In response to an inquiry regarding the building of Homebush West Public School.
Homebush West Public School is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and therefore was built in 1912. The 1913 Sands Directory for Strathfield notes that this school is operating. The listing states: “Public School – D P Foley, headmaster” at Exeter Road with cross street Hornsey Road.
The school was built as a public school by the Department of Public Works. This did not require Council approval although records indicate that Strathfield Council extensively lobbied the State Government for the school to be built in the area. On 26 December 1911, the Sydney Morning Herald reported:
FLEMINGTON. A new school is being built on a new site. The building contains an assembly hall 49ft X 24ft, four classrooms, with a total accommodation for 200 children, headmistress’s room, room for teacher’s staff, two bathroom, etc. It is a brick structure, and very similar to, that recently erected at Haberfield. New, sanitary conveniences, two weathersheds, lavatorles, fencing and tarpaving to portions of the ground are also provided for. The work is in band by day labour, and is estimated to cost £2600.
I was not able to find a tender or contract awarded for the building work. The design is likely to be the Government Architect. The school was opened on 26 August 1912 by the Minister for Education, Mr Carmichael.
This building is heritage listed on Strathfield Council’s Local Environmental Plan.
References
SMH “BUILDINGS AND WORKS. PROGRESS OF THE TRADE.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954) 26 Dec 1911: 6. Web. 25 Nov 2012 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15298491>.
Strathfield Heritage 
This school was what was known as Homebush West Home Science School for senior girls in the 1960s. There was an infant school at the back which consisted of a large portable double classroom, a toilet block and amenities block.
I went to the infant school, and my older cousin to the home science school. After infant school, you had to go to Homebush primary school, for years 345&6.
Greg
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I went to School I think it was year 9..I loved it…we waited for the bell to ring and then run down the hill to catch the 3 minutes past 3 train to Lidcombe. Is there anyone else who went there
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