Brigalow State School

A very dedicated group of parents with the education of their children at heart began negotiations to have a school provided at Brigalow. As a school had been built at Mulga, a few miles south of Brigalow, for the needs of the group settlement, and not enough numbers to warrant a school so close, the parents had a hard task convincing the Department it was necessary. However, as records show, the committee was able to establish the need for a school and in 1908 a Provisional School was provided at the home of Mr W F Beutel, with Miss Susan Quirk as first teacher. This arrangement was not satisfactory and the school closed in July, 1908.

A new building committee was formed, and with more families coming to the district, the establishment of a school at Brigalow became a necessity. The school was built on its present site of 5 acres and opened in 1910 with Miss Riose Ann Houston as teacher. The original building served the needs of the district for many years, but alterations had to be made in 1952 and again in 1957 and 1977 due to increased attendances and over crowding.

With the closing of all smaller schools in the district, Brigalow as established an Area School in 1962 , with the children from Noola, Wychie, belah, Mulga, Ehlma and Haystack Schools being transported to Brigalow by bus. The original building was built at a cost of 210 pounds ($420) and was also a venue for dances in the early days. Arbor Days and breaking-up picnics were a joy to the children, especially the older generations, as entertainment was on a very limited scale.

The schoolmaster’s residence was erected in 1958, thus relieving the committee the task of finding accommodation for the head teacher. Brigalow School celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1958, Diamond Jubilee in 1968 and its 75th Jubilee in 1983. With the aid of modern equipment and ideal surroundings, Brigalow School is a pleasant place to cope with the education of the district’s children.

Key Dates

• Feb 24, 1908 - Provisional School Established.
  Located in the home of the late W.F Beutel, the first teacher being Miss S. Quirk (later Mrs. Mackenzie).
  The original committee members were Mr W.F Beutel (Chairman), A. Hayden (Secretary), M. Merritt, H. Turner and A. Zellar.
• July 31,1908 - Provisional School closed due to lack of attendance.
  The township of Brigalow was then situated opposite the present school site. The population consisted of four railway employees and two settlers.
• May 30, 1910 - School reopened by the Government as a State School on the present site
• 1957
  Another room was added to make room for an increase in the number of children
• 1962
  Noola State School building (previously Yee-Am State School) was moved to Brigalow and connected to the existing building. Brigalow became an area school with buses bringing children from Wychie, Noola and Haystack distrcits.
• 1977 - The existing Library was built

   

• 1988 - Metal sports shed constructed
• 1989 - Principal's residence relocated to a more favorable position
• 1996 - Multipurpose court
• 1998 - Upgrade of Tennis courts
• 2000 - Remodelling of upper classrooms
• 2001 - Installation of air-conditioning
• 2003 - Rerouting of school driveway.