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Proposals for a school at Sorell Creek - later known as Collinsvale - were first made in July 1874. In November of that year, 5 acres of Crown Land was reserved for this purpose in the parish of Glenorchy. In September, 1876 the architect Henry Hunter was asked to prepare plans and specifications for a school. The Reverend J. Mace, Church of England curate of Glenorchy, headed a group of people who at the time were keen to see the school built. By October, 1877 their hopes materialised, and on 26 November, 1877 the school opened its doors to the first of its pupils. Mr E. Braendstater had built the school and residence in only five months at a cost of 190 pounds ($380). The situation of teacher was
offered to Miss Christine Goerner at a salary of 30 pounds ($60) per annum;
which she accepted. In a letter dated 15 October, 1877, Miss Goerner was told
the following: Miss Goerner remained at Sorell Creek until the end of 1878 when she was replaced by Mr. R. McVilly, who was assisted by his wife from 1879. They remained at the school until 1884. It seems that delays in repairs to the school troubled early principals. The same repairs were asked for in 1881, 1883 and 1887, but it was not until late 1887 that they were carried out. In January, 1900 the school and residence were burnt down in the bush fires, and the public hall was used as a school until it was rebuilt by Mr. J.H. Cleary for 629 pounds ($1258) and by the end of April, both buildings were occupied again. Before considering the history of the school after 1900, it is worth pausing and capturing a description of the bushfires in the colourful language of the time: "....The intense heat of Monday and the ominous hue overhead had people who remained in town apprehensive that bush fires were burning in the neighbourhood of the city, and pieces of ferns and other debris which fell in the streets, carried hither by the high winds that sometimes prevailed, gave corroboration of the fears that were held. As the day wore on, definite news reached town of fires and disasters at Bismarck, Broadmarsh, Brighton and beyond.....The fire which occurred at Bismarck destroyed the properties of two German settlers, and burned down the State school... "Further particulars to hand concerning the bush fire at Bismarck convey the intelligence that the devouring element came upon the little German township with scarcely any warning.....Mr. A.W. Southern, the State school teacher, his wife and five children were at home on New Year's Day, and though aware that the bush fires were in proximity, the cleared situation of the buildings caused the occupants little alarm. Between 1.30 p.m. and 2 p.m., the flames, which had taken hold of Mr. Russell Young's property were suddenly fanned, and the lint of fire reached the shingle roof of the schoolhouse, and in a few minutes the whole block was ablaze... "Mr. Southern, writing to a
relation says:
from The Tasmanian Mail, page 27,
6 January, 1900
It can be seen from this report, that by
1900 the school's name had changed from Sorell Creek to Bismarck. The township
itself changed in name in 1888, but by 1884 the school had already altered its
title. The name was to change again, along with the township, to Collinsvale, at
the end of 1915.
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www.talis.tas.gov.au/collinsvaleprimary.htm The page has been produced by Collinsvale
Primary School |
