Hyden School

Parent Place or Precinct

10929 Hyden Townsite

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a way of life no longer practiced and
demonstrates the evolution of the Hyden school and community associated with the school. It
demonstrates associations with early settlers of the district. The school continues to contribute to the
Hyden community.

Physical Description

The 1936 one roomed school is still insitu, it has been extensively renovated and
operates as the school resource centre. The 1955 building is a timber framed, fibro and weatherboard
clad building with a verandah along the northside.

History

The first school in Hyden was at the 'pavilion' hall which was the main
community venue in town at the time. Miss Lola Woolcott was the first teacher when the school opened in
May 1934. In 1936, the former South East Kondinin School building which was no longer in use, was
relocated to the existing school site.
During the war years, a branch of the Junior Red Cross was formed at the school. An influx of students
was experienced when some city families moved to the area to escape the perceived fear of Japanese
invasion. It was often difficult to maintain the required minimum number of eight students, and in 1946,
the school was threatened with closure, and transport to Karlgarin School. The school teacher called a
public meeting, a branch of the Parents and Citizens Association was formed and the school facilities
were improved by the committee, with a school camp at the end of 1946.
With post war revival, the Education Department expanded their education policies and aimed to make
school available to every child. The Hyden Rock Reservoir workers' families also provided a boost to the
school numbers in the late 1940s. The P & C lobbied for a bus for the northern sector, via the "Burma
Road". It commenced in 1949, run by B Collard, with the eastern route bus run soon after. In 1954, H
Cahill began a parent subsidised run in the north-east area, until it was an approved run a few years later.
With the introduction of bus transport, the student numbers at Hyden School increased, and it was soon
necessary to extend the school facilities. In 1950, another room, was added, and another teacher began
at the school.
Despite extensions to the two roomed school it was necessary to again extend the school facilities. In
1954, the school grounds were extended in an easterly direction to keep the townsite compact. On 21
September 1955, the Director of Education Mr Dettman, opened the new building.
The P & C had been active in purchasing a film projector, with subscriptions from the families. Public film
screenings were held monthly. A school band was instigated and the annual arbour day tree planting
introduced as well as regular school camps.
By 1959, the original school building was in danger of demolition when the P & C renovated the place,
financed by a wheat drive.
After many attempts to be included on the free milk run, Hyden received tinned evaporated milk supplies.
In 1963 Mrs Duns( next to the school) made up the milk, with the P&C supplying "Milo". Fresh milk was
delivered to the school in cartons from 1968 until the scheme discontinued in the 1970s.
In 1967 another classroom was added, and another teacher joined the staff at Hyden. That year,
swimming lessons commenced at Kondinin and the Mobile Dental clinic came to Hyden.
In 1968 the original classroom was being used when enrolments reached 113 students. Another
classroom was added in 1969 and opened by Mr Lewis the Minister for Education. The Preschool centre
opened in 1971, facilitating an easier entry into school for the young children.
The fourth bus run in the south east commenced in 1967. Kulin School became a Junior High School and
a bus run was organised from Karlgarin to Kulin.
In 1977 a demountable classroom was erected, and a fifth school teacher employed when the enrolments
reached 140 students. That year the Hyden and Districts Swimming Pool was constructed, and annual
swimming lessons began.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact/redeemable
Authenticity: medium degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.