History

Early History

Even before the first doors opened in 1976, the idea of a Christian School in the Blue Mountains was the dream of many parents. Parents from several denominations met together and appointed a committee that met together for 18 months working through the logistics and vision for the new school. In 1974 The John Wycliffe Christian Education Association became an incorporated company in June 1974.

In May and July of 1975, the Association had a compliment of 48 members whose immediate task was to find an appropriate location for the school, ideally within a 10 mile radius of Warrimoo. At the same time, negotiations were also underway to find temporary housing for the school at a local campus. After a few false starts and closed doors, the Board was contacted by John Goldsmith from Armidale to say that his late father owned 40 acres at the end of Rickard Road and the family were very happy to sell the land to a Christian School. It seemed fitting that a family of four generations of Christian teachers in Australia should sell the land to build a Christian School.

While the land may have been secured, there was still a need to find suitable temporary facilities and get the school running. The Board was able to complete it’s negotiations with the Warrimoo Church of England and the doors were opened in 1976.

In mid 1975 numerous advertisements were run in local papers to find suitable teachers. In the end, Geoff Wheaton was appointed as the Schools first teacher, and started in 1976. With an initial enrolment of 18 students, the school was off to a strong start. By September of 1976, enrolments for 1977 were already at 52, and a second teacher, Bill Oates was appointed to share duties. In late 1977 it was decided that the position of Principal would be advertised. Bob Johnston, who resigned his position as Board member to apply, was appointed to the post.

Geoff Wheaton, one of the school’s first teachers, works with students in 1977.

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