SCHOOL HISTORY
Did You Know?
The first school at Chatsworth Island was built in 1868 about 2 km south of our present school. It cost 398 pounds to build the school and a house for the teacher. The first teacher was Mr Albert Gale.
There were 32 kids at Chatty school in 1868 and by 1871 enrolment grew to 77. The teacher used to row around the river and pick up the students and bring them to school. By 1876 there were 107 students at the school and 41 of these students came to school by boat!
In 1885 the present school was built and could accommodate 150 students.
Some interesting facts we discovered about our school are:
- In 1885 the school was struck by lightning and some students received a severe shock whilst in the classroom.
- Lots of kids were sent home in the early years because they didn't wear shoes.
- The school had its own swimming baths in the early 1900's.
- There was also a school fife and drum band.
- We researched the punishment book from the early 1900's and students used to get the cane for: talking in class, ‘ filthy ‘ book work, ‘rowdyism' in class, ‘filthy' abuse of the teacher, sulking and lots of other weird stuff!
school history (docx 380 KB)
Fields of Fire (docx 424 KB)
