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NIGALUP SCHOOL

In 1897 a school site was suggested by these families when they requested a school from the Education Department. They were; E. W. Steer, C. Jordan, R.R. Burridge, William Searle, Chas. E. Armstrong, W. P. Wray familes. Several sites were suggested but no action was taken.
In 1902 Inspector General offers old slates and books to help parents teaching their children.
In the same year, a father and son, both named Uriah Herbert purchased property named ‘Clear Hills’ which is about 10 km from Gnowangerup in South West WA.
Mrs. Hebert senior who was said to be a lady of ‘spirit and determination’ decided a more concerted move should be made for a school to be erected
 

 

A year later the following children were of school age; R. R. Burridge 5, Uriah Herbert 2, Uriah Herbert Jnr 4, W. P. Wray 3, G. Gaylor 1, W. Leslie 3 and T. Mcquire 2  - total 20.
Her only hope appeared to be an interview with a Member of Parliament.
Sometime probably in 1903 Mrs Herbert, never thwarted, set out in her spring cart for a trip of 120 kilometres to Katanning to see F.H. Piesse, MP.
Mrs Herbert was successful, and in 1904 the 5 acre site was surveyed, by December a sketch of the school building and teachers quarters was approved.William Sangster was contracted to erect the buildings for £250 ($500).
The desks and blackboards were sent in April 1905 and by the 23 of May the buildings were completed with around 18 children enrolled.
On 17th July 1905 the school officially opened - Mr James Armstrong was Head Teacher and the school was open to children within a three mile radius of the school.
These families attended:
SEARLE - Harry, Maud, Frank, Reginald
GILLESPIE - Reg
BURRIDGE - Jack, Sissy, Grace, Albert
HERBERT - Dudley, David, Hock
WRAY - William, David
ROBINSON - Harry
HOLLAND - Harry
RICHARDS - Leslie
WHYATT - Ambrose, Florence, Arthur
GAYLOR - Sis
DAVIS - Nellie
 

NIGALUP SCHOOL     1900c
 

1905          Teacher   ARMSTRONG Robert                    Head Teacher

The school opened on 17th July 1905. It was built about 21 miles past what is now Cockram's. Three or four sugar gums planted there at the time remain, but you would search in vain for the football and cricket pitch on which the carly settlers took their recreation.
At least one community picnic was held each year and it always finished with a dance and a concert in the school.

 

1906          Teacher   ARMSTRONG Robert                    Head Teacher

Nigalup Cricket Club asked to be able to use part of the school grounds for cricket. They will help clear it.

 

1907          Teacher   HELFFENSTEIN Victoria F.           Head Teacher on Supply

In 1907 the supervisor who visited noted that attendance was just 12; 14 listed students were away. In those days 10 was considered an age when boys would start farm work, often girls ceased their formal education around 12 years of age.
School dirty. Robert Armstrong transferred to Frankland River.
A shelter was needed, and at a cost of £55 pounds a 16 foot by 10 foot shed was erected.
Nigalup Districts Football Club asked to be able to clear ground for football.
The football field and the school site were fenced at the same time.

 

1908          Teacher   HELFFENSTEIN Victoria F.           Head Teacher on Supply

By 1908 the regular attendance had dropped, 11 children under the age of 14 were away.
There had been some damage to the school building - the front door and the school clock was missing.

 

NIGALUP SCHOOL     1908c

NIGALUP SCHOOL
CHILDRENS NAMES

1.  HARRY SEARLE
2.  HARRY ROBINSON
3.  MAUD SEARLE
4.  JACK BURRIDGE
5   MISS ELPHINSTEIN (Teacher)
6.  WILLIAM WRAY
7.  DAVID WRAy
8.  DUDLEY WRAY
9.  HARRY HOLLARD
10, ARTHUR WHYATT
12. Unknown
13. AMBROSE WHYATT
14. FLORENCE WHYATT
15. SISSY BURRIDGE
16. FRANK SEARLE
17. GRACE BURRIDGE
18. NELLIE DAVIS
19. ROY RICHARDS
20. SIS GAYLOR
21. ALBERT BURRIDGE
22. REGINAL SEARLE
23. DAVID HERBERT
24. HOCK HERBERT
 

 
 

1909          Teacher   RYAN Leo                                Head Teacher on Supply

 

1910          Teacher   RYAN Leo                                Head Teacher

 

1911          Teacher   RYAN Leo                                Head Teacher

School closed o the 31st March 1911 due to falling numbers.
Mr Leo Ryan, the teacher was moved to a half time position shared between Malyalling and Lake Yealering.

 

PLAQUE MAKING SITE OF NIGALUP SCHOOL   2008
 

 PLAQUE MAKING SITE OF NIGALUP SCHOOL     2008
 
An attempt was made to re open it in August of that year, however by June 1912 parents were notified that the school would only open if the teacher was paid a Department Subsidy of £7 per child per annum.
That compromise was not taken up.

Today there is nothing left to suggest a school ever existed in this quiet reserve, excepting for a commemorative plaque.

 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

 

References:                 Article:      Tim and Lorraine Wray, Margaret Walker née Herbert (dec) and the Battye Library Acces No. 1497
                                                 Research by Gordon Freegard

                                  Image:     

 


Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2023 - 2024