Page 365 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

396.

WOLLOMBI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Inspector W. Mcintyre made his annual examination of Wollombi National
School on 13th July 1858. In his report to his superiors the Inspector stated
that at his review, there had been thirty six (36) boys and twenty nine (29)
girls in attendance. Inspector Mcintyre described the building as substantial
but rather small in size; the classroom as well furnished; the pupils were
portrayed as clean, punctual and orderly, and their proficiency was above the
average and usual standards.

On 10th September 1858, the local Wollombi School Board wrote to the
State National Schools Board requesting the addition of another classroom
and for renovations to be made to the residence. Inspector Mcintyre recommended
making the L11 11 shaped building into a rectangular structure forty two (42) feet
by twenty nine (29) feet, by adding another bedroom, twelve (12) feet by twelve
(12) feet and a second classroom twelve (12) feet by eighteen (18) feet.
Further, the alterations to be of 'slab' weatherboards, the same height as the
existing building. The additions also to be shingle roofed. The Inspector
estimated the cost of the additions at £90.0.0. ($180.00) and advised the
local School Board that it had to raise one third of the cost. The successful
contractor was George Bridge of Wollombi, with his tender of £100.0.0. ($200.00).
The work was completed on 1st April 1859.

James Brooks, Chairman of the Wollombi local School Board, on 2nd
April 1867, wrote to the Council of Education seeking the transfer of the school
to higher ground. He pointed out that the building was in a poor state of
repair; that the woodwork looked very dilapidated and that the plaster was
falling. Mr. Brooks indicated in his letter that all this appearance and
condition was due to flood inundation. The school, residence and playground,
had repeatedly been under water. Floods had come in April, May, June and July
1861 and again in June, July and August 1864. The school had to be closed
for several lengthy periods. A flood in July 1866 had carried away the detached
kitchen. The local Board was also concerned about the nearness of the play-
ground to the deep creek.

Shortly after Mr. Brooks' request to the Council, Teacher Stephen
Smith reported on 30th April 1867, that a current flood had submerged the school