History
Agitation for a non denominational school began in 1876 led by a group of local businessmen and as a result plans were completed in January 1877 and forwarded to The Council of Education. With some slight alterations the new plans were approved and provided for the accommodation of 258 pupils in two departments.
The primary department was to contain two rooms 46ft by 22ft and 22ft by 14ft. The infants department was one room 38ft by 20ft. An Inspector's room was also attached. Included in the plans was a residence consisting of four rooms plus a kitchen and servant's room.
In April 1878 an area of two acres, two roods 24 perches was granted by the Government. The new school buildings were erected by a local builder, Mr Robert Beverly, at a cost of £4,895. The school opened in January 1879 under the charge of Mr James Brierly assisted by Miss Emma Day as the infants' mistress. By February 1879 the average attendance was 50.
Two weather sheds were erected in 1881 and in 1882 an additional area of land was acquired measuring three acres fifteen perches located between the school and the river.
In 1890 some two roods were given up for the purposes of the new tramway.
The residence had a bathroom and washhouse added in 1895.
Sometime between 1901 and 1904 the school was reclassified as a Superior Public School and was further reclassified as a District School in September 1906. Two new classrooms were added in 1908 and in 1909 an Evening Public School was established. By 1939 school numbers had reached 300 necessitating the installation of two portable classrooms.
In 1942 the Yass District School was renamed the Yass Intermediate High School and in 1961, when the new Yass High School was opened, it became the Yass Public School.
In 2004 Yass Public School celebrated its Quartocentenary; 125 years of Caring Sharing and Shaping the Future
In 2007 Yass Public School won the NSW Department of Education and Training Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
List of teachers
Name |
Date Appointed |
James Brierly |
03/01/1879 |
William Johnson |
30/06/1893 |
Philip Wayne |
20/07/1897 |
Ebenezer Dash |
09/10/1906 |
John Hopman |
08/01/1910 |
John Hedberg |
01/11/1912 |
HG Stoyles |
05/09/1913 |
Charles McCoy |
12/01/1915 |
Amos Lee |
17/01/1917 |
Ellrington Lewis |
08/01/1918 |
Stanley O'Conor |
21/05/1921 |
James Brigden |
03/02/1925 |
Stanley Dixon |
13/12/1929 |
Mark McGrath |
03/12/1931 |
William Corrigan |
30/11/1934 |
Ross Thomas |
10/12/1937 |
Norman Ferguson |
27/11/1940 |
Arvon Williams |
13/12/1944 |
Gordon Brown |
03/02/1948 |
Irvine Perrett |
30/01/1951 |
Clarence Moye |
27/01/1953 |
Alan White |
28/01/1958 |
Reginald Bailey |
01/01/1961 |
Herbert Holland |
28/01/1964 |
Information courtesy Yass &District Historical Society Incorporated.