Page 132 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

139.

DAIRY ARM SCHOOL
STATE ARCHIVES FILE NO. - 5/15638-2

The State Archives records show very little detailed information
on the commencement of a school at Dairy Arm. It would appear that the
school started on a 'half-time' status with Wattagan Creek School, in
February 1870, with Sarah Lynch as the teacher. Some early Wattagan Creek
records show that the combined enrolment was thirty-nine (39) pupils. The
Dairy Arm School appears to have closed in June 1875 and remained closed
until May 1885.

On 27th April 188?, Inspector Thomas Dwyer of East Maitland,
made an investigation on behalf of the Department of Public Instruction
with a view to re-opening the Dairy Arm School. He found that there were
thirteen (13) children of school age and that there was a suitable building
available. This building was situated on two acres of land and was locally
known as the 'school house'. I~ would appear from the local name that this
was possibly the location of the 'half-time' school. Inspector Dywer
recommended that another 'half-time' school, shared with Mt. Finch, should
be re-opened. The Dairy Arm school house was leased from Mr. Christopher
Culley at a 'peppercorn' rental.

The school was re-opened in May 1885, with Margaret Kenny as teacher.
Mount Finch School was held in a house owned by John Fernance. In April 1887,
· Margaret Kenny was granted a 'horse forage' allowance.

An application was made on 14th May 1889, to raise the status of
Dairy Arm to a Provisional School. At first the Department of Public Instruction
considered the arrangement of a 'half-time' school to be the best solution.
However, when Inspector J. Maynard made an inspection early in June 1889, his
recommendation supported the application for increased status. R. Daly, a
local resident, on 15th June 1889, supplied three (3) new desks and forms at
a cost of £8.16.0 ($17.60). The old desks from Dairy Arm were sent to Mount
Finch School. Dairy Arm opened as a full-time Prcvisional School on 25th
. June 1889, apparently with Margaret Kenny as teacher.