1867

The original Fyansford Carmon School was opened in a building provided by the Church of England, rent free. It was 33 feet by 28 feet, with walls of currugated iron and stone. The roof was also corrugated iron and the ceiling and internal walls were lined with calico and paper. Robert Kilpatrick, formerly of the Orphanage School (No. 478) was the first headmaster and was supported by a local committee of nine men. There was no teachers residence. Attendance at the school fluctuated but there was an average of 77 pupils in 1867. The furniture comprised of 6 desks, 7 new maps, some forms, books, reading tablets and some slates.

 

1873

The building was in an extremely poor condition so the committee set to work to build a new school. A new site of 5 acres was purchased in November, 1873. Tenders were called for the erection of a bluestone building with a shingle roof. The successful bid was offered by J. Pile & Sons for £599.4.0.

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1875

The new school building was first used in June, even though it was not completely finished. Frederick Hobbs was its first headmaster, with Mathilda Hobbs and Martha Hopton to assist with 82 pupils enrolled and an average attendance of 38.  A robbery at the school prompted the building of a school residence. From five tenders, H. Low was successful. For the sum of £202, he built a 4-roomed wooden building with a shingle roof. Rent was £15 per annum.

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1876

On 1.1.1876, the school became S.S. 1691 and No. 913 was struck off the roll. Later in that same year attendance was greatly reduced due to fear resulting from 2 deaths from scarlet fever. The school was fenced for £40 because of "the nocturnal perambulations of cattle" which such a nuisance.

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1880

A shelter shed was erected for the children’s comfort.

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1927

The school was selected as the rural training school for Geelong & District Schools. Within 6 years over 100 young teachers had completed a fortnight's training in rural school management.

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1935

Various teachers over the years had encouraged pupils interest in growing plants. As early as 1905, the children won all the prizes for School Gardens and the aggregate at the Geelong Flower Show. This was consistent over the earlier years for records from 1935 showed the gaining of two more cups for the Best Garden.

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1949

The shelter shed that is standing in the grounds today was constructed.

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1950

With the commencement of the Geelong Teachers College, Fyansford was retained as a rural training school under the leadership of Mr. W. S. Coomber until 1975. The headteacher, Miss Janet Hayes, had received notice that Deakin University proposes to recognise using the school for teacher training.

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1959

Playground equipment has been added to and improved until today the pupils have a wide selection to choose from. The tubular steel junior slide, climbing tower and gymnastic combination were installed to replace older outdoor equipment. The 1949 shelter shed is still in use. A fitness track was designed and constructed by the community and parents in 1978 and 1983 welcomed the installation of a wooden fort tower and gymnastic combination were installed to replace older outdoor equipment. 

The open fires that had been so common in country Primary Schools prior to the 50's were abandoned in favour of gas and kerosene. However, this year the Education Department banned kerosene as a form of heating and used gas exclusively.

 

1969

The residence was finally condemned and demolished. Very few headteachers had lived in the residence because of its small size, lack of conveniences and years of neglect, but they were required to pay the rent.

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1975

The Centenary, held in June 1975, was a huge success for all in attendance, thanks to an enthusiastic committee. The weather was conducive to the festive activities that took place both in the garden and the school house. Precious memories were revived as ex-pupils re-met and the younger generations of children gained valuable insight about their schools past.

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1976

The Ladies Club became the Mothers Club before amalgamating with the Mens Committee to form the present-day School Council. Parent involvement has contributed significantly to the pupils’ welfare over the ensuing years with subtle changes to the titles of the various committees. The aim of these various bodies has been consistent over time, that is, to assist the teacher/s in the education of pupils and the running of the school. Volunteers tend to help according to their personal experience and expertise,    e. g. bookkeeping, fundraising and practical involvement.

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1983

Those original gas heaters were upgraded.

 

1984

Today, the garden is attractive with a wide variety of trees for shade and spacious lawns for the children to pursue outside activities. With the valuable assistance of a local, Mr. Bill Kayler-Thomson, the vegetable garden was re-established and a wide variety of vegetables are being produced.

Today, the Fyansford School’s current enrollment has climbed to 14 after an all-time low of 11. Pupils are well provided for with excellent teaching and a wide variety of teaching aids. Parent involvement within the school hours aids their education in reading, cooking, gardening and other crafts. Since 1977, ALL grades have been to camp - at least once a year and last year (1983) co-joined with two other rural schools of similar size. Due to the camps success, the venture will be repeated this year at a different venue. Excursions, music and swimming programmes are also a regular part of the school's curriculum.

 

The extensive variety in the curriculum is due to 3 main reasons:

1).     The enthusiasm of the present teacher and parent involvement;

2).     Fyansford Primary School is part of the Bannockburn Cluster Group which shares specialist teachers, library facilities and                  equipment,

3).     The school receives extra funds from the Government because of the Disadvantage Grant

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1989

In September the school was selected to represent the Barwon South Western region in the curriculum innovation awards. It won the award in November.

 

1996

The school closed.      Source:       Department of Infrastructure, Victoria, 13 March 1997

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Primary Source:

Mrs Rita Busbridge, Sire of Bannockburn, Organisational histories 1988 (The Gugger Collection)

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