Page 182 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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KURRI KURRI HIGH SCHOOL

Whilst some had predicted that the new Kurri High School would
be a failure, a kind of "White Elephant", the facts show that it had a
continued and strong growth. When the Kurri High School enrolment had
reached 700 pupils, the Education Department approved extensions on 20th
December 1962. Plans and specifications were prepared. These extensions
included:-

7 "B" type classrooms
2 Additional Laboratories
1 Music Room.
On 15th November 1964, the tender of £65,673.15. 9. ($131,347.59) was
accepted from Kurri contractors Reed and Smurthwaite. The extensions
were completed and occupied on 13th October 1965.

Still school pupil numbers continued to grow. The enrolment
during year 1969 totalled 828 pupils. Reed and Smurthwaite won a further
contract with a quote of £121,995.6.5. ($243,990.65) and this extension
was completed in 1970, and is called at the Kurri High School, the "North
Block". This particular extension included:-

A new classroom block
A double Art room
Senior Studies room and Administration
Offices.

The Library in the first high school constr~ction had been
named the "Muriel Cawley Library" in honour of a very loved and respected
teacher who had a very long stay as teacher at the Kurri Superior School
and later at the new High School. Muriel Cawley retired from teaching
in 1961 and died in Tom-JOomba in March 1984.

Most recent development at Kurri High School has been the con-
struction ~f ~ free standing Library. This building has been erected
by R.A. Wenham of 115 Griffiths Road, New Lambton. His quote had been
£151,500.0.0. ($303,000.00). This spacious and well appointed Library