150 years: Drummond North State School

Learn about the history of Drummond North State School, one of Victoria’s oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
Malmsbury, 3446
Opened:
17 April 1868
Closed:
4 February 1948
School type:
Primary
School number:
937
Other names:
Drummond School, Drummond Common School, Drummond State School

The history of Drummond North State School

  • 1867

    James Morrison made an application for aid to establish a common school to the Common Schools Board.

  • 1868

    Originally known as Drummond, the school opened as a common school.

    The 11 acre site was donated by Josiah Patten.

    The first head teacher was Henri W. Menere. 

    The average attendance was around 40.

    The first School Committee consisted of Josiah Patten, Boswell Black, Cornelius O'Connor, George Pogue, Patrick Cuthbert, John Johnston and James Morrison.

  • 1874

    Head teacher, Capes, his wife and ten children, were moved to a school with a larger teacher’s residence.

    The department decided it was better to move the teacher than spend 137 pounds enlarging the residence.

  • 1900s

    The name of the school was changed from Drummond to Drummond North State School (No. 937) in 1908.

    The other school in the local area, Jim Crowe Road State School (No. 337), changed its name at the same time to Drummond State School (No. 1848).

    Drummond North was awarded First Class Certificate for the best school garden 1909-10.

  • 1930

    Part of the veranda of the teacher’s residence was enclosed to add additional sleep-outs.

  • 1940s

    The school was unstaffed in 1944, reopened in 1945 and finally closed in 1948.

    Front of the former Drummond North State School in 1976. Attached garage at the former Drummond North State School in 1976.

     

Can you help us find records for this school?

The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) only hold historical correspondence and building records for this closed school. If you have any, or if you know of any, please let us know by emailing 150years@education.vic.gov.au.

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