Joskeleigh State School records at Queensland State Archives

Guest blogger: Niles Elvery, Manager Public Access, Queensland State Archives

Queensland State Archives holds a range of interesting records, including photos and architectural plans, which provide an insight into historic Joskeleigh State School on the Capricorn Coast.

Children and teacher from Joskeleigh Provisional School, c 1915

On Tuesday 28 October 1913, a provisional school was opened for the small South Sea Islander community in Joskeleigh, approximately 25 miles east from Rockhampton near the estuary of the Fitzroy River. It was opened in the local church hall pending the erection of a new building with Mr Frederick William Vespermann appointed as the first Head Teacher. Approximately 21 pupils, mostly Islander children, were enrolled at the time.

On 27 September 1915, a new open-air building was completed and was occupied by 32 pupils. Two years later, Joskeleigh Provisional School became a State School on 1 April 1917.

Due to insufficient student numbers, the school was finally closed on 29 April 1985.

The above information was extracted from the following records held at Queensland State Archives:

Item ID 15011: Joskeleigh State School Administration File

Item ID 12462: Joskeleigh State School Returns

Series ID 1995: Admission Register

Item ID 1243111: Architectural plans

Architectural plan of Joskeleigh State School, Proposed Verandah, 19 September 1928

These and more records are available on the Queensland State Archives catalogue .