Darlington Public School moved to its present site on the corner of Abercrombie and Golden Grove streets in 1979 when Sydney University created Cadigal Green engulfing the school’s former building as part of the university’s expansion into Darlington.
While the school had a fine reputation with its dedicated teachers and focus on Aboriginal culture, music and inclusive educational achievements, the steeply sloping site with its main building at the lowest point had perennial problems with water penetration in ground floor classrooms and other stormwater issues.
Since 2017, principal Michelle McCormack has overseen the design and construction of a totally rebuilt school, delivered in two stages so that staff and the present 150 students from Preschool to Year 6 were able to continue to function in situ.
The upgraded school has a capacity for 450 students within a new three-storey building with 19 learning spaces, which include a number of covered outdoor learning areas. Three preschool classrooms for up to 60 children have their own outdoor play area. A new library and a new multi-sports court were both delivered as part of Stage 1. Particular attention was given to ensuring the landscaping, which includes local plants indigenous to the Black Wattle Creek catchment, copes with the stormwater flow.
With the return of children from holidays on Tuesday July 18, the upgraded school was ready for occupation and the day began in the new hall with an assembly conducted by Year 6 students who then confidently guided parents and other visitors on a tour of their school.
