Contractor Patrick Fagan had finished the school buildings, at a cost of £783 16s, by 1 June 1902.'Public Works in Progress', Queensland Country Life, 1 June 1902, p.20. The school opened in early June 1902, with an enrolment of 31 boys and 24 girls,On 7 June 1902, according to "Lake Clarendon School Jubilee on Saturday", Queensland Times, 3 June 1952, p.6; or on 9 June, according to Celebrating 100 years, p. 8. Enrolment figures are from Celebrating 100 years, p.8. and the Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser soon reported that the teaching building and residence were splendid buildings, and "beyond a doubt for architectural style and finish they rank foremost in the Lockyer district".'Lake Clarendon letter', Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, 2 August 1902, p.7. The teaching building was utilised for a welcoming social and dance for the new head teacher, William James Walton, and his wife. The area's first telephone was located at the school residence, which served as a post and receiving office from 1903, and a post office from 1906. The area's first public telephone for the district was installed on the verandah of the teaching building in 1911.Celebrating 100 years, pp. 4, 8.
