Avoca Lead opened as a common school in 1865. The first head teacher was John R. Matthews and the average number of students was 30. There were 16 boys and 14 girls. Classes were held in a rented building.
The school became a state school about 1874. A new wooden schoolhouse was built in 1875 that was big enough for 60 children. The teacher’s three-roomed house was moved to the new school.
Avoca Lead operated part time with Avoca Creek State School (No. 1471) from 1 January 1889. It shared its only teacher with Avoca Creek and the teacher split their time between both schools.
The school closed in 1893.
Avoca Mail, Saturday 17 June 1865, page 2
The walls of the building known as the Avoca Lead Common School not being according to the regulations of the Board of Education in the matter of height, on Friday last, about thirty residents in the neighborhood met at the building, which is situated on the Maryborough-road, and under the skilful superintendence of Messrs Lambert and Chamberlain, lifted the building— which in 30 feet by 20— bodily up two feet. Great speculations were afloat that such would not be accomplished ; but everything passed off without the slightest accident, and the building as it now stands, is a neat and comfortable structure, and the good folks of the Maryborough road have every reason to be pleased that their exertions have been so far crowned with success. After the work was completed, the several storekeepers in the neighbourhood having kindly furnished the neidful, "Success to the School," and to those who volunteered their services, was drunk. The assemblage dispersed after giving three cheers for the Master of the School, Mr Matthews.
Avoca Mail, Saturday 12 August 1865, page 2
A public meeting was held in the Common School building Avoca Lead, on the evening of the 3rd instant, and was numerously attended by the inhabitants of the neighborhood. The Rev E. K. Yeatman was called to the chair, and opened the proceedings by stating that, owing to some malicious accusations having been forwarded to the Central Board of Education by some parties (well known, but unnecessary to name), the present meeting had been convened. The rev gentleman then called upon the parents present to state whether any grounds existed for complaints against the master or committee of the Common School. One and all expressed their entire satisfaction in the management and progress of their children ; and a numerously signed memorial is about being forwarded to the Central Board, expressive of their entire confidence in the management of the school. — Communicated.
Avoca Mail, Saturday 19 August 1865, page 3
To the Editor of the Avoca Mail.
Sir, In your issue of the 12th instant, there appeared a paragraph under the heading of "Local Intelligence," with respect to a public meeting that took place on the 3rd, at the building known as the Avoca Lead Common School, in which the writer states that "some malicious accusations having been forwarded to the Central Board of Education, by some parties (well known, but unnecessary to name)." Now, I wish to know why he, the said writer, did not publish the names of those he accuses. The fact is that he has not manhood sufficient, for he knows well that nothing has been said but the truth. But I can tell him, and his backers also, that I shall shortly publish the whole of their proceedings in connection with the Common School from the beginning up to the present time, for the information of all the subscribers, as well as the public, And I wish to ask those who were the most interested in the matter, what became of the proceeds of the "grand concert" in aid of the Common School building.
A SUBSCRIBER TO THE SCHOOL.
August 17, 1865.
Avoca Mail, Saturday 7 October 1865, page 2
We also observe in the same Gazette a notification to the effect that it is the intention of the Board of Education to grant aid to the School on the Avoca Lead, Roll No. 813.
Avoca Mail, Friday 6 November 1874, page 2
By an advertisement appearing in another column it will be seen that tenders are required for the erection of wooden schools at Natte Yallock and the Avoca Lead, and at Charlotte Plains. The plans for the Natte Yallock school, which we have seen, provide for a teacher's residence in connection with the school building, and the whole structure and fittings will look remarkably neat, as far as we can judge by the drawings. There are now three school buildings in course of erection in this neighborhood, viz., at Homebush, Lamplough and Number One Creek. In addition to these, tenders have been called for building schools at Moonambel, Natty Yallock and Avoca Lead, and a promise has been given to supply a teacher's residence at Percydale, contingent upon the inspector's report being favorable. When the above works have been completed, we believe the only pressing requirement in the district will be the much needed infants' school at Avoca, and the attention of the department has been directed to this matter for some time past. The results above stated will show that the greatest credit is due to the members of the North and South Riding School Boards and their indefatigable correspondent, Mr Henry Hall, for their active and untiring exertions to have the educational requirements of the district supplied. When the boards of advice were called into existence, less than two years ago, scarcely a district in the colony was in a worse condition than this as regards school accommodation, and it speaks volumes for the usefulness of the boards that so much has been done in the time. In these days, too, of eternal faultfinding with the Government, it should not be omitted to give due credit to the liberality and promptness displayed by the Education Department in supplying to so large an extent, in the face of many difficulties, the requirements of this and other parts of the colony.
- Victorian Schools Directory: Avoca lead state school (No. 813). (2026, March 26). Victorian Government. https://www.vic.gov.au/avoca-lead-state-school-number-813
Wikitree:
- Simpson John Richard Matthews (1836-1875)
- Randall Howe Lambert (abt.1835-1905)
- Edward Kelson Yeatman (1828-1902)
2 thoughts on “Avoca Lead school no 813”