This month, Ian explores school life and how it was really a centre for the community and a labour of love for the parents of the day. Click through the link below to read more and hear how the students of the day outsmarted their mum’s – some things never change!

The school was built by the residents and hewn from hardwood trees split into slabs for the walls and shingles for the roof. It was erected on high ground, well drained, but had rather a rough playground.

The South Branch of the Orara was quite close and an ideal swimming pool ready-made was available within a hundred yards from the school. There many of the children were taught to swim.

The Recreation Reserve was available for sport.

Organisations similar to the Parents and Citizens Associations always existed at Upper Orara and the residents were always ready to attend meetings and help the teacher in keeping the school grounds in order. The welfare of the pupils was not at any time neglected.

>>> Upper Orara Public School <<<