Ilford Public School
Our School
Our School's History
History of Our School
The first school opened at Ilford on approximately 12 th November 1886 in a slab and shingle structure, which was only 8 m x 4m. Not long before this the name of the township had been changed from Keen’s Swamp. The first teacher was Miss Emily Clark.
The school became a Public School on 11 th November 1870 with Mrs Anna Maguire as teacher. In 1876 Mr Willrahum Liardet was appointed teacher and he was followed by Mr Joseph Drausfield in 1878. In 1883 a second smaller classroom was provided when improved attendances necessitated the appointment of a pupil-teacher. The first permanent school building, made of stone with an iron roof, was completed on 17 th June 1887 at the cost of 1175 pounds and could accommodate up to 70 children.
On 27 th June 1930 the schoolrooms were destroyed by fire. Lessons were conducted in the local hall until the old Warrungunyah School was moved to Ilford and re-erected. This building is still used to day.