1 Click on images to enlarge
School name: Glen Davis
Other name: -
County name: Cook
Transferred:
URL for linking: https://nswgovschoolhistory.cese.nsw.gov.au/schoolHistory?schoolId=3324
Operating dates:
Type of school Opening date Closing date
Public School Jan 1940 Dec 1944
Central School Jan 1945 Dec 1952
Public School 1953 1953
Central School 1954 1954
Public School Jan 1955 Feb 19622
1940
8 May 1940
MARQUEE SCHOOL
Replacement By Building At Glen Davis
Preparations are being made at Glen Davis for the erection of a wooden building, i.e., portable class-rooms, to house schoolchildren during the winter. Much of the material has arrived.
The building will comprise two rooms, and will be sufficient to accommodate 100 children.
During the summer the school consisted of a large marquee, which was declared to be satisfactory for the 50 children who attended. Because of the cold weather, however, the wooden structure is being erected. When the attendance warrants it, it is proposed to construct a brick structure. There are 53 pupils, whose ages range from five to 15 years3
.
8 May 1940
GLEN DAVIS TO HAVE SCHOOL
Portable schoolrooms will provide temporary accommodation for pupils at Glen Davis, pending the construction of a permanent school.
Announcing this yesterday, the Minister for Education (Mr. Drummond) said a school would be built when the district's requirements were known.
Glen Davis schoolchildren are at present accommodated in a marquee. There are 53 pupils, whose ages range from five to 15 years4
.
29 May 1940
GLEN DAVIS
OPENING OF SCHOOL P. AND C. ASSOCIATION FORMED
(From Our Own Correspondent)
Several parents and friends on Monday night attended a meeting in the school tent to consider the possibility of forming a P. and C. Association. The response in members was most encouraging, besides being a sign of the interest of men and women in the welfare of the children.
The headmaster (Mr. Gamble) suggested several items which needed the attention of such a body, and after preliminary discussions, the motion was unanimously carried that there be formed a Glen Davis P. and C. Association.
Office-bearers were elected as follows: President, Mr. D. J. Davies; vice-presidents, Mesdames D. Sladeck and K. Crowe; secretary, Mrs. R. Goodwin treasurer, Rev. G. S. Udy; auditors; Mr. W. L. Sheeler and Rev. R. Ogden.
The headmaster intimated that on the first Monday in June the children would be transferred from the tent school to the new building (two weatherboard rooms) provided by the Education Department. This had been erected on the town site about a mile distant from the camping area.
It was decided to hold the official opening of the school on June 8 at 1.15 p.m. This will be followed by a sports carnival previously arranged by the Glen Davis Social and Welfare Committee; in the evening a dance will be held.
It was decided to ask the Education Department to appoint an extra teacher, in view of the fact that the school enrolment numbers more than 60, a figure which is being increased daily.
A motion was passed that the department provide a residence for the headmaster, as soon as possible. This will not only be advantageous for the person in charge, but also, will clearly demonstrate the fact that the township is rapidly growing in size and importance.
EMPIRE DAY
The pupils and a number of parents gathered at the public school tent on Friday to celebrate Empire Day. Those present considered it a unique experience to sing patriotic songs and listen to short addresses under the shelter of the only school tent in the State. Those who took part in the service were the headmaster (Mr. J. H. Gamble) the Rev. R. F. Ogden and the Rev. G. Udy5
.
3 June 1940
Glen Davis School
THE newly-formed P. and C. Association, Glen Davis, has decided to ask the Education Department to appoint an extra teacher, in view of the fact that the school enrolment numbers more than 60, a figure which is being increased daily6
.
10 June 1940
Glen Davis School
Proposal for Additional Teacher
MR. H. Knight. M.L.A., has received the following information from the Minister for Education (Mr. Drummond): -
"I have your personal representations relative to the increase in the number of children attending the Glen Davis school and your request, that an additional teacher be appointed. I shall go into this matter immediately and advise you further, as early as practicable.
"In regard to your representations, relative to the housing conditions at Glen Davis and urging the erection of a school residence, I shall call for a report7
".
12 June 1940
GLEN DAVIS
SCHOOL OPENED TRANSFER FROM CANVAS STRUCTURE
(From Our Own Correspondent)
Last Saturday will prove an auspicious occasion in the history of Glen Davis children. They were officially transferred from their tent school to the weatherboard rooms temporarily erected by the Education Department.
The opening ceremony was held at 2 p.m., the chairman being Mr. D. J. Davies, president of the P. and C. Association and welfare officer of National Oil Pty. He extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
After the gathering had lustily joined in singing "Advance Australia Fair," Mr. W. L. Sheeler addressed the assembly. As one of the National Oil Co. managers, he expressed his gratification of the way in which better chances were being given to the children, by the building of the rooms and emphasised the value of the school to the community, expressing the hope that the school in Glen Davis would be the centre for moral, physical and scholastic development.
Mr. Hamilton Knight, M.L.A., apologised for the absence of the Minister for Education, and explained that Mr. Drummond had asked him to be his deputy. Mr. Knight revealed how disturbed the Minister had been to learn of the actual conditions prevailing at Glen Davis, where children were taught under a canvas cover and had few facilities for protection, from the extreme cold and winds which swept down the valley. Mr. Knight promised that as soon as money was available and conditions favorable, the Education Department would endeavor to erect the new school on the town site. He concluded by congratulating those concerned on the formation of a P. and C. Association and also the Social and Welfare Committee for its determination in pressing for the school which had been so urgently needed.
Other speakers included Senator W. P. Ashley, who stressed the fact that children in Glen Davis had as much right to a good education as those in other districts. He deplored the "outlandish" conditions which were endured by the children, and remarked that it was high time for the improvements to take place in the school life of youngsters whose parents were working in the oil industry, the products of which were at present so essentially needed.
The headmaster moved a motion of thanks to all who had taken part in the opening ceremonies, and expressed deep appreciation of the better opportunities presented to teach children under more humane conditions.
The gathering dismissed after hearing the children sing "Australia Fair I Love Thee," and had joined in the National Anthem8
.
13 June 1940
NEW BUILDING
Glen Davis School
A NEW wooden school building was occupied at Glen Davis last week. Until then a marquee was used. The district inspector (Mr. W. G. Lee) said that if numbers were maintained there would be a fine brick structure erected before long9
.
5 August 1940
Another Teacher at Glen Davis
THE large number of pupils at Glen Davis Public School has necessitated the appointment of an additional teacher. The Department has sent Miss Tavener, who was trained in Armidale College after a distinguished career. Unfortunately, no accommodation was available in the hostel, but one of the ladies living in "Tent Town" kindly offered to provide board and lodging. The P. and C. Association is urging the Department to provide a residence for a headmaster, and also to erect a fence around the school10
.
5 October 1940
NEW SCHOOL TEACHER AT GLEN DAVIS
The Education Department has appointed Mr. Nunn to Glen Davis Public School as second teacher. Mr. Nunn takes the place of Miss Tavener who did not return to the valley after the school vacation. Mr. Nunn is a graduate of Sydney Teacher's College and was captain of the college 1st Rugby Union team. He is also interested in cricket and will be a welcome addition to the ? of Glen Davis players11
.
1941
30 April 1941
GLEN DAVIS
ANZAC CELEBRATION CEREMONY AT PUBLIC SCHOOL
(From Our Own Correspondent)
Besides the usual Anzac service at the school on Thursday, a service was held at the school on Anzac Day, when representatives of various organisations in Glen Davis were present. The school master (Mr. Williams) presided. Mr. A. E. Cooper (resident manager) addressed the gathering; Mr. M. R. Blair unfurled a new Commonwealth flag, which he has donated to the school; the Rev. M. D. Davies assisted with special prayers; and the children led the singing. Many parents attended besides representatives from the shale works, who included Mr. Belton, Mr. Davies and Mr. Harper (P.W.D.), and Dr. Sandbrook.
NEW SCHOOLTEACHER
Miss Williams has left the Glen Davis teaching staff and resigned from the Education Department on the eve of her marriage. Her place has been taken by Miss Pearce who has already proved her worth in helping the children of the valley12
.
23 December 1941
Stormwater At Glen Davis
Following a complaint made to the Blaxland Shire Council by the school master at Glen Davis, the engineer, Mr. H. Bursill, made an inspection of the place and reported that drainage descending Tooral-street banks up opposite the school and then rushes across the road under the school building. Excessive scour has already taken place there and one of the foundation piers under the school has been undermined and dislodged. The engineer will attend to this matter13
.
1942
1 June 1942
GLEN DAVIS CHILDREN'S GIFT
The Junior Red Cross Circle at Glen Davis Public School, has sent to headquarters a contribution of £5/10/-, which the children raised by sales, gifts and various efforts. The chief beneficiaries of these gifts from school circles are sick children in families of small means, whose fathers are soldiers, sailors or airmen. Invalid comforts arc provided by the J.R.C. for the recovery of these little patients and convalescent holidays conclude the good work, at the Junior Red Cross Homes14
.
1943
16 January 1943
GLEN DAVIS
During the past year the work of our church at Glen Davis has been carried on under difficulties, owing to the fact that a proportion of the population has moved from the construction camp into homes on the township site, which is approximately a mile distant. Eighty-five houses have been constructed, and it is proposed to erect additional homes. Arrangements are being made to remove the church building from the present site to a location in the township. It will be necessary to level the land on the new site, and the Rev. W. J. Steele, B.A., has offered to secure horse, plough and scoop, and carry out the work himself. Owing to the fact that the public school is over-crowded, a request has been made that when the hall is removed it should be made available for the accommodation of some of the classes. Fortunately, the church will be adjacent to the school, and the request has been acceded to. The minister has paid visits to Glen Alice and Newnes and conducted services. The following extract from a report indicates that the minister is able to adapt himself and render service in practical ways: - "I have been doing some dairying lately. Our local dairyman was without his three men, and had no help to milk 28 cows and deliver the milk. A miner and I have been getting up at 3 a.m. and going out to milk. One of the men is now back and the other will soon be able to milk. The third is in hospital recovering from appendicitis. I have never been any good at milking. Two at a sitting was my maximum, but on Saturday I milked eight and finished a ninth. I had just struck my form both with milking and early rising, but finished up this morning, as the dairyman is now able to carry on again"15
.
20 January 1943
GLEN DAVIS SCHOOL RESIDENCE
The Hon. Hamilton Knight, M.L.A. has received the following from the Minister for Education. Hon. Clive Evatt: - "I have had under notice your personal representations regarding further remodelling of the school residence at Glen Davis. You will be pleased to know that I have approved of the erection of a new laundry and other matters associated therewith. This work will be carried out in accordance with a local tender submitted to the Department and which the teacher has been authorised to accept"16
.
14 June 1943
GLEN DAVIS SCHOOL
MINISTER GRANTS REQUESTS
(From Our Own Correspondent)
The Hon. Clive Evatt, Minister for Education, and the Hon. Hamilton Knight, Minister for Labor, visited Glen Davis on Wednesday for the purpose of meeting the local Parents and Citizens' Association regarding urgent school matters.
The executive of the P. and C. Association was introduced by Mr. Hamijlton Knight. The proposed new school site was first visited and this Mr. Evatt thought was ideal. The need for shelter sheds was declared to be of an urgent nature. During last summer the children had no shelter from the hot sun. Mr. Evatt promise to have this matter attended to at once. The association then placed the position of the overcrowding of children into the existing school, and suggested the removal of the school building from Excelsior to Glen Davis to relieve the situation until a permanent school was built.
Mr. Evatt was quite in accord with the suggestion. It was stated the association was spending £30 on the school library and required more book-presses in which to store the books. This request was granted.
Mr. Evatt, in the presence of Mr. Hamilton Knight, member of the teaching staff and P. and C. Association, planted a tree in the vicinity of the school. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies' committee.
Mr. Evatt thanked the association for the warm welcome he had received and said he was pleased to see such interest taken by the residents in school matters.
The religious side was represented by the Rev. M. D. Davies, Church of England minister
17
.
17 June 1943
GLEN DAVIS
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS
The Hon. Clive Evatt, Minister for Education, and the Hon. Hamilton Knight, Minister for Labor, visited Glen Davis. The proposed new school site was first visited, and this Mr. Evatt thought was ideal. The need for shelter sheds was declared to be of an urgent nature. Mr. Evatt promised to have this matter attended to at once. The association then placed the position of the overcrowding of children into the existing school, and suggested the removal of the school building from Excelsior to Glen Davis to relieve the situation until a permanent school was built. Mr. Evatt was quite in accord with the suggestion. It was stated the association was spending £30 on the school library and required more book presses in which to store the books. The request was granted18
.
19 July 1943
Latest Local News
Glen Davis School Site
There appears to be a difference of opinion concerning the suitability of the site selected for the Glen Davis school, and it is understood that further inquiries will be made into the matter19
.
1 November 1943
GLEN DAVIS
Question of School Library
Mr. H. Knight, M.L.A., has received the following communication from the Minister for Education:
"I refer to my previous communications of June 30 and September 9, 1943, regarding the representations of the Glen Davis Parents and Citizens' Association in connection with the provision of additional accom-modation for library books at the local public school. I have approved of the supply of an additional press and the headmaster of the public school has been authorised to accept a local tender for its construction"20
.
1945
13 July 1945
GLEN DAVIS PERSONALS
GENERAL
Through the wonderful efforts of the P. and C. a mantel radio receiver has been installed at the school21
.
30 November 1945
GLEN DAVIS SCHOOL MAY BE "BLACK"
The possibility of Glen Davis residents declaring the local public school "black," unless demands to the Education Department are satisfactorily met, is considered likely.
In a letter to the Department, the Glen Davis Progress Association requests a number of immediate improvements at the school, including more accommodation for pupils and better washing and sanitary facilities.
A public meeting at the recreation ground has been convened for next Tuesday night by the Glen Davis Progress Association, the Parents and Citizens' Association and the Trades and Labor Council.
The recreation ground will be floodlit and amplified for the meeting.
Mr. R. J. Heffron, Minister for Education, and Mr. Hamilton Knight, State Minister for Labor and Social Services, have been asked to attend.
It is stated that there are no gates leading into the wire-fenced paddock in which the school is situated. The only mode of entrance is over the roughly constructed styles, while a class is at present being conducted in the Methodist Church owing to lack of accommodation at the school.
It is understood that no shelter sheds are provided and the teachers are without a rest room22
.
1946
28 February 1946
GLEN DAVIS
NEW SCHOOL AND HOSPITAL ARE NECESSITIES
A deputation from local bodies, including the Trades and Labor Council, P. and C. Association, Progress Association and Hospital Board, met the Minister for Education, Mr. R. J. Heffron, and the Member for Hartley, Mr. Hamilton Knight, to discuss two important matters, namely, temporary additions to the present school and the building of a new institution at a later date, and the necessity for a hospital for the township.
All speakers stressed the urgency for the temporary shelter sheds, two portable class-rooms, and the fencing of the school boundaries.
Mr. Heffron said that he was convinced that the school-rooms were a necessity, and he would arrange to have these erected as early as possible, and the ground fenced.
In regard to the new school, Mr. Heffron stated that this would certainly have to be built before very long, and mentioned that plans had already been drawn up. The new building would be of brick, seeing that Glen Davis had its own brick works and could supply this article.
(In my opinion, says our correspondent, no town in N.S.W., or Australia for that matter, could boast more beautiful surroundings than the Glen Davis school. The beautiful mountains, the lovely dell, and a panorama of rugged beauty gives one the feeling that Nature has indeed been good to the inhabitants of this valley)23
.
5 March 1946
Glen Davis School Conditions 'Shocking'
GLEN Davis unionists will take drastic action unless conditions at the local public school are improved within two months. The President of the N.S.W. Public School Teachers' Federation, Mr. S. P. Lewis, was told this by the president of Glen Davis Labor Council, Mr. R. C. Johnston. Mr. Johnston said that the school was in a shocking condition. It consisted of portable rooms and a church hall, a mile and a half from the other rooms. The 183 children attending it were looked after by three teachers. There was an epidemic of sandy blight among the children for which parents blamed the school conditions. Two teachers at the school are living temporarily at the headmaster's house because they cannot obtain board at the local hotel24
.
1947
15 August 1947
SCABIES OUTBREAK AT GLEN DAVIS
An outbreak of scabies, which might have an adverse effect on production in the National Oil Company's works, school attendance, the health of the population and general economy of the valley, has been reported in Glen Davis.
This information was submitted to the monthly meeting of the Blaxland Shire Council by the health inspector, who revealed that the doctor at Glen Davis had noted 20 cases of scabies in the past two weeks.
He said the complaint could be spread by school children holding hands or using each other's pencils. Also scabies could be transmitted by bed clothing and contact with sufferers.
The health inspector, Mr. G. C. Ansoul, said he had sought the assistance of the headmaster of Glen Davis school and would ensure that the doctor's preventive measures were being observed to combat the spread of the disease25
.
25 September 1947
GLEN DAVIS SCHOOL SPORTS
The first annual sports day of the Glen Davis Central School, held on the recreation ground on Friday, was most successful. Following are the results:-
Broad jump. - Junior: K. Maybury 1, 10ft. 9ins. Intermediate: L. Hush 1, 15ft. 10ins. Senior: K. Percival 1, 15ft. 5ins.
Hop, step and jump. - Senior: M. Pickham 1, 29ft. 7ins.
Age races. - 5 years, 25 yds: Girls, Anne Wilton 1; boys, B. Lovatt 1. 6 years, 25 yds: Girls, Noleen Welling 1; boys, Dumpy Cluff 1. 7 years, 25 yds: Girls, Vera Marskell 1; boys, R. Honeysett 1. 8 years, 50 yds: Girls, J. Hall 1; boys, T. Sheens 1. 9 years, 50 yds: Girls, M. Leonard 1; boys, P. Allen 1. 10 years, 50 yds: - Girls, P. Byron 1; boys, K. Maybury 1. 11 years, 50 yds: Girls, S. Windle 1; boys, J. Leonard 1. 12 years, 75 yds; Girls, D. Pattison 1; boys, D. Doorey 1. 13 years, 75 yds.; Girls, G. Warren 1; boys, J. Ferguson 1. 14 years and over, 75 yds; Girls, E. Keech 1; boys, K. Percival 1.
Junior 25 yards: Girls, M. Leonard 1; boys, C. Woods 1.
Intermediate, 75 yards: Girls, D. Pattison 1; boys, J. Leonard, 1. Senior, 100; yards: Girls, E. Keech boys, K. Percival 1.
High jump. - Junior: Girls, P. Byron, 3ft. 10ins.; boys, B. Grimmond, 3ft. 4ins. Intermediate: Girls, S. Windle, 3ft. 7½ins.; boys, J. Leon ard, 3ft 8ins. Senior: Girls, E. Cantwell, 4ft. 4ins.; boys, F. Marskell, 4ft. 3½ins.
Championships. - Girls: Juvenile 60 yards, M. Welling 1; junior 75 yards, M. Leonard 1; intermediate 100 yds., D. Pattison 1; senior 150 yards, E. Keech 1.
Boys: Juvenile 75 yards, R. Wilson 1; junior 100 yards, K. Maybury l; intermediate 150 yards, J. Percival 1; senior 440 yards, K. Percival 1; senior 220 yards, K. Percival 1.
880 yards handicap, K. Percival 1 (2mins. 42 3/10 /secs.) from scratch.
House Competition: Sentinel 445 points, Red Rock 422 points, Crown 376 points26
.
1 December 1947
GLEN DAVIS BUDGET
During last week the Central School was visited by Inspector J. F. Bingham, B.Sc., from Mudgee, and he was favorably impressed with improvements and additions to the school during the year. Another visitor to the school was Constable Spinney, who spoke to the children on the dangers of playing with explosives; and showed (samples of what might be found in the nature of detonators and other explosive charges. Such a warning is most timely following a serious accident last week, when one man lost a hand by handling detonators, and also in view of the fact that the Christmas holidays are approaching when children are most likely to come across these dangers27
.
8 December 1947
GLEN DAVIS
SCHOOLTEACHERS LEAVING
The monthly meeting of the Parents and Citizens' Association was held at the school on Thursday night. Final arrangements were made for the Speech Day in the Public Hall on December 12th. Decisions in connection with the party for the children on the Wednesday prior to the break-up were also reached. Before the meeting closed the headmaster (Mr. V. Hocking) announced that he had been transferred to The Rock, a practice school for the Wagga Teachers' College. Mr. Scott, also of the Glen Davis staff, would accompany him there. Mr. Davies, the president of the P. & C. Association, spoke in sincere and glowing terms of the accomplishments of Mr. Hocking's work during the year, and in this he was supported by other members of the association. Mr. Hocking will take up his new appointment in February 194828
.
22 December 1947
Glen Davis School "Break-up"
On the second fine day after the recent deluge the Central School held a Christmas party and combined with it the Speech Day which had been postponed from the previous week. After the children had consumed much Christmas fare, the vice-president of the P. and C. Association, Mr. R. Watson, in the absence of the president, spoke in glowing terms of the work accomplished by the headmaster and stall of the school during the year. He then presented, in lieu of prizes, a number of merit certificates to pupils whose work had indicated that they were worthy of such an award.
Immediately following this presentation the assembled group listened as Mr. Watson recalled the efforts that had been made by the headmaster, Mr. V. C. Hocking, to increase the size of the school by two additional buildings and weather sheds, and by successful application for additional members of staff. Not only had the building and staff been increased, but the prestige of the school had been much enhanced by the use of modern equipment and up-to-date methods of teaching and using the equipment. The school had become an educational and cultural centre in the community, which was what it should be.
In presenting Mr. Hocking with a cheque as a token of the esteem in which he had been held, Mr. Haynes (secretary, P. and C.) said the departure of Mr. Hocking would be a great loss to Glen Davis, but he had the best wishes of Glen Davis behind him in his new appointment.
In reply, Mr. Hocking said that when he came to Glen Davis he had anticipated staying for three to four years, but apparently the department desired his services elsewhere. A great deal had been accomplished during the year in so far as the buildings had been almost doubled and, thanks to the very fine support given by the P. and C. and the parents generally, a great deal of equipment had been added. He said he would have liked to have remained for at least another year so that many of the ideas which he had commenced could have been fully developed. However, he felt sure that the people would continue to support the work of the school.
Both he and Mrs. Hocking would take away very many pleasant recollections of their stay in Glen Davis. Concluding, he expressed his appreciation of the loyalty and support given him by his fellow teachers, without which the school would not have been able to have achieved as much as it had done during the year. Finally, he extended his greetings for the forthcoming festive season.
Following on the presentation to Mr. Hocking, a cheque was presented to Mr. W. Scott, who is accompanying Mr. Hocking to The Rock in 1948. Mr. Watson, in making the presentation, said Mr. Scott had ably supported Mr. Hocking during the year. He had done a great deal to help foster a love of music among the pupils. In addition he had been a very active citizen, taking part in the many movements for the good of the town.
In reply, Mr. Scott said it had been hard work, but he was sure his pupils had enjoyed it as much as he had. Many pleasant associations had been made and these would not readily be forgotten.
At the conclusion of these presentations, the girl's captain, Evelyn Keech, presented Mrs. Hocking with a most attractive sheaf of pink gladioli and carnations. Mrs. Hocking suitably responded.
The afternoon's entertainment was enlivened by the singing of many Christmas carols and a display of tumbling and pyramid building by the senior pupils.
Following on the presentations and the conclusion of the children's party, the parents assembled and partook of a most enjoyable afternoon tea, which provided an excellent opportunity for the parents and teachers to mingle and exchange the season's greetings.
The following is the list of winners of merit certificates:-
1B Class: Barry Josephson and Shirley McDermott 1, Stan Dunn 3, Robyn Beattie 4, Gwen Wilson G.P., Leslie Pearce G.I.
1A Class: Raymond Dean; 1, Janice Every 2, Kevin Bennett G.I.
Second Class: Wendy Raymer 1, Lorraine McDermott 2, John Wheatley 3; Rex King 4, Pat Bennett G.I., Victor Bennett G.I.
Third Class: William Jones 1, Herbert Wheatley 2, David Webb 3, Brian Grimmond 4, Neville Hickmott G.I., Nellie Williams G.I.
Fourth Class: Nerida Cole 1, Jack Streeter 2, Kevin Jones 3, Marjorie Glew G.I., John Fell G.I.
5B Class: Don Doorey 1.
5A Class: Wynette Mahy 1, Judith Cole 2, Ron Hush 3, Vera Redman G.I., Tony Faber G.I.
Sixth Class: Lurline Sheens 1, Ailsa Webb 2, Fred Streeter 3, Ron Faber G.I., Bob Sloane G.I.
7B Class: Betty Stanford 1; Kevin Angus 2, Stan Williams 3.
8B Class: Elaine Cantwell 1, Norma Dean 2, Kevin Percival 3.
7A Class: Kevin Byrnes 1, Lionel Hush 2, Evelyn Keech 3.
8A Class: Lorna Wallis 1, Shirley Stapley 2, Laurel Wilson 3.
Dux of School: Frank Beattie
Note: G.I. indicates general improvement. Numeral gives place in Class29
.
1948
12 May 1948
GLEN DAVIS
School Conditions May Lead To Stayaway Strike
Nothing has been done by the Education Department to supply additional classrooms at the Glen Davis school, and the headmaster has been receiving letters and complaints from parents stating that unless something is done soon they will be compelled to keep their children at home, as they consider their children's health of paramount importance.
Letters to Mr. Heffron have not had any effect so far, and parents are becoming very concerned.
While the Education Centenary Week was supposed to show what a fine job the Education Department had done, all it actually did here was to draw attention to the shocking conditions under which children are being taught at Glen Davis.
Unless some early action is taken it appears that trouble of a major nature will soon develop in school circles in The Valley30
.
5 July 1948
Proposed Ban On Glen Davis School Off
Action By Department
In view of the action taken by the Education Department to transfer a schoolroom from another centre to Glen Davis it has been decided not to give effect to the proposed black ban on the Glen Davis School.
This was revealed at the monthly meeting of the Glen Davis Parents and Citizens' Association last week.
Early last month it was decided that unless additional accommodation was provided at Glen Davis the parents of children attending the school would impose a black ban and refuse to allow the pupils to attend.
This ultimatum was due to take effect at the end of June, but at the P. and C. meeting it was decided that no immediate action be taken in respect to keeping children at home.
The secretary expressed the opinion that if it had not been for delays caused by wet weather some of the material would have been on the ground by now.
Definite information had been received that the Carwell school was being dismantled and further that some mail for men who were working on the job had been delivered to the headmaster pending their arrival, reported the secretary, who said this indicated that they were expected shortly31
.
12 August 1948
GLEN DAVIS SCHOOL NEWS
At the recent half-yearly examinations at the school the following pupils gained first and second places in their class: Class 9th: J. Ferguson and K. Byrnes; 8A: C: Richards and N. Ensor; 7A: B. Beck and L. Sheens; 8B: N. Dean and D. Honeysett; 7B: H. Honeysett and D. Risby; 6th: W. Many and J. Currie; 5A: A. Ensor and N. Cole; 5B: P. Windle and P. Barling; 4th; R. Wilson and D. Faber; 3rd: L. McDermott and B. Baldwin; 2nd: K. Colley and R. Dean; 1st, D. Bron and M. Ensor.
In the United Nations' Appeal for Children held last week over £31 was collected by children of the local school.
The long-awaited schoolroom has arrived and work has started on its erection. It appears that the wash-aways were so bad on road to the Carwell School that a bridge would have to be built to get over it. Actually we are much better off, as the room that has arrived is in much better condition than the Carwell one32
.
8 December 1948
New School For Glen Davis
At the last meeting of the Glen Davis P. and C., a letter from the Minister for Education (Mr. R. J. Heffron) was read stating that tenders had been called for the erection of the new school.
Parents were gratified to learn that arrangements to build the school had at last taken a tangible form, after having been "in the air" for so long.
The number of students attending the central school is steadily increasing and in spite of extra portable rooms supplied, from time to time, accommodation is still very limited. The Methodist Church Hall is still being used and teachers and children are all looking forward to the time when the classes will all be together in the new school. The P. and C. decided to purchase some second-hand piping and connect the present buildings to the town water supply. Although the rain water tanks have served the purpose in the past a dry spell would soon create a water shortage.
DISPLAY NEXT WEEK
Trees planted recently are all doing well, but arrangements have to be made to keep them watered over the Christmas vacation.
The headmaster reported that Miss R. Gronland had been officially advised of her transfer to Bankstown, Miss Gronland has been at Glen Davis for two years.
A school display will be held on Monday, December 13, when exhibits of work done during the year will be open for inspection.
Two tennis courts are to be graded at the school the next time the grader is in the valley, which is expected to be soon. The headmaster will select the site, bearing in mind the location of the new school buildings. The secretary was instructed to thank the Blaxland Shire for its co-operation.
It was felt that the Council's offer was the result of Cr. P. G. Hall's efforts and the meeting expressed appreciation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Davis (chairman) wished members the compliments of the season and hoped they would enjoy their holidays33
.
1949
10 March 1949
P. & C. ASSOCIATION
The annual meeting of the P. and C. held last week was so poorly attended that it was decided to adjourn the meeting until 7th April and that the balance sheet and election of officers for 1949 be dealt with at that meeting. It is strange that with over 250 children attending the school so few parents were present at the most important meeting of the year. Perhaps there will be a higher roll-up next month34
.
30 May 1949
GLEN DAVIS PROGRESS ASSOCIATION
Maintenance men from the Department of Education arc carrying out repair and painting work at the Public School. Glen Davis P. and C. Association has been agitating for some time for this work to be carried out. Several heaters are to be installed also. The Park rail fence in front of the children's playground is now complete. A working bee is to be arranged in the near future to paint the fence, which, together with the new fence around the police station, considerably improves the appearance of the approach to the town. A move is to be made to kerb and gutter the Market Place as a preliminary to tar surfacing the road from the bridge to the Commonwealth Bank and two strips in the Market Place. After the straying stock menace has been overcome a tree-planting and town beautification plan will be started. A further request by the Progress Association to the P.M.G's. Department to install a public telephone in the west end of the township has been refused. The Progress Association, however, is not satisfied and is renewing its efforts to have the 'phone installed. Among other things it has appealed to various bodies in the Glen Davis area to support its Efforts35
.
1952
3 December 1952
SOFALA TO GET GLEN DAVIS SCHOOL BUILDING
The Minister for Education (Mr. Heffron) has authorised the transfer of the Glen Davis school building to Sofala to provide a new school there. Writing to Mr. C. A. Kelly. M.P. for Bathurst, Mr. Heffron states: "You must rest assured that every effort will be made to have this building provided at the earliest possible moment." Representations for the new school were made by Sofala P. and C. Association, of which Mrs. R. Tobin is the honorary secretary36
.
12 December 1952
Glen Davis Will Not Lose School Says Member
As long as there were sufficient children remaining in Glen Davis to warrant the retention of a school teacher the public school would remain open in the valley, the Member for Hartley (Mr. J. Chalmers) said today.
Mr. Chalmers was commenting on press reports that the Glen Davis school was being removed to Sofala to replace one burned down there this year.
He said the original school building at Glen Davis had, on his representation, been transferred from Apple Tree Flat and since then had been added to.
"Only one room will be going to Sofala and representations have been made to augment the accommodation at Wallerawang Public School, but while a minimum of probably 16 children remained in Glen Davis the school would be retained for their benefit, the Member added37
.