Yarrabin School

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School name: Yarrabin
Other name: -
County name: Wellington
Transferred:
URL for linking: https://nswgovschoolhistory.cese.nsw.gov.au/schoolHistory?schoolId=8796
Operating dates:
Type of school Opening date Closing date
Provisional School Feb 1933 Dec 1934
Public School Jan 1935 Dec 1950
Provisional School Jan 1952 Nov 1957
Public School Nov 1957 Nov 19631

1924

28 January 1924
FROM FULL TO HALF-TIME SCHOOLS.
Yarrabin (late Merrendee) and Mudgee River schools have been made half-time schools. Mr. L. Spence, who was teacher at the Mudgee River School, has taken charge of Mullamuddy, the school vacated by the retirement of Mr. J. H. Clifton, and Mr. K. Watt, son of Mr. W. A. Watt, of Gulgong. has been appointed teacher of the two half-time schools mentioned2 .

1927

17 October 1927
Bill of Budgee
The Merrendee School. FINAL CHAPTER.
Mr. B. Endacott, now of Yarrabin, and late of Merrendee, has come forth in defence of the Merrendee School, and as a side line to have a pot shot at Labor. To enlighten him as to where my information came from regarding the average attendance of this schooI I say it came from a person well up in the Education Department. I will, at any rate, have such pleasure in accepting Mr. Endacott's invitation to inspect the ? at the school, a copy of which I will leave at the office of this paper. The berating or whatever he christened it, that he gave me didn't berate, it misfired - a dud; and it sank in about as deep as a dog's teeth into the ribs of a tin hare. As to his diagnosis for the ? for nightmare, we will take it at its face value. He ought to advise his Nationalist friends to invest in a few hundredweight of ? instead of spending so much money on the hopeless task of trying to win the Mudgee seat. He also pays the honor to me of saying I may be getting paid to write. He need not lose any beauty sleep on that score. Labor does not have to stoop to that to win its seats.
Another complaint of his is that none or little money has been spent on schools during the past 2½ years. Well, perhaps he can explain what Messrs. C. and A. Kurtz and W. Orth have been doing during this period, as well as many assistants to these men at times. It is no use his saying nothing has been done in the face of what I have just stated. You must remember my friend, that the heads of the department are clever men, who look a bit ahead. Because a school has an attendance of 20 odd children it does not mean it warrants the expense of rebuilding or repairing it. A school may have an attendance of 20 now, but what in a few years time. Take our local school, for instance. During the past eight years the roll has been nearly 50, and what in another eight years. There is a school not so very far from here that had been closed for years. Labor found a teacher for it. You must know, Mr. Endacott, that the Department can't say, 'Oh! there's a school at such and such a place. See that it gets a teacher.' Facts must be considered.
As to the drift to the cities because people's children can't be civilised in the bush I think it would have been much better to face the matter squarely. The drift to the cities is because the drifters decide they can do better and have more comfort, and because the seasons experienced have proved too much for them in the fight for existence. I know what children I would choose; those of the cities and country as fair as civilisation goes, if Mr Endacott doesn't.
Re those living in glass houses not throwing stones, or something to that effect, I feel I must explain to my friend that not being any wise delicate I have no need for a hot house; and a hit on the 'napper'' with a 'gibber' hurts just as much whether the thrower lives in a glass house or a pee wit's nest.
Apologising to the 'Mudgee Guardian' for using so much valued space on a trivial matter, and not having any intentions of trespassing further on their good nature.
BILL. Budgee, 8/10/273 .

1928

28 May 1928
Yarrabin School. QUESTION OF REOPENING
MR. DUNN MOVES IN THE MATTER
Mr. W. F. Duun, M.L.A., is in receipt of the following communication from the Education Department: -
Dear Sir, with reference to the personal representations made by you on behalf of Mr. V. G. Denniss, of Yarrabin, via Mudgee, relative to his request for the reopening of the school formerly known as Merrendee Provisional, but latterly as Yarrabin Subsidised, I desire to inform you that the local Inspector of Schools has furnished a further report as a result of recent inquiry into educational requirements at Merrendee. The report discloses that only twelve children are available for enrolment, one of whom is fourteen years of age. Four of the twelve reside six miles from the school. Including five children five 5 years of age, two of whom are six miles distant, would make an enrolment of sixteen possible, but the fact that six of them have six miles to travel each way, discounts very materially the possibility of maintaining the required minimum average attendance of ten.
The Minister is sympathetic, but considers that some evidence should be shown that there is a reasonable hope of maintaining the average attendance. This could best be established by the acceptance of the Department's offer of teaching subsidy. Mr. Drummond has given directions that the case be reviewed at the end of September next, when if conditions are favorable, the appointment of a Departmental teacher will be considered4 .

20 August 1928
Miss E. Dreuchsler leaves Pyramul School to take up duties at Yarrabin School5 .

26 November 1928
YARRABIN SCHOOL
The Department of Education, under date 22/11/28, has notified Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., that the question of converting the Yarrabin subsidised school to a provisional' school has been again under consideration. Enquiries which have been prosecuted by the local inspector of schools disclose that the residents are satisfied with the present teacher of the subsidised school and are reluctant to terminate her services. In these circumstances the Department considers that it is not advisable to convert the school to a provisional school at this juncture6 .

1929

14 January 1929
YARRABIN SCHOOL
Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A. has been advised under date 10:1:20 by the advised under date 10-1-29 by the Drummond, M.L.A., as follows:
In response to your personal representations on behalf of Mr. V. G. Dennis, of Yarrabin, relative to renovating the school building at that centre, I shall investigate the issue raised, and you will be further advised immediately my inquiries are completed7 .

28 January 1929
YARRABIN SCHOOL
Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., has been notified by the Minister for Education, under date 18/1/29 as follows:
"In response to your personal representations on behalf of Messrs. R. Endacott, A. Gosper and V. Denniss, of Yarrabin, relative to the subsidised school at that centre, I desire to inform you that the question of converting this school into a provisional school had been given consideration previously but, owing to the small enrolment, the request was declined. In view of the statement of Mr. Endacott and other promoters that they are more than satisfied with the present teacher it is not proposed to make any alteration and payment of subsidy towards her ? will be continued.8 "

9 May 1929
YARRABIN BCHOOL
Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., has received, under date 3/5/29, the following notification from the Minister for Education: 'In regard to the assistance towards carrying out repairs to the Yarrabin Subsidised School, I desire to inform you that payment of subsidy, when the school is to be conducted in a departmental building, is only approved on the understanding that the parents, in consideration of the use of the building will keep it in a state of good repair. It is therefore regretted that assistance in this respect cannot be granted.9 '

1932

22 August 1932
TEACHER REQUIRED
A SUBSIDISED school teacher is wanted for the Yarrabin school, and applications should be lodged with A. R. Gosper not later than September 210 .

6 October 1932
VALEDICTORY AND PRESENTATION
YARRABIN FAREWELL
The farewell and presentation to Miss E. Drechsler, who has relinquished charge of the Yarrabin subsidised school, took place in 'Glencoe' shed on the night of September 24th. The event had been set down for the 17th, but, through heavy rain and floods, it was postponed till the 24th, when bad luck again came with another downpour and an increased rise in the rivers, which prevented the large crowd that intended coming putting in an appearance. However, all those able to attend did so, and demonstrated the feeling of fellowship they had to their departing friend and citizen. The shed had been prepared and artistically decorated by Mesdames E. Ryan, C. Crowson, and Miss Heather Endacott, with the aid of some of the gentlemen.
A surprise awaited the guest on entering the hall, as her pupils, gowned in white and holding wands, formed a guard of honor. Here the company standing, sang 'For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.' At the conclusion of the singing two of her smallest pupils, Patsy Keech and Neal Ryan, each presented her with a basket of flowers. On each or these tiny mites she bestowed a kiss. Dancing now continued to the delightful music of Mr. A. Endacott.
At midnight, before refreshments were served, the presentation was made. Mr. Les Keech occupied the chair, and, in a few well chosen words, introduced Miss Drechsler, and then called on Mr. John Endacott to make the presentation. (Cheers). On rising Mr. Endacott was greeted with cheers. Speaking on behalf of himself and those present, he said that while it gave them great pleasure to be gathered together to bid respects and farewell to their departing friend, at the same time it brought with it a feeling of sadness, for they knew they were not only losing a capable teacher, as she had proved herself, but also a very dear friend and citizen. She had been in the locality a little over four years, and, during that time, she had made herself most popular with young and old. No function had been held that she had not assisted willingly. He also mentioned the fact of the dilapidated state the school was in when she took charge, and how to-day, as a result of her untiring efforts in organising sports and dances, the sum of £40 had been raised, which had been expended on repairs. Now the building had an appearance of neatness which reflected great credit on the efforts of Miss Drechsler and also on the young amateur carpenter, Mr. Keith Endacott, who did the repair work. The speaker also mentioned the guest's domestic life as she had been in the 'Glencoe' home the whole of the four years and, during that time, she had been most cheerful, helpful and sympathetic. Speaking for himself, he could say she would be greatly missed out of the home. He then asked Miss Drechsler to accept a small present in the form of a roll of notes from her pupils and friends of the village and district. The present carried with it the good wishes of all for a happy and prosperous future.
Other speakers were Messrs. V. Denniss and C. Williams, who endorsed the previous speaker's remarks and wished her the best of luck in the future. Mr. Norman Endacott, spoke on behalf of the bachelors, and thanked the guest for the willing assistance she had always rendered them whenever they had held a social. He hoped the future would be a bright one for her.
Mrs. Roy Endacott also spoke. She said that the departing guest had been in their house for four years and she looked upon her as a daughter, and as such she had always been. It would be like losing one of her own when Miss Drechsler was gone. The speaker also mentioned the guest's capabilities as a teacher, and her popularity, and wished her every happiness and success in the future.
Miss Drechsler, on rising to respond, was heartily cheered. She said she found it hard to find words, to express her thanks, both for the lovely present and the very kind remarks that had been made about her. She was sure she did not deserve either. Whatever she had done had always been a pleasure, and wherever she was she would always think of the happy times she had had in their midst. Should any of those friends be near her home, she would expect them to call, as there would always be a hearty welcome for them. The evening concluded with the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne.'
During the evening songs were rendered by Mrs. D. Endacott, Miss, H. Endacott, Messrs. John Endacott, and C. Crowson. A recitation was given by Miss Drechsler.
Despite the adverse weather conditions a very enjoyable and happy time was spent, which closed with the sunlight streaming in the hall at 7 a.m11 .

1934

17 January 1934
Holiday in Canoes
Athol Lees, a teacher at Yarrabin, and Randall Dunbar, a teacher at Temora, both old boys of the Dubbo High School, spent an unusual holiday, paddling their canoes from Dubbo to Narromine along the Macquarie River12 .

27 December 1934
YARRABIN PICNIC
Breaking-up Function
YARRABIN public school children's picnic was held on Saturday, December 15, and, under the capable management of Mr. A. Lees (the teacher) and a few willing assistants, all the events, which were very numerous and amusing, were carried out to the letter. It was freely remarked all over the ground that this was the best picnic ever witnessed there. This reflects great credit to the management.
At midday under the shade of a large bush booth kindly built by Messrs A. Williams and G. Seaton, the table cloths were spread and decorated with an abundance of choice food prepared by the good mothers of the surrounding district. The children were seated and served first and when they were all satisfied the large crowd (amongst whom several visitors from adjoining districts could be noticed) were seated and enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
It was very pleasing to see Mr. D. H. Spring, M.L.A., at the gathering and to note he still retains the same old happy way of playing his part. He had the pleasure of presenting all the school children with their prizes. This was no small undertaking. Five shillings presented by the teachers for the girl receiving the highest marks went to Agnes A. Gosper, who gained her primary final and also passed for entry to the high school. Five shillings presented by the teacher for the boy receiving the highest marks went to Rex. Wilson, who gained his primary final. Then Mr. Spring presented 5/- to Harold Dennis, who also succeeded in his primary final test. All the school children were given a picnic prize each to the value of 5/-.
At the conclusion of the presentation Mr. Spring, in a short speech, gave the children some kindly advice for their future.
Among the events decided were the following: Married men's race, N. Endacott; single men's race, P. Gosper; married women's race, Mrs. F. Goninan; single women's race, Miss D. McGrath; married man and wife race, R. Gosper and G. Nicholson, dead heat.
Since the appointment of Mr. Lees, Yarrabin school has taken a decided step forward by the enrolment of 30 children. The renovations and improvements to the school and outbuildings, just completed, and above all, the record of three passes, must be very gratifying to those parents who fought so determinedly for their rights to better education for their children13 .

1935

31 January 1935
NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL
THE Government Gazette notifies that it is proposed to establish a public school at Yarrabin in place of the existing provisional school14 .

1937

4 October 1937
YARRABIN SCHOOL Remodelling Idea
MR. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., has received the following letter from the Director of Education:-
'I refer to your personal representations in regard to the need for remodelling the public school building at Yarrabin, via Mudgee, with a view to improved lighting and ventilation.
'I am desired by the Hon. D. H. Drummond, M.L.A., Minister for Education, to advise that the undertaking which he has now authorised will be implemented by the departmental painting and repair stall as soon as practicable.15 '

1938

12 January 1938
SCHOOL TEACHERS COUNTY APPOINTMENTS
Mr R Perry, Erina to Yarrabin16 .

1942

23 November 1942
Yarrabin School Repairs
The Hon. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., has received the following letter from the Minister for Education: 'Dear Captain Dunn, - I have had under notice your personal representations regarding essential repairs required to the school premises at Yarrabin, near Mudgee. You will be pleased to know that this work will be carried out by the Departmental painting and repair staff as soon as its resources will permit.17 '

1945

11 January 1945
YARRABIN BREAK-UP
War Comforts Benefit
The school children of Yarrabin held a very enjoyable function at the school on December 14, in aid of the Yarrabin War Comforts Fund, when the very good sum of £13/6/4 was made. Nona Gosper and Lerline Endacott each conducted a stall, which brought in the sum of £8. A concert, arranged by the teacher (Miss Cleary) and the children was very much enjoyed. The programme was as follows: "My Country," Nona Gosper and Lerline Endacott as Red Cross Nurses, the senior boys, Lester Goninan ( A.I.F.), Clive Endacott (Navy), Ronnie Endacott (R.A.A.F.); "Advance Australia Fair," pupils; "The Ant and the Cricket," junior boys; "Keep the Home Fires Burning," pupils; "Slave's Dream"; "Mary," pupils; poem, "My Little Black Horse"; "Eyre and Wylie," Lester Goninan, Clive and Ron Endacott; song, "Marines' Hymn," pupils; scenes from "Midsummer Night's Dream," Mona Gosper (Queen), Lerline Endacott (King), little Margaret Endacott (Fairy), Lester Goninan (the Ass); "Jingle Bells" and "God Save the King."
A dainty afternoon tea was served by the pupils. Afterwards a sojourn was made to the play round, where games were played and school prizes were handed to each pupil.
Much credit is due to Miss Cleary and Mr. F. Underdown of Sydney.
Three cheers were given the popular teacher, which brought to a close a very enjoyable function18 .

14 June 1945
The Yarrabin School teacher has not yet returned to her duties since the holidays owing to illness19 .

10 September 1945
Teacher for Yarrabin
The Hon. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., has received the following letter from the Minister for Education: - Dear Captain Dunn,
In response to your personal representations on behalf of Mr. F. J. Goninan, Winona, Yarrabin, via Mudgee, relative to the provision school, I have pleasure in advising that a teacher has been appointed to take up duty at this school after the ensuing vacation, which commenced on 24th August20 .

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