Page 229 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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MOUNT WILLS SCHOOL

As in many other 'grape-growing' areas of the Hunter, the vintage
time found that the pupils did not attend school because the services
of the children were required by their parents. The period was usually
in February or March, depending on the state of the grapes. This was
the case at Mount Wills School during 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877 and 1878.

Mr . G.F. McDonald, Member of the Mount Wills local School Board,
died in August 1879. He was replaced by James Gregory Griffen, a local
farmer.

For some reason not found up till this stage, the Wesleyan Methodist
Church Committee advised the Department of Public Instruction that it
was going to apply rent at the rate of £10.0.0. ($20.00) per year from
13th June 1881. The Department agreed to the new condition and advised
that it would do so until the new school at Rothbury was completed.

On 21st November 1881, Miss Agnes O'Neill of Chilcott Plains
succeeded Miss Ellen M. Kenny as teacher.

The new Rothbury School opened on 1st February 1883 and the
pupils from Mount Wills were transferred to the new school. All furniture
and materials were also transferred from Mount Wills.

Teac~ers-in-Charge at Mount Wills School have been:- .

Lawrence Kenny 28th August 1868
Ellen M. Kenny 1st October 1872
Agnes O'Neill 21st November 1881

Till the school closed on 31st January 1883.