Page 161 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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KE ARS L E Y S CH0 0 L

visits, conducted the balance of his class under a
shady tree. The new colliery of Elrington, shortly
to be opened by B.H.P. Collieries could be expected
to add to school enrolment numbers".

Inspector James recommended that two additional classrooms should
be constructed. Further, he suggested that Mr. R. Atkinson's hall be
rented as temporary accommodation as it was situated only about 200 yards
from the school. Mr. Atkinson was the Secretary of the Kearsley Progress
Association and was prepared to hire his hall out at Twelve (12) shillings
($1.20) per week.

The Education Department accepted the recommendations. Mr.
Atkinson's hall was leased and tenders called for the construction of
additions to the Kearsley School. Tpe Government Architect had estimated
that his plans for the additions of two more classrooms would cost
£1,033. 0.0. ($2,066.00). Two tenders were received, one for £1,038.12. 6.
($2,077.26) and that from the successful contractors for £897 . 0.0.
($1,794.00). They were Messrs. Dowling and Rawlings of Wollombi Road,
Cessnock. The work was authorised by Contract No. 3119 with the additions
being completed and ready for occupancy on 23rd August 1924.

At the end of the 1924 school year, the then Headmaster, Mr.
William Gray, advised the Education Department that he, with the assistance
of the sixth class pupils, had cleared the balance of the school ground to
make a larger playground.

On 1st April 1926, when the school enrolments had reached 170
pupils, Headmaster William Gray sought the appointment of an additional
teacher assistant. The Education Department agreed, and made an appointment.

Electricity had been connected to the school on 3rd July 1928.

The children of three families, Rhone, Howe and Clayton, who lived
between Kearsley and Neath, had been given permission by a teacher, that