Historical information
In 1860 Smeaton residents appealed for funds to establish a school. Patrick Curtain, and his co-workers raised more than £150 plus a land grant (Allot A, Sect 2, Township of Smeaton). Head Teacher John Forbes, with assistant Zillah North, opened a timber school building which measured 36ftx18ft (11.0x5.5m) on 1 September 1861 with 44 children. Rising enrolment to 65 in 1868 made building alterations necessary. During 1870-1 a residence of four rooms was supplied and in October 1882 a 20ftx18ft (6.1x5.5m) classroom. In 1907 a new brick building accommodated 122 children. Among notable ex-pupils are Major-General Bridgeford, Frank Wright ( Musical Director of the London County Council), Alex Wright, (AKA singer Andre Navarre), and Les Brooks.
(Visions and Realisations)
In 2013 it was announced that Smeaton Primary School would close. The Hepburn advocate reported: "A Department of Education spokesman has confirmed the Smeaton Primary School council recently voted unanimously to recommend the school close at the end of the year.
The school currently has 12 students with enrollments dwindling during the past few years and no prep students to its boost numbers or its future.
The school’s imminent closure comes as the Smeaton community gears up for the town’s 175th anniversary which will be celebrated later this year.
School council member Kristi Pedretti said it had not been a decision made lightly.
“There are 12 students – only one in grade 6, about eight in grade 5, two in grade 3, and one in grade 1 – and there’s only one girl in the school,” she said.
“So it was a combination of everything – having that big group through in grade 5, but no preps coming through, and only one girl.
“It’s hard for parents to see a future in the school.”
Ms Pedretti has a son in grade 6, Jack, and is herself a former Smeaton Primary School student."
Physical description
.1) Red brick building
.2) Smeaton Primary School logo
.3) Smeaton Primary School Bell
.4) Smeaton Primary School pakyground, including concrete cricket pitch.
