Memories - Gwen / Lionel / Patricia / Juliene / Barbara P. / Marie / Barbara W. / Diane

GWEN BURKINSHAW (1939-1945) of Carlingford, can remember weekly school assemblies after which money was donated by the children to different organisations in support of the war effort.

LIONEL CROSS (1942-1947) of Marsfield sends a letter, My Most Remembered Day,

"Like many others, my recollections of primary school life at Carlingford are many and varied and mostly pleasant.

"I attended from January 1942 to December 1947 as a 'Churchie'. The other main groups being the 'Dallies' and the 'Schoolies'. The years, of course, were war years and just after.

"Teachers were brought back from retirement to fill the vacancies left by those serving in the forces. Some were strict and keen on the cane, but fortunately weak with age and inactivity. As well they were given to long periods of reminiscing and wandering from the teaching of the '3R's'.

"Most days, especially during the Allied advances through Africa, Italy and the landing in Europe, the latest news was a great substitute for the syllabus history and geography.

"However, by the end of second class we knew our tables. The rivers of N.S.W. and the monarchs of England were also learnt off by heart. Reading and spelling competitions for speed and accuracy out in the warm winter sunshine were greatly enjoyed.

"The one day, however, that is foremost for being different was the day the war ended.

"The Headmaster 'Jumping' Giovanelli, assembled the whole school, primary and secondary, and made the great announcement. He then instructed us to get anything we could think of that could be used for making a noise. The whole school was going out to celebrate.

"We walked down the middle of Marsden Road (then Church Street) to Mobbs corner and then on down Pennant Hills Road to, I think, about where Cumberland High is now. What a sight and what instruments of noise there were! Anything from garbage bins and lids, school cases, sticks and lavatory pans and lids.

"By the time we got back to school, our voices, energy and excitement were spent. We were then given the afternoon off as well".

PATRICIA STANLEY (nee CLARKE) (1944-1954) of McGrath's Hill remembers the school balls held at Parramatta Town Hall in 1953 and 1954.

JULIENE MILLIS (nee ALLEN) (1946-1955) of Eastwood, notes that 1953 was the first Girls' Athletic Championships while MARGARET DIXON (nee TURNER) (1953-1955) of Hunters Hill remembers the ball of 1955 at which she was chosen 'belle of the ball'.

BARBARA PROWSE (nee READ) (1952-1954) of Sawtell writes, I remember attending a concert in second year with Frank Ifield as a young guitarist and singer; he was the main attraction". Other memories Barbara has are of school sports days at Pennant Hills Oval, I was in Gowrie Housd (blue) " and attending the first school ball at Castle Hill.

MARIE RIDDELL (nee STRINGER) (1958-1960) of Baulkham Hills, recollects Mr. Moore helping students with maths whilst he was on playground duty. Marie writes, "The teachers were all marvellous and we had a lot of respect for them. However, Mr. Fisher put the wind up us all."

BARBARA WILLOUGHBY (nee ELYARD) (1958-1963) of Albany, Western Australia, remembers an honour bestowed on Senior Girls was to serve morning tea to the teachers".

DIANE GATENBY (nee ELYARD) (1960-1966) of West Pennant Hills, mentions attempts to get the rose garden to bloom. Diane has fond memories of Mrs. Murray's 'warm welcomes', she used to put you over her knee and spank you".