Baringhup West State School No. 941 was originally called Baringhup State School. The West was added at a later date. This school opened September/October 1869 but was not recognised until 1870. In 1871 the school had an enrolment of 47 students with an average attendance of 22. In its early days there was room for 60 students in a four room brick or stone building. There was also a timber residence for the teacher in the same grounds however this was later dismantled.
The school closed in December 1947 then reopened in June 1955 possibly due to the baby boom. The school celebrated its centenary in October 1969 which included the unveiling of a plaque in the school grounds and a ball held at the Cairn Curran Hall. As many of the past students as possible were contacted.
Baringhup West State School permanently closed at the end of 1974 due to low attendance. The five remaining students were transferred to Baringhup State School.
It is documented that the Baringhup West State School donated funds to the Infantile Paralysis after care, the Patriotic fund and the Red Cross. They sent tinned goods to the overseas club to be sent to the trenches of war. One Christmas they sent a parcel to one of the 23 past scholars who enlisted in the First World War.
The pupils celebrated ‘Empire Day’ and a school Picnic was well attended.
In more recent times the Baringhup West State School was used in the movie ‘Romulus My Father’ which was released in May 2007 and starred Eric Bana.
The cache is a black bison and you do not need to enter the school property to find it. Please return it as you found it.
The Maldon Historical Society is acknowledged for their contribution of information contained herewith. Congratulations to becca85 on the FTF