Historical information

Local farmers and business-owners who settled in Emerald after the initial gold rush period first petitioned for a school in the local area in 1876, with at least two petitions to the Education department lodged by 1877. Emerald School no. 2110 opened as a temporary 'half time' school (meaning that the single teacher split their time between two schools) in temporary facilities in January 1879 while a permanent location was selected. Lobbying by townspeople in 1899 identified the present location of Emerald School no. 3381, within the original township boundary near the football field. The original building constructed to house the school was described variously as 'the tin shed' and 'a hut with a chimney.' It opened in February 1901.

The buildings depicted in the photograph show a selection of school buildings and portable classrooms just before major construction works began in late 1977. Five existing portable classrooms were halved in size and moved to a different location before work on a brick wing containing classrooms, an arts and craft room and staff facilities began in early 1978. A 1915 classroom, which may be the building on the left of the image, was modified into administrative offices at the same time.

At the time of writing (2023) Emerald Primary School is the largest primary school in the area, with nearly 500 students.

Significance

The item is significant as it presents a view of Emerald Primary School (Township School no. 3381) in the late 1970s before extensive building works changed the appearance of the school. The tree depicted in the image, a mature Sequoia, or Californian Redwood, was destroyed to build an additional brick wing during these works. Additionally, it is possible that the building on the left-hand side of the image is one of two 1915 classrooms present on the site.

Physical description

Black and white rectangular photograph of the emerald Primary School printed on print media paper. The image depicts the exterior of Emerald Primary School, looking into the school grounds from the street, as it appeared in the late 1970s. In the foreground of the photograph is a gravel path and waist-height chain-link fence. Inside the fence to the left of the image is a large tree and to the right is a sign saying 'Emerald Primary School.' In the background of the photograph are two pale-coloured weatherboard school buildings, one of which has two brick chimneys.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse:
EMERALD /
PRIMARY SCHOOL /