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Uki School
 SCHOOL HISTORY
The first school in the Uki area was opened in 1895 at Rowlands Creek. Back in those days the school was conducted in a barn owned by Mr D.C. Marshall. Enrollment consisted of 6 boys and 5 girls. The Rowlands Creek School was operated as a half-time school sharing the time with Byangum School . Until 1899, Mr Peter Campbell was in charge.
During the year 1900, the school was closed as the school building was required for other purposes. For a short time, Mr Martin conducted the local school in a barn owned by the Sweetnams.
Following negotiations with the Department of Education in 1901, a new school was opened in Uki. The teacher, Mr Hill, remained in charge of this school until 1905. The school grew and prospered and was reclassified as a Fifth class Primary school with a new classroom and an assistant teacher, Miss Fisher being appointed. By 1911 two more classrooms were added and the original building was converted to a shelter shed for pupils to use during inclement weather.
In 1911, the school residence was built – in 1986 this building was sold to provide additional playground space.
During the early 1900’s, the village of Uki boasted a Butter Factory, a Timber Mill, a large General Store, Bank, Post Office, Hotel and many small businesses.
During 1919, the school was closed for some weeks as a severe influenza epidemic swept through the township. The school building was used as an auxiliary hospital to house local patients who were attended by a doctor from Murwillumbah.
From 1914 to 1924, the school had a Headmaster and two Assistant Teachers. However, when the Norco Butter Factory closed, the Sawmill ceased operation and many of the small businesses closed down. The population of Uki declined and the school once again became a one teacher school.
The establishment of free conveyance for school children led to increased enrolments as children were transported to Uki school from Commissioners Creek, Lower Doon Doon, Smiths Creek and Chowan Creek.
Although numbers remained fairly static for years, the Aquarius Festival in Nimbin in 1974 led to an upsurge in population throughout the region and in 1986 the school was reclassified to a Second Class Primary School {now called a PP4/3}.
In 1995, the school’s centenary garden was established out the front of the school.
At present the school enrolment was at around 202 students. |
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