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Nimmitabel Public School’s Centenary

NEWS FROM NIMMITABEL
Cooma Monaro Express, Friday August 15, 1969

It was a time of happy reunions for ex-pupils, local residents and other invited guest during a fine program of ceremonies.

The Pioneers Memorial Hall was packed to capacity for the combined church service for both the public school and convent schools.

This was conducted by the Rev. F Hart, of the Cooma Church of England, assisted by the Rev. Fr O’Connor of the Catholic Church, while the Rev. Graham Brooks, of the Methodist Church, gave the address, inspiring in its theme and delivery – "Looking Back and Forwards".

Michael Williams, of the Convent School read the first lesson and Susan Herbert of the Public School, the second lesson.

Following the service the invited guests sat down to a delicious hot luncheon, served by the hard-working P & C ladies.

The 150 guests included ex pupils, many of whom came long distances to be present for the memorable occasion, the clergy, the Member for Monaro, Mr Steve Mauger, M.L.A., and Mrs Mauger, Mr J. Burton (Inspector of Schools), and Mrs Burton, Mr P.J. Keeble (lecturer in education from Wagga Teacher's College) and three student teachers, members of the Monaro Shire Council and their wives, Nimmitabel’s senior citizens and several former residents.

Among those who returned from other parts to revisit their old school were Mrs Bobbin, Yass (Bella James); Mr and Mrs R. Hope (Isabel Evans); Mrs Ken Bourke (Ida Hutchison); Mr and Mrs Ted Owens; Mr and Mrs D Butler (Glenda Lyons); Mrs W. Berry (Irene Tozer); Mr and Mrs Hilton Woodhouse; Mr and Mrs C. R. Martin (Collie Clarke); Mr and Mrs Rex Bell (Eileen Rolfe); Mr S Blyton; Mr and Mrs Chas Summerell; Mrs Colin Miners (Diane Ingram); Mrs L. J. Barwick (Joan Burke); Mrs Aub Crabtree; Mrs D. Williams (Dorothy Freebody); Mr and Mrs H. Miners; Mr and Mrs E. A. Hutchison; Mr Harry Reid; Mrs Martin Shelley (Beulah Taylor); Mr and Mrs R. Burke and Mrs E. Cohen (Alice Woodhouse).

The ages of ex-pupils ranged from teenagers to people in their seventies.

During the luncheon, the President of the P & C, Mrs Leon Weston introduced Mr Reg Wallace, Deputy Shire President, who, acting for the President, Cr W A Haylock, welcomed the guests.

He gave a brief but impressive address, saying that the school had turned out many people who had achieved distinction.

Mr Chas Taylor responded on behalf of the ex-pupils stressing the importance of the occasion.

Apologies, telegrams and letters expressing congratulations and good wishes were read from many former pupils and teachers, the latter being Messrs C. Chick, J. O’Brien, E.R. Dill, J. B. Byrne, C. Wedd, J. Holt, and Mrs Jack Hawkins and also staff of neighbouring schools.

A splendid pageant was presented by the school children, tracing the history of the 100 years.

Later in the afternoon, all adjourned to the school for further ceremonies/

These began with the pupils of each room making the gift of a beautiful painting to the school. Prints of many paintings famous artists adorned the walls of one room for the occasion.

Then there was a procession of guests to the memorial gates, which were opened by Mr Reg Jardine, believed to be the oldest ex-pupil and a son of Nimmitabel pioneers.

Mr Jardine invited Mr Steve Mauger through the gates to unveil the commemorative plaque on them.

Mr Burton, District Inspector of Schools, spoke on the "History of Education".

The Principal of the school, Mr G Scott responded, thanking all who had contributed to the success of the day.

The school choir led the singing of the National Anthem to close the ceremonies.

The many visitors, joined by local residents, then inspected the interesting exhibits of old-time kitchen utensils, photographs, newspapers, school books, prizes given by the Jardine Family who have been donating these to both schools annually for more than 50 years, and carts and sulkies.

Schoolchildren in their costumes of earlier periods mingled in the crowd, bringing back memories to the older visitors.

Delightful souvenirs made from old cedar furniture from the school, in the form of mounted pictures, salt and pepper shakers, ash trays, and bowls were available and eagerly acquired.

These were the work of Mr Scott and his son Mark.

One of the bowls suitably inscribed was presented to Mr Reg Jardine as a momento.

Monaro Shire Council had donated a number of ornamental shrubs to mark the centenary.

These have been planted beside the pathway from the new gate to the school building.

As is their custom during Education Week, the Garden Club has given a tree to each of the two schools.

These are eucalypts and that at the Public School will be planted in a grove of native trees being established at the back of the school.

Open day at the Convent was on Tuesday, when many parents and friends saw the children at work with S.R.A. reading, watched them folk-dancing, heard them singing and inspected school books, arts, crafts and projects.

Today (Friday) the senior pupils are being taken on a bus trip to the Snowy Mountains, while the infants are enjoying a day of sport and picnics.

The busiest Education Week ever will conclude today for the Public School and the P & C with their procession and fete.

Their open day on Wednesday continued with the centenary theme, with the children again wearing their period costumers but "Social Studies at Work" showed the many parents and friends the advance made in educational methods.

Among those attending the celebrations were 24 direct descendants of the late Arthur Alcock.

Their were 3 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren and 3 great great great grandchildren.

Two grand nephews Mr Jonas Crabtree, of Nimmitabel and Mr Aubrey of Sydney also were present.