Page 233 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

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MU L B R I N G S C H 0 0 L

Rev. Tuckfield, Wesleyan Methodist Minister from Maitland, on 21st
September 1854, wrote to the National School Board drawing its attention to
the fact that the school had been closed for several weeks and urgently required
the appointment of a teacher. However, it was not until 25th May 1855, that
the Department of Public Instruction appointed Joseph Taylor to the Sugarloaf
School. Taylor wrote to Sugarloaf local School Board requesting a dray to
meet him at East Maitland to convey his belongings to take up his appointment.
When the school re-opened on 2nd June 1855, there were twenty one (21) boys
and twenty eight (28) girls enrolled.

School examinations were made by the Department of Public Instruction
Inspectors on 9th August 1858, 27th October 1859, 21st November 1860 and 11th
November 1861. All reports made reference to the unpunctual .and irregular
attendances of the pupils. Whilst Teacher W. Steadman was noted as being
earnest and patient, the Inspector thought that the Teacher required more
vivacity and spirit to raise the proficiency of his pupils from fair to
moderate. In his examination visit in 1861, the Inspector had recorded that
the school ground was properly enclosed but that the schoolhouse was only in
fair condition and required some repairs.

Inspector W. Dwyer on his exa~ination visit on 29th August 1869,
reported that Sugarloaf School had a ne•,1 slab building which was suitable,
sufficient and organized. He noted too that the playground was deficient
in shade during his 12th August 1870 visit, but the Inspector's comment on
the school was that it was "Good of its kind".

On 11th May 1871, Inspector J.D. Bradley made his official exami-
nation visit to Sugarloaf School. In his report he records that a new floor ed
verandah improved the appearance of the school and gave shelter from both sun
and rain. Inspector Bradley considered that the prescribed subjects were
being taught in an earnest manner and with fair merit. He considered that
the forty four (44) pupils - twenty two (22) boys and twenty two (22) girls -
were moderate. in proficiency and that discipline was reasonable.

Teacher John Dwye r was ab s ent from Sugarloaf School for three (3)