School History

Putney is an area rich in history. The discovery of the Kissing Point area started not long after the establishment of the base at Sydney Cove in 1788. At this time the area was mainly large estates used for rural purposes. By the end of the nineteenth century however the large estates dwindled and the people who lived and worked in the area were small landholders. Dairies and orchards were regular features of the landscape. The river was used mainly as an artery of communication to the city and also for recreation.

During the nineteenth century and well into the twentieth century, the Department of Education ( or Public Instruction as it was then called ) expected local residents to get together and decide whether or not it was time they had a school of their own. This process involved the filling out of application forms, with local parents guaranteeing the attendance of their children. An inspector would check the number of children and the distance to other schools, and if necessary select a site.

An application for the establishment of a Public School at Putney was made by the local Progress Association in May 1915. With Tennyson residents also applying for a school in their area, it was seen that the population in these two adjacent localities was growing and that a suitable site should be acquired.

Four possible sites were analysed, with the present day site of Putney school best filling the brief. It had to be about half way between Ryde and Gladesville Public Schools and accessible to all residents with a public road. The land consisted of two acres and was owned by Intercolonial Land and Investment Company. The land was purchased at an acceptable sum of 810 pounds.

In 1919 the Putney Progress Association wrote again to the Minister to plead their case for a local school. Both Ryde and Gladesville Schools were overcrowded and the local Private Infants School was closed. In June 1920, plans were eventually drawn up. In 1921 the statistical officer gave the following description of the new school:

The building is of one storey, containing accommodation for 245 pupils. There are 6 classrooms - 5 will be occupied as such, the sixth is divided by partition to form the Head Teacher’s room and a Staff Room. An 18 ft. wide Assembly veranda extends to the full length of the building at the rear, adjacent to which are a hat room and two separate lavatory blocks. Adequate lighting, heating and ventilation have been provided for. ( Putney School Archives )

On the 31st of October 1921 Mr Harold J. Moore wrote officially to W. Cornish, Esq, at the Department of Public Instruction to notify him that the school was open. At this time there were 126 pupils enrolled. Harold J Moore was the temporary Headmaster, assisted by Gladys Caldwell and Marguerite Gilmour.