wells) cleaner, general assistant, part time L ibrar ian , craft teacher and release teacher.

School buildings in 1988 consist of a double classroom block (timber), a freestanding L ibrary (converted weather shed), toilet block, staff amenities block and two demountable classrooms.

L ike most of the other 'urban fringe' schools, Warnervale is expected to grow in numbers in the coming years.

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The School - 1987

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Woy Woy High School

njune 1962, Woy Woy High was officially opened by Mr . K . A . Hills, who was the first headmaster. There was quite a variety of subjects including History, Art, Needlework and Woodwork.

Green Street was also constructed in May on urgent requests.

The first 5th Year Farewell was held in 1963, and in 1965 'D-Block' was opened to cater for new enrolments. It consisted of eight classrooms and two science rooms.

This year was also the last fifth year farewell, as in future it would be extended to Year Six Farewells.

In 1966, the senior girls' uniforms were changed to an 'A ' line royal blue dress with white Peter Pan collar, and in 1967 the School Blues were introduced. This was a reward for students who had shown outstanding ability in sport.

The school captains of 1970 received the chance to meet Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family at Sydney.

A two storey block was approved for Woy Woy High consisting of about twelve rooms and two new portables were also erected this year.

In 1973 a new library and laboratory block was built and an Indonesian family was adopted.

Work experience was introduced in 1976 where many students wanted to work at Gosford Hospital. The school hall was constructed in 1978.

The S.R.C. was formed in 1980 and Woy Woy High received a System 80 Microcomputer.

Mr . Murray replaced Mr . Thorncraft as Principal and Mr . Connolly replaced Mr . Snape as Deputy in 1983. They are still currently at this school.

The Canteen was replaced by a more modern establishment and a new 2 unit course in Plastics Technology was introduced for Year 11 in 1984.

The Pioneer Cottage was also completed this year and Peer Support was introduced for years 7 and 11 in 1984.

A State Government grant of $1.8 million was allocated to the school in 1986 for refurbishing. Work is now in progress on two of the original blocks and stage one of the project is due to completion by Christmas 1987.

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Woy Woy Public School

W oy Woy Public School opened in August 1884 as a Railway Camp school for the children of workers building the main tunnel on the Northern Line between Sydney and New

castle. With the completion of the work on the tunnel, the

school closed in March 1888 and the few local children were left without a school until 1891 when a Provisional School was opened at Blackwall.

In July 1891 Blackwall Provisional School attained Public School status and occupied two different sites in the Blackwall area until 1911 when the school was moved by bullock team to its present site. To coincide with this move, the name was changed to Woy Woy Public School.

It was not until December 1949 that pupils going on to Secondary School were able to receive their further education on the Peninsula. This became possible with the expansion of Woy Woy Public School into a Central School during the 1950s.

In January 1962 the school reverted to a Public School with the establishment of Woy Woy High School.

From its humble beginnings in 1884, Woy Woy Public School grew to a large Class 1 Primary School during the 1970s with a population of nearly 800 pupils.

Today the school has approximately 350 pupils, including a Preschool, Infants Department, Primary Department and several Special Classes.

l i l l l — 1

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Early Fund Raising Activities. (Pupils left to right) Back Row: Linda Reay, Glenda Allsop, Adrian Hawkins, Robert Sharp, Sandra Adams, Kathy Henry. Front Row: Leanne Wright, Debbie Iggleden, Kerrie Piper, Kim Rogerson, Total raised $364.71from 9 classes) (Kathy Henry now has children at the school).

Woy Woy South Public School

T he school commenced in January 1964 when the principal , M r . J . Haggerty, and six assistants were appointed along with 151 pupils. T h e first pupi l enrolled was Lester Al lsop.

N o buildings were on the site; rather the classes were scattered throughout the district in whatever spare rooms could be used. M r . K . Q u o d l i n g had a composite class in the U m i n a Progress H a l l . This group at times moved out when the Progress H a l l was needed for other uses. Miss P. Pratt had an infants group in a spare room at U m i n a P r i mary School. M r . L . Brett taught a primary group in the

Ettalong G i r l Guides H a l l and M r s . L . Rae an infants class in the Baptist C h u r c h H a l l . M r . G . Currie and M r s . D . Fewre taught classes based at W o y W o y Primary School. M r s . Fewre resigned after a term and was replaced by M r s . G . M c N e i l .

M r . Haggerty's role was to unite these scattered elements as one school from a base at W o y W o y Primary School.

A s rooms were completed on the present site, classes were moved firstly from U m i n a in M a y 1964, then Ettalong in J u l y and finally W o y W o y in September. A l l classes were now together for the first time.

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The name of the school was the cause of much debate with Everglades, Blackwall and Webbs Flat being considered. The fact that W o y Woy was a better known name led to the retention of the name W o y W o y South.

Increasing enrolments led to crowded rooms. In N o v e m ber 1969 enrolments stood at 473 with 6 classes of 40 or more chi ldren, 5 classes with numbers in the 30's, one class of 30 in the "26 ft. by 16 ft." staffroom (now a computer room) and another of 18 in the "20 ft. by 12 ft." principal 's office (now a storeroom).

The then Min is ter for Education, M r . Charles Cutler , visited in 1970 to observe at first hand the conditions. The school was by this stage a two department school and in 1974 became a first class school. M r . Haggerty was then u n able to stay as pr incipal and spent his last 12 months in the department as pr incipal of Redfern.

O n l y three principals have followed :-M r . T .Jones 1974 to 1976 M r . W . Hopkins 1976 to 1985 M r . K . Stephens 1986 It is interesting to note that in the years since the school's

opening, changes in education have meant that schools had

, gone from a principal who was also a teacher ( M r . Haggerty 1965) with no clerical assistant, to a non-teaching principal , non-teaching infants' mistress, now deputy pr inc ipa l ; with a full time clerical assistant and teachers' aide, part time teachers' aide, part time clerical assistant and part time l i brary assistant. There is also a full time general assistant.

The similarities and differences of the last 24 years in educational thoughts are best reflected by the third grade chi ldren themselves.

" I n the past W o y Woy South has had a lot of changes. The buildings have been extended. The school has planted 200 trees for the Bicentennial project. The school has got a craft room, a computer room and a room for the school b a n d . " (Leith, L i n d y , Danielle).

"These days we use computers to help us i n education. The bel l rings at 9.00 to go into school. Recess is at 11.00 a.m. and lunch is at 12.30 p.m. We do division differently to what our parents had learnt when they were at school. Last year (1986) we used to get the cane but this year (1987) we don't. In our l ibrary we have lots and lots of books, some donated by the pupils and their families." (Rosalie, Noel la , Chanell) .

WOY WOY SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL 1970 Standing (Back Row): Mr. Bob Anthony, Mrs. Diane Hanks, Mrs. Jackie Shaw, Mrs. Keetman (Sewing), Mr. David Bales, Mr. Leon Brett, Miss L. Bennett, Mrs. Olive Gallimore (Librarian), Miss Y. Randall. Sitting. —, Mrs. Olive Pryke, Mr. Gerald Davies, (Deputy Principal), Miss Maureen Davies (Infants Mistress), Mr. Joe Haggerty (Principal), Miss Yvonne Holmes, Mr. Robert Pegg, Mrs. Irene Knowles. Mr. Haggerty and Mr. Brett were members of the original staff of the school (7) appointed to begin classes in January 1964.

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Wyoming Public School — Planting Liquid Amber Tree — Keith Hagan enrolling a new student. Beryl Hagan was not only the Jamieson Memorial Ceremony 24/4/78. Martin French, Cathy secretary of the P.&'.C. but also voluntarily ran the school Courts. canteen for the first two years.

Wyoming Public School — considered a model school at the time of its erection.

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Wyoming Public School petitions, prints instead of trophies. Consequently the school has a fine collection adorning its walls.

"Deeds not W o r d s " is our school motto and the opening line of the school song composed by Phy l Everett, a staff member, in 1970. The motto itself was established by J i m Hughes.

(Following J i m Hughes as Pr inc ipal was B i l l Streeter [1972-73], J i m Rutherford [1974,75,76], Gordon Webb [1977,78,79,80,81,82,83], J o h n Kennedy [1984-85] and C o l i n Shore (1986- ])

W i t h i n its boundary W y o m i n g has a natural rainforest that has been nurtured by parents and teachers since the school began. J i m Rutherford was able to obtain a grant to have a steel footbridge built across the creek into the rainforest. This made it more accessible for school groups from across the coast to study the rainforest environment. (One member of the staff at that time, who encouraged the use of the rainforest, was Frank Haddon , who later became associated with the G o u l d League).

The school badge was designed during J i m Rutherford's time and incorporates the rainforest, the Apo l l o II mission and the school motto.

Parental involvement has always been a strong point of W y o m i n g School. This has been highlighted i n recent years by the introduction of the two day Environmental Extravaganza which sees teachers, parents and pupils participating in a variety of activities ranging from home crafts and mural painting to bushwalking and overnight camping. The B i centennial Extravaganza promises to be the best yet.

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W yoming Pr imary School, Maidens Brush Road, was opened in M a y , 1969. J i m Hughes, the first Pr inc ipa l , brought the chi ldren over from Gosford where they had been as a school

group since the beginning of the school year. Pr ior to this time a small infants school had been opera

ting at Laycock Street, W y o m i n g since 1955. The school continued to operate as part of the new W y o m i n g School until December 1971 when the completion of more b u i l d ings at W y o m i n g meant it could be closed.

Members of the first Parents and Citizens club headed by President, M e r v y n Bunt and Secretary, Beryl Hagan and the Ladies A u x i l i a r y headed by President Carro l Dorrough and Secretary, Sheila Astolf i worked very hard to support the school in the early years. Sewing bees every Wednesday helped make the Mothers Day Stalls and A n n u a l Fetes great successes. The cake stall at the fete was said to be second to none anywhere on the coast. Later parent organisations have successfully strived to maintain the traditions established bv those at the beginning.

Fol lowing the moon landing by the Apo l lo II mission in Ju ly , 1969 it was decided to name the sporting houses A r m strong, Col l ins and A l d r i n with Glenn selected as the fourth house.

To enable the school to have sufficient stock of prints by famous artists the first P . & . C . donated five " o l d masters" and decided to award the winning houses of athletic and swimming carnivals, as well as Fete and Mothers Day com-

Wyong Creek Public School

I n A p r i l 1881, Reverend G . H . J o h n s o n , the C h u r c h of England clergyman who visited W y o n g Creek on his circuit of communities, requested the establishment of a school at W y o n g Creek.

The Min i s t e r of Education approved the establishment of the school on August 6th, 1883. In October 1883, W i l l i a m Berry was appointed to open W y o n g Creek Lower P r o vis ional School. It should be noted that a Provis ional School catered for a smaller number of pupils than a Publ ic School which was provided wi th a site and bui ld ing .

The school site was leased from Thomas G a m , complete wi th split slab bu i ld ing and bark roof

The first enrolment of chi ldren was on 5th November, 1883 wi th 29 pupils on the ro l l . Its current enrolment is 20.

Later, from 1 st A p r i l 1884, the school was reclassified as a public school. The original bu i ld ing gave way to better things i n the form of a new school bui ld ing i n June 1893. The o ld one became the weather shed.

One of the school's neighbours built a residence so that the newly married teacher, Frederick Breakwell , would not feel inc l ined to transfer to a school which d id have a residence. Years later the Department purchased the house from the then owner, M r . Laban Andrews.

D u r i n g its 105 years, the school has had 21 teachers and as numbers grew there have been some assistant teachers when two teachers were justified by the numbers. Also dur ing this time the Craft Family has had four generations which have passed through the school.

M a n y events form a colourful history of W y o n g Creek School and these are wel l documented in the School's C e n tenary Booklet.

E x pupils and interested persons are welcome to visit the school and perhaps combine this with a trip through the beautiful Yarramalong Val ley . The school would be pleased to meet with its former pupils and share some of their memories. Certainly today's pupils find much interest in the stories about the " o l d days".

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Wyong Grove Public School

W yong Grove was established as a Public School in 1981. It was housed in what had previously been Wyong Infant Department. Two classrooms were converted into a mod

ern Administration Block, a demountable Food Service Unit was set up and a magnificent Library was built to complete Wyong Grove as a 2nd Class Primary School.

The School Badge was designed by local artist, Mr . Ken Cowell, and the motto: "Grow With Understanding", was suggested by a Staff member, M r . Jerry Limbrick.

The School colours are sky blue and navy blue. The summer, winter and sports uniforms were designed by another member of Staff, Miss Judy Davis.

The buildings were supplied to establish this School, but the qualities that make Wyong Grove the great school that it

is, have been willingly given over the 7 years of its existence by caring, co-operative, interested and hard-working parents and members of the Teaching, Ancillary and Cleaning Staffs.

1987 Teaching Staff: Principal — Miss Dorothy Campbell Assistant Principal — Mr . Bob Debenham Assistants — Mrs. Gail Henry

- Mr . Norm Ellis - Mr . John O'Connell — Miss Julia Thompson — Mrs. Helen Brown

Teacher/Librarian — Mrs. Maria Bruce

1

i w

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Wyong High School

1 987 marks the Ruby Anniversary of W y o n g H i g h School. The Min is ter for Education the Honourable R . G . Heffron M . L . A . laid the actual foundation stone on 22nd M a r c h . 1946. The new school was to

be a Central School. Bui l t in brick, it was designed to house 350 pupils. There were seven classrooms plus specialist rooms and offices built at this time.

The school was located i n a horse paddock which had previously been treated as public land and a good many picnics and football games had been played there.

W y o n g Secondary School was officially opened on 7 th November, 1947 but it was proclaimed a J u n i o r H i g h i n 1950. It was designed to take pressure off the Gosford H i g h School which was the only H i g h School between Sydney and Newcastle at that time.

M r . D ' A r c y Rose M e m b e r for the Upper Hunter was i n strumental i n br ing ing about the project and the bu i ld ing itself was built by Davis Brothers at a cost of £30,000.

The first three Headmasters (now called Principals) were M r . R. Dennis who was in charge between 1944 and 1949, M r . W . E . G o l l a n 1950-51 and M r . J . R . Rae 1952-1957.

The site of the school is particularly attractive and there are very few schools i n the state that can boast a rural river frontage such as Wyong's . W i t h i n the school grounds there are several large stands of beautiful forest trees i n their natural state and b i r d song is often as loud as the voices of the chi ldren. Bellbirds and Currawongs provide a melodious backdrop.

In 1972 the Department of M a i n Roads had plans to run the main Sydney to Newcastle Expressway through the school grounds and its idyl l i c setting was i n danger of disappearing forever. However, local citizens and pupils and teachers banded together under the leadership of M r . Buckle to fight the project.

They eventually succeeded i n persuading the government to keep the highway out of the school grounds and now generations of chi ldren can enjoy a rare and natural area.

W y o n g H i g h School i n the Bicentennial Year consists of four large wings around a central quadrangle and a new extensive Mul t i -Purpose Centre. It caters for over 1000 pupils and has a teaching staff of over 80.

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Wyong Public School

W yong Publ ic School was established in 1888 in temporary premises rented from a M r . J . R a n k i n for 5 shillings per week. The first teacher, M r . W i l l i a m Berry had about 50 p u

pils on the ro l l . A two acre site in A l i son Road, W y o n g was selected for

the new School and the bu i ld ing was opened on M a y 2nd, 1889, when the enrolment was about 70.

The Al i son Road site remained in use unt i l 1979 when the School moved to its present position in Cutler Drive . The School is now set in beautiful grounds landscaped with Austral ian native trees and shrubs.

In 1988 the enrolment is 570 students i n 22 classes. The School serves the community of Nor th and South Wyong and the surrounding farming areas. In addit ion, two classes for intellectually mi ld ly handicapped students are based at the school and students come from surrounding towns and suburbs to attend these classes.

The very large and well stocked l ibrary provides a central resource unit to the School. A computer laboratory provides students with the opportunity to find the most recent information while learning valuable skills for tomorrow's job market.

A strong emphasis is placed on the basic skills. Funding from the active P . & . C . Association and Mothers C lub together with Disadvantaged Schools Program grants have ensured that the School is particularly well equipped.

The School has a strong sporting tradition. In 1987 the Rugby League team reached the final of the State Knockout Competit ion.

W y o n g Publ ic School is proud of its long tradition and of its blend of the best of the old with the best of the most modern educational amenities and equipment.

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Yarramalong Public School arramalong Publ ic School is one of the oldest and

most historic schools i n the W y o n g Shire. It is situated i n the Yarramalong Val ley , 18kms west of Wyong .

The school was opened as a private one on 1st August, 1870, with an average weekly attendance of 15 pupils. However, i n October of that year, the Counc i l of Education agreed to fund the school at a rate of £36 per year.

O n Saturday, 2nd November , 1872, the original school was burnt to the ground. It was replaced by a slab structure with a shingled roof This bui ld ing however, appeared to have structural problems so a solid stone school bu i ld ing and teacher's residence was built in 1890 at a cost of £1133.16.0. These buildings are sti l l used as the main classroom and teacher's residence today.

In 1981, the T o m Harr i s M u s e u m was established at the

school. The bu i ld ing , wi th slab walls and bark roof, houses treasures from the Yarramalong Val ley 's past inc luding relics of the timber and dairying industries and household items from days gone by. The museum is of great interest to the locals and visit ing tourist and school groups.

D u r i n g the past ten years many trees and gardens have been established at the school. As a result of this natural bush setting, the school won The W y o n g Shire Garden Competit ion (School's Section) i n 1985.

In 1988, the school has an enrolment of 22 pupils. A l though it is a one teacher school, the Department of Education also employs a Supply Casual Teacher (6 hrs per week). Anc i l l a ry Staff (3 hrs per week). General Assistant (17 days per year) and a cleaner (6 hrs per week).

Yarramalong Publ i c School, wi th a r ich heritage of 118 years, is unique i n its blend of traditional and modern educational techniques.

The class of 1987. Teacher: Greg Frohlich

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A History of Central Coast Schools

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