Page 213 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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MOUNT FINCH SCHOOL
STATE ARCHIVES FILE NO. - 5/16953-1

John Fernance, on 27th June 1884, sent a letter to the Council of
Education (in which he showed his address as McDonalds Flat, Laguna), seeking
the establishment of a 'Provisional School' at McDonalds Flat. With his
letter he included a petition signed by:-

John Fernance
Thomas Cagney
James Wright
Eliza M. Thompson.

He also advised in his application, that there was a strong, compact, three
roomed building available to be used as a school and teacher's residence.

The petition also showed the usual information as to possible pupil
numbers 1 relevant details etc., thus:-

POSSIBLE PUPILS DISTANCE FROM

PARENT FAMILY RELIGION BOYS GIRLS PROPOSED SCHOOL

Eliza M. Thompson Church of England 4 2 l mile

John Fernance Church of England 4 3 Nil

8 5 = 13 Pupils

Inspector W. Dwyer visited the area on 10th July 1884. He reported
to his superiors that he considered the total average number of pupils he
expected at Mount Finch School to be 14 children - nine (9) boys and five (5)
girls . He added that John Fernance was prepared to lease one (1) acre of
land on which stood a wooden building some twenty (20) feet by ten (10) feet .
This building was in fair condition and would accommodate twenty (20) pupils.
Inspi:ctor Dwyer recommended the establishment of a school at McDonalds Flat.

The Council of Education accepted the recommendation and agreed to