Page 142 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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the Inspector stated:-

"The school is being carried on in temporary
premises. Order and cleanliness are moderately
good. The pupils have made fair progress since
the school was established. I have requested
Rev. C. Spencer to choose a suitable site for
a permanent school and residence".

On 16th October .1858, Rev. Charles Spencer, on behalf of the
Local School Board, wrote to the National Board of Education advising
that his local group had selected Lot No's. 23,24, 1 and 2, Section 3,
about two (2) acres in area and adjoining Dent and Undine Streets, as
the best site for the permanent school and residence. Further, that his
committee expected to have collected £80.0.0 to £100.0.0 ($160.00 to $200.00)
by Christmas.

The 1859 Annual Report by the Department of Public Instruction
shows under the heading "School Attendances" this entry:-

"Ellalong School - enrolment total 38 pupils
16 boys and 22 girls

Daily average attendance - 10 boys and 13 girls."

A notation adds:-

"School closed 1st April 1859
School re-opened 1St July 1859 •II

In the same 1859 Annual Report under a headipg entitled "Inspector's
Visits", this i tern appears: -

"Ellalong National School visited by Inspector
W. Mc Intyre on 9th August 1859. The school
building is in a good situation, but far too
small. Furniture was sufficient and suitable.
The pupils were clean and neat in dress, but
unpunctual and irregular in attendance. Their
attention was low and the teacher's instruction
fair."