Cygnet River School

1870  CYGNET RIVER.—Letter from Marian Johnson, pointing out the requirements of this locality for the establishment of a school, and stating that she had failed in her attempt to establish half time schools at Kingscote and Cygnet River, but had opened a school at the latter place, expecting that the average attendance would be from 10 to 15 in a short time. This application was accompanied by the report of a meeting held recently at Mr. Grainger's, when it was resolved that the support of the residents should be given to Miss Johnson, she being the most suitable for the requirements of the children. As the Inspectors knew nothing about the localities referred to, the Board thought the better way would be to ask the Rev. Mr. Morse, of Yankalilla, to give his opinion of the matter. They expressed their intention of granting a licence at Cygnet River, provided the teacher obtained a general attendance of children residing there.

KANGAROO ISLAND. Wm. Baker, Cygnet River, wrote that the children attending at Kingscote and at Mrs. Daw's school were in better circumstances than those on the river, who were chiefly the children of farmers and labourers. Mr. Highet had recently returned from Kangaroo Island, and would be able to furnish particulars if required. The Board believed that an arrange-ment would be made to allow the school taught by Miss Johnston to be kept open in addition to those at Cygnet River and Kingscote. An application was received from R. Newton, Cygnet River and Kingscote, enclosing a memorial from nine heads of families, representing 34 children. Probational licence granted from 1st April. 

The school at Cygnet River, under the superintendence of Miss Johnston, is a success, as her moderates charges meet the means of the people there. The school, like that at Hog Bay, is only an infant school.

1871  CYGNET RIVER. Marian Johnson notified that she had commenced school with an attendance of 12. The accommodation consisted of a slab room, 12 x 12, and eight feet high. She had also opened a school at Kingscote, but at present there was only a promised attendance of six, making 18 between the two places. The accommodation provided was a room built of shingles, and in size 20 x 12, and between eight and nine feet high. She purposed spending alternate weeks at each place. As the parents objected to the school being closed in her absence, she sought assistance in the employment of a teacher so as to enable both places to remain open. The schools were eight miles apart, and the roads bad, which would entail the additional expense of a horse. Few of the parents were in a position to pay fair school fees. Licence allowed from January 1.

[1872] KANGAROO ISLAND, February 4.

On Monday, the 15th January, Kingscote was again a scene of pleasure and enjoyment, on the occasion of the reassembling of Miss Johnson's pupils. The children met at the schoolroom, and after saying their lessons retired to the grounds of Mr. W. Hamilton, kindly lent for the occasion, where they found a large tent put up in fine style to receive them by Captain Swiggs, of the schooner Albert. Flags were flying gaily, and here the juveniles partook of refreshments. After the repast they retired to their games — swinging, cricket, running, and other sports ; old and young all enjoying the diversions. Capt. Swiggs being one of the foremost to help them. All went off well, and a happy day was spent.— On Monday, the 22nd January, at Cygnet River, Miss Johnson, with her assistant, met the children, and after lessons retired to the grounds of Mr. Grainger where large swings were erected. The children here received a bountiful supply of good things ; after which games of various sorts were indulged in- by the youngsters and their seniors with a determination to make themselves happy. Votes of thanks were given to Miss Johnson for her untiring energy in bringing the separate schools to so good a condition, and wishes for success in the future closed a day of real enjoyment.

There were actually three successive schools in Cygnet River in different locations. The first was in Joe Bates private land.
The second was just outside of Joe Bates' property.
The third, built in 1922, closed in 1946 when the Kingscote Area School took effect and the children were collected by bus.

- Colin Boettcher (2016)