Page 326 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

357.

SAWYERS GULLY SCHOOL

Heddon School was raised to the status of a 'Public School'. On 1st
December 1904, Heddon School reverted to its original title of Sawyers
Gully School.

Possibly due to this short term change of name, records probably
small in volume, appear to have been misplaced. No details are shown where
a classroom was erected. However, a house at Sawyers Gully, on "Mick" Frame
Drive, owned by William Bowden, is said to have been the first classroom and
was shifted to this location following the construction of a larger school
house in 1913.

An assistant teacher was appointed in 1911, when the school enrolments
reached a total of sixty one (61) pupils.

With a continuing steady enrJlment growth, the Department of Public
Instruction decided to build a new schcol and residence. The Department had
previously purchased, on 3rd October 1900, two (2) acres of land being Portion
11, Parish of Hedden and it decided to utilise this area. It arranged with
the Public Works Department to have built a two classroom school house and
a verandah, together with a teacher's residence of four (4) rooms and a
kitchen.

The construction was made by the day labour staff. · The buildings
were completed on 18th November 1913. Total costs for the construction of
both the school and residence were estimated as costing £600.0.0 (~1,200.00).
A weathershed estimated to have cost £52.9.0 ($104.90) was completed by
Departmental staff on 28th October 1924.

Repairs to the school and renewing the playground fences were
completed by the Departmental works staff on 12th June 1940. Costs were
assessed at £256.0.0 ($512.00). Bush ~irds nesting in the schoo+ house
became such a nuisance that on 30th Ncte~be'." 1943, the Department was required
to take steps to dete'." them. Material and labour were valued at £13.15.0
($27.50).