Proclaimed as a town in 1902 and established during 1903 on the back of the coal mining industry, Kurri Kurri is a beautiful Hunter Valley town nestled on the edge of the Wattagan State Forest and vineyard country.
Kurri Kurri Public School: A Historical Overview
Early Years and Growth
Kurri Kurri Public School was established in 1904, initially comprising a three-classroom building. Under the leadership of Henry Brown, the school quickly gained popularity, attracting a growing number of students. To accommodate the increasing enrollment, additional classrooms were constructed and the school was designated a Superior Public School in November 1906.
Expansion and Adaptations
As the town of Kurri Kurri continued to expand, the school faced challenges in providing adequate facilities. To address this, Lewis Hall was rented for extra space, and a three-classroom addition was built in 1906. The school also established a separate infants department and a manual training facility.
Challenges and Resilience
The school's history was not without its challenges. The influenza epidemic of 1919 forced the closure of the school, which was temporarily used as an isolation hospital. Despite this setback, the school remained resilient and continued to serve the community.
Ongoing Growth and Development
Throughout its history, Kurri Kurri Public School has consistently adapted to the changing needs of the town. Additional classrooms, staff rooms, and specialized facilities were constructed to accommodate the growing student population. The school also played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for local residents, offering courses in domestic science and junior technical subjects.
Specific Dates and Events
- 4th May, 1903: Stanford Merthyr School opened with 221 pupils, more than half from Kurri Kurri.
- 4th May, 1903: Pelaw Main School opened with 228 children enrolled, including 91 from Kurri Kurri.
- 1904: Kurri Kurri Public School was established.
- 1st October, 1904: The school was officially opened by the Minister for Public Instruction, Hon. B. B. O'Connor.
- Week ending Friday, 7th October, 1904: The school opened with an enrollment of 345 pupils.
- October, 1904: Mary McLeod, Oliver Munday, and Estelle James were appointed to the school.
- June, 1905: The school outgrew its accommodation, and Lewis Hall was rented for extra space.
- 1906: A three-classroom addition to the school building was completed.
- November, 1906: Kurri Kurri was designated a Superior Public School.
- 8th April, 1907: Lewis Hall was rented once again.
- 1907: The school had a primary and infants department with classes being taught on the verandah and in the six classrooms.
- 28th April, 1908: The P&C held a luncheon in the new infants building, which was opened by local Member for Parliament, Matthew Charlton.
- 1911: John Broome took over as Headmaster, and a weather shed was built.
- 1911: The P&C Association supplied a turning lathe and fretwork machine for the manual training room.
- 1912: A Junior Technical Evening Continuation School was established in the two largest of the original classrooms.
- 1913: Superior Public Schools were reorganized, and Kurri Kurri operated with an attached secondary Junior Technical School and Home Science School.
- 1913: A double portable classroom was built, and the weather shed and corridor of the boys and girls department were used as classrooms.
- August, 1914: Another portable classroom was completed at the school.
- 1916: Albert Cooke was appointed Principal to Kurri Kurri.
- 22nd January, 1917: The girls department occupied the new building, with the boys remaining in the renovated old primary building.
- May, 1919: The influenza epidemic affected Kurri Kurri, and the school building was used as an isolation hospital.
- 1924: Further additions to the school were completed, and the Presbyterian School Hall was no longer required.
- 1925: Alfred Uren was appointed Headmaster.
- 1927: James Henry was the Headmaster of the school.
- January to July, 1928: Charles Hicks was Headmaster.
- July, 1928 to March, 1930: John Adam was Headmaster.
- 1928 and 1929: Major building work was carried out at the school.
- 1930: Walter Martin was Headmaster.
- 1932: Alexander Dundar was Headmaster.
- November, 1934: Alexander Robertson was appointed Headmaster.
- 1938: Arthur Jacobs succeeded Robertson as Headmaster.
- 1941: Alfred Shrubb was Headmaster.
- 1942: Part of the school was used by the National Emergency Services.
- 1943: Harry Peake was Headmaster.
- 1944 to 1947: Patrick Cunningham was Headmaster.
- 1948: William Bloomfield was Headmaster.
- 1948: A 9 acre 3 roods 39 perches site was dedicated for school purposes.
- 1952: Eric Lake was Headmaster.
- 1956: Kurri Kurri High School was opened.
- 1979: The school celebrated its 75th Anniversary.
- 2004: The school celebrated its 100th anniversary.
