Page 98 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

105.

11 CESSNOCK EAST" SCHOOL

Evidently the Education Department saw some merit in their argument,
which was supported by the ever-growing need for more school accommodation
within the Cessnock area.

On 5th November 1926, in Governemnt Gazette No. 145, it was
announced that a school site in East Cessnock had been reserved. This was
an area of four (4) acres, one (1) rood, twenty three (23) perches, which
was part of Portion No. 211 and had been part of the old Travelling
Stock Reserve No. 9519.

Plans were prepared for a two storied brick school building.
These consisted of seven (7) classrooms, a hat room, two staff rooms
and an assembly hall. The tender of William Charles Kent and William
George Kent of 23 Waratah Street, Haberfield for £7,979.0.0 ($15,958.00)
was accepted. The final cost amounted to £8,213.8.0 ($16,426.80). On
8th December 1927, the following furniture was requisitioned:-

24 No. 3 dual desks and rear seats
24 No. 4 dual desks and rear seats
24 No. 5 dual desks and rear seats
24 Large infants dual desks
24 Small infants dual desks
24 Montessor tables
48 No. 6 chairs
10 othe!" chairs
3 tables.

The school was completed and ready for occupancy early in May 1926.

The new East Cessnock Public School was officially opened on
28th May 1928. Two hun~red and fifty six (256) pupils were enrolled on
the first day, one hundred and twenty four (124) boys and one hundred and
thirty two (132) girls. The first headmaster was Mr. Archibald Newman.

An active Parents & Citizens Association was formed immediately
and have at all times si~ce provided the needs and shortages of the school's