Our History

No matter what changes are made to the buildings or to the technologies employed to teach children there is one thing that does not change and that is, children coming to school to learn, to make friends and to have fun.

Having spoken with many of our ex-students who are now over 80 years of age and having read newspaper articles from 120 years ago I have found that Plattsburg has always enjoyed sport, music, dance and dress up. Well, it’s 2015 and those very same things are still a major part of the fabric of our community.

One other stand out trait in our history is the unflagging support of our Mother’s Clubs or P&Cs. There is a great deal of newspaper evidence showing how the parents of Plattsburg fought for school improvements and were never shy of requesting Inspectors of Education and Ministers of Education to respond to their identified issues. Is it any wonder there are three politicians in our historical ranks!

I often ponder the future of our students. What jobs will they take up? Are we giving them the skills they need for those jobs - the jobs that haven’t been invented yet. I take heart at the character of a Plattsburg student, their independence, natural manner, cheerful cheek, humour and friendship and feel sure they have what it takes to meet their future.

To the future generations of Plattsy students, staff, parents and carers I entrust to you our traditions of always being up for a challenge, always being involved in friendly mischief and never being afraid to take a risk and do things your own way. Oh, and Festina Lente!

Ellen Bax (Principal 2009-2025)

PLATTSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL

Est. 21 September 1865.

Photo Circa 1895

Plattsburg Public School has occupied two sites in its 150 years and has, over this long time, experienced a diversity of educational identities. They include:

• Public School Sep 1865 - Mar 1892
• Evening Public School 1880 - 1883
• Superior Public School Mar 1892 - Dec 1912
• Public School and Commercial School Jan 1913 - Dec 1927
• Public School and Home Science School Jan 1913 - Jun 1923
• Public School and Home Science School 1927 - Mar 1928
• Public School and Boy Intermediate High School Jan 1928 - Mar 1933
• District Rural School Mar 1933 - Dec 1959
• Public School Jan 1960 - present

Wondering what some of these identities meant? Well, here are a few explanations.

Evening Public School

A school which first emerged in 1880 to provide an elementary education for persons over 14 years of age who had previously received no education, or very little. Evening Public Schools offered young men (very few females were ever enrolled) two hours of instruction three nights a week. They were usually conducted in the local Public School building by the headmaster or another competent teacher. Most of them were poorly attended and short lived.

Superior Public School

A Public School officially recognised from 1881 as providing both primary and post-primary education. Pupils who had completed the primary course studied subjects like mathematics and languages which were also taught in High Schools. After 1931 the term Superior Public School was abandoned.

Home Science School

A school department or a separate school combining a general post-primary education with home science and commercial training for girls. The home science course (known as domestic science until 1942) included subjects like cookery, home management and household hygiene, but girls could also take a commercial course with subjects like economics, shorthand and typing.

District Rural School

A school combining primary and secondary departments, which emerged in 1923 to provide a prevocational education for the country child. A three year post-primary course was offered, including agriculture, applied farm mechanics and rural economics for boys, and home science and horticulture for girls. From 1926 agricultural, commercial, home science and technical courses were made available, with the Intermediate Certificate being adopted as the final examination. From 1944 all District Rural Schools were classified as Central Schools, but the special designation was often retained by the school. In theory it indicated the type of secondary course offered, although in practice even before the introduction of comprehensive secondary education District Rural Schools were often no different from other forms of post-primary schools.

How did Plattsburg come by its name?

The town of Wallsend was already formed by 1860 being bound by Kemp, Murnin, Brooks, Brown and Metcalfe Streets.

Mary Cowper, daughter of the Colonial Chaplain, the Rev. William Cowper, was allocated by Governor Ralph Darling 1280 acres of land that adjoined her future husbands farm as a wedding gift. This land was later divided between her children including one portion which went to a daughter, Mary Eliza Brooks, who married William Hampden Platt. With the opening of the Cooperative Colliery this portion of land was subdivided and Plattsburg township was established.

The First Moves to establish Plattsburg Public School

The original Plattsburg Public School was in Hill Street between Mary and Harriet Streets and opened on Thursday 1^st September 1865 with Mr James Hullick as principal

Plattsburg Local Committee

The first move towards the establishment of a school at Plattsburg was made on 21st March 1865 when the honorary secretary of the Plattsburg Local Committee wrote to the Board of National Education. He Stated:

As Secretary pro tem for the Committee elected by the inhabitants of Plattsburg near Wallsend for placing before the Board their application for the establishment of a Vested II School in that populant locality, I

beg to call the early attention of your Hon. Board to the following particulars.

1^st. A central site for the proposed school is granted by W. Platt Esq., the value of which is £75.

2^nd. More than 100 children are ready to attend said proposed school as they cannot go to Wallsend School, even if they could find room in these crowded buildings, without having to cross open railways….. as also creeks, by which danger to life would be incurred; a School at Plattsburg is a necessity.

Nelson Street, Wallsend

3^rd. As 15 residents are duly elected, a Committee by the inhabitants in public Meeting and as £50 towards erecting a suitable building stands on the list, it is earnestly hoped that the matter will receive the early attention of the Board.
Shortly after this letter was received a formal application for the establishment of the school was made on 27^th March 1865. Signatories to the document were Messrs.

James Moodie

Robert Moodie

John Birrell

Hugh Walker

It was stated that 42 boys and 61 girls resided in the locality and were in need of educational facilities, while Mr Platt was willing to grant half an acre of land if the school established.

Mr Inspector Johnson’s Report

Mr Inspector Johnson was asked to investigate the position and submitted a report to the Board on 24^th April 1865. Extracts of the report follow.

The proposed site at Plattsburg is distant about three-fourths of a mile from the proposed site of the Vested School at Wallsend. A line of railway separates the two townships, between which there exists a sort of rivalry. Plattsburg is the scene of what is believed to be a rich coal-seam at present owned by the Co-operative Company, and which no doubt sooner or later will be extensively worked.

Including the value of the School Site, the Patrons expect to have £125.2.0 in hand. It is not intended to build more than the Schoolroom and out buildings to begin with. But pending the erection of the teacher’s residence, the Patrons pledge themselves to guarantee one-third of the teacher’s rent. A suitable residence may be obtained for about eight shillings per week.

I think the large School will be ultimately established here: one-hundred and three children are already promised to attend….

Endeavours have been made from time to time to effect a union of residents of Wallsend and Plattsburg for the purpose of establishing one large School for both townships. All such efforts have proved, however, of no avail, each town being unwilling to forgo the advantage of possessing the school site and buildings.

Although the nearest school was only three miles away at Wallsend, the inspector felt that a national school could be maintained at Plattsburg and recommended that aid be granted.

Rented Accommodation came first

A proposal was put forward regarding the erection of a suitable school building. The Architect suggested a plan for a schoolroom, measuring 60 feet by 20 feet and two classrooms, measuring 40 feet by 20 feet and 20 feet by 20 feet respectively. The structures were to be of weatherboard on log foundations.

The local patrons were of the opinion, however, that the buildings would not be erected for some time and on 9^th August 1865 reported that the local Temperance Hall could be obtained for school purposes. It is not known for certain whether the Board approved of the renting of these premises, but on 14^th September they were informed that the Patrons had appointed Mr James Hullick to the position of teacher. The appointment was approved and the school opened on Thursday 21^st September. There is no record of the initial enrolment, but by December the enrolment numbered 66 boys and 41 girls, with an average attendance of 72.

Early Growth in pupil numbers

In June 1866 the honorary secretary of the Local Patrons, Mr Hugh Walker, stated that the average attendance now numbered 93 pupils and a pupil-teacher was required. As Master Hullick had been assisting his brother since October 1865, the Patrons felt that he should be appointed to the position. The inspector gave his approval and Master Hullick became the first pupil-teacher at Plattsburg.

Mr Hullick was transferred to Wollongong at the end of June 1867. He was replaced by Mr Grenade Chapman, formerly of Kiama.

Students of yesteryear

Plattsburg/Wallsend rivalry

Rivalry between the townships of Wallsend and Plattsburg existed for many years. Evidence of this can be found through the history of Plattsburg School. An offer to sell the Temperance Hall premises to the Council of Education was made by the Trustees in May 1868. Before reaching a decision on the matter the Council requested Mr Inspector Allpass to comment on the desirability of the purchase. The report was received on June 2^nd 1868 and included the following statements:

I am of the opinion that, as Plattsburg property will, with additions, make good school premises, the offer of the Trustees and the application of the Public School Board are worthy of the Council’s acceptance.

I have in a former report stated that it was desirable that a central school be built, but as the tardiness of the Wallsend Board indicates that the erection of a Schoolhouse at Wallsend is a very remote matter, and as the Plattsburg Pits (Co-operative) are now in better working that heretofore I am of opinion that the Council should treat Plattsburg as a proper locality for a Public School. The school will command an attendance of from eighty to one hundred pupils.

Economic Change

The Temperance Hall was not purchased. Shortly after the Temperance Hall purchase was muted, the Local Board informed the Council that they were having great difficulty in raising the required local subscriptions, owing to the insolvency of the Co-operative Mine. Several months later the Council received information that the enrolment at the school was declining, with the attendance averaging only about 40 pupils. It appeared that two recently established private schools had taken a number of the pupils, while the unpopularity of the teacher, Mr Chapman was also a contributing factor. Records do not reveal what further events took place, but apparently the Council decided not to buy the Temperance Hall for the time being.

Plattsburg School recommended for closure 1870

On 17th March 1870 the Local Board requested that the Council fulfil its promise of removing Mr Chapman from Plattsburg. As the enrolment at the school was still diminishing, Mr Inspector Allpass was asked to comment on the matter and forwarded this reply on 31^st March 1870. He wrote:

It is my intention to recommend the closing of the above School (Plattsburg) on the completion of the new premises at Wallsend. Under ordinary circumstances. It would certainly be desirable to leave the teacher, Mr Chapman, undisturbed and such may perhaps be the wiser course on economical grounds. The retention of Mr Chapman at Plattsburg will, however, cause more drifting into the private schools than is desirable.

Reprieve

Mr Chapman found himself in the position of having to pay for both the teacher accommodation and the school premises. These costs exceeded school fees and he willingly accepted an appointment to Bulahdelah in April. His place was taken by Mr Richard Youll, formerly of Minmi who commenced duty on 15 May 1870.

By the following month the average attendance had increased to well over 78 pupils. On the request of Mr Youll, Master Joseph Dransfield was appointed to the position of pupil-teacher. Meanwhile the Local Board had suggested to the Council that new school buildings be erected on a new site. The Council approved of the idea and the Board subsequently furnished plans and specification.

New School buildings damaged in land subsidence

The Architect, when instructed to examine the plans reported that they were unsuitable. There were concerns relating to the undermining of the land. This sparked off an argument between the Board and the Architect which continued until after the school was completed. Unfortunately, records do not reveal dimensions of the buildings, but a tender was accepted from Mr John Wright for the sum of £1 137 in September 1873. Owing to the argument already mentioned the premises were not ready for occupation until April 1875

The extra land and accommodation allowed for the immediate formation of a separate Infants’ Department under the charge of Miss G Doyle. The new school and residence were situated on a half an acre of land which had formerly belonged to Mr William Platt. Later on in 1882 the Architect’s warnings proved to be correct, as the buildings were injured by the ground settling down underneath them.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate reported the following on Saturday 30 October 1886:

But, alas, “the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee;” only twelve months after the Infants Department had been completed, the prospects of the school were woefully blighted by the ground underneath the school sinking, in consequence of the coal being taken out, which rendered the building totally unfit for occupation, and the teacher received instructions to close the school forthwith…..

A new school was subsequently created in 1884 at a cost of £5 300, a large sum in those days. It was built on the existing site of Plattsburg Public School, while the other site was later sold to Mr R Richards in July 1885. At the same time the school was divided into separate girls’, boys’ and infants departments, the total enrolment being 630 students. The area where the school was built was known as “The Hill”.

Plattsburg Public School Principal (1871 to 1888)

Richard Youll (1825 – 1903)

Richard Youll was born on 26 April, 1825, at Byker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. He was the eldest of five children of Thomas Youll and his wife Jane Gibson who had married on 20 June, 1824. Just a few days before Richard’s twelfth birthday, his mother Jane died and was buried on 20 April, 1837 at Longbenton, where the family then lived.

Richard became a miner, like his father and brother Thomas. After his first wife, Mary Ann nee Huntley died of tuberculosis, Richard emigrated to Australia. It is unsure exactly when Richard came but his death certificate suggests it was about 1854. On 17 November 1855 at the Wesleyan chapel in West Maitland, Richard married Alice Mary Martin and they had

six children, two of whom died as infants. Alice died on her 12^th wedding anniversary at the age of 43 after six days of premature labour.

With four young children to care for, Richard married for the third time on 24 September 1868, a school teacher named Matilda Dodd (born 1823 in London). Richard and Matilda were married at her home at Sugarloaf. Richard worked as a coal miner from the time he arrived in Australia till October 1861, when he began teaching at the new school at Minmi. Because he was untrained, he was required to “attend the Model School in Maitland for one month to acquaint himself with the details of the system”. It may have been that he was acceptable to the parents of the school children because he was also a miner and understood their situation. He remained at Minmi till May 1871 when he left to take up a position at Plattsburg school. Enrolments at Minmi had dropped dramatically due to cessation of work at the Minmi colliery, forcing many families to leave to seek employment elsewhere. Richard remained at Plattsburg until his retirement on 31^st December 1888. Enrolments rose from 78 to 714 over the years Richard was at the school. His wife Matilda taught with him at Plattsburg.

Richard died on 4 May, 1903 from ‘senile decay’ and was buried in the Methodist Cemetery at Sandgate. His widow Matilda lived another nine years and died on 11 June, 1912. It is believed that “Youll Street” in Wallsend, Newcastle which was gazetted on 10 September 1880 as part of Plattsburg, was named after Richard Youll.

PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPTAINS SINCE 1976

Prefects 1954

Prefects 1955

Prefects 1956-57

Back Row: John Pridue (Captain), Brian Adams, Les Devon, Allan Bradley (VC), Warren Wilo Colin Duncan Front Row: Marie Howath, Claudia Blanch, Hazel Hughes, Jane Grey, Sandra Abraham, Clare Drurey

1990 : sisters Hazel & Betty Hughes 2015 : sisters Hazel & Betty Hughes

Memories

Arthur Osland 1933-

(As written in the 2001 “Platt Chatt” Booklet)

Arthur Osland was 73 in 2001. He started Kindergarten at Plattsburg in 1933 when he was 5 years old. He can’t recall the names of his earliest teachers but he can recall that his 3^rd class teacher was Mr Newey, 4^th class Mr Morby, 5^th class was Mr Porter and 6^th class was Mr Chapman. The principal in those days was Mr McGrath (Mr McGrath commenced his principal-ship in November 1940).

In those days Plattsburg was a Central School. That meant it was as High School as well as a Primary School, because Wallsend High was not built until the 1960’s. Mr Osland only remembers one of his High School teachers and that was Mr Cox.

The subjects Mr Osland most enjoyed in his Primary School days were Reading, Spelling and Maths. In High School, he preferred Woodwork and Metalwork.

Mr Osland’s most outstanding memories of his days at Plattsburg were dancing around the Maypole, getting caned if you mucked up and the fact that lots of children didn’t even own a pair of shoes in those days. The wooden desks had an ink well in the front of them for pens with nibs on them. You had to dip the pen in the ink so you could write.

He remembers that Plattsburg School used to be known as an “Agricultural School” because it owned 2 acres of ground across the road in the park. That’s where they grew vegetables and flowers. There was a train track going through what is now Wallsend Pool. The principal lived in a house which was on the school grounds.

Beryl Urquhart 1933-

(As recalled by her daughter Therese York)

Beryl attended Plattsburg District Rural School for her entire school career. One recollection Beryl shared with her daughter before her passing is as follows:

Beryl was sitting in a class one day when the boy who sat directly behind her decided to dip her long plaits into his ink well. This didn’t go down too well with Beryl so, when school had finished that day, she chased after him and caught him. It is unknown what Beryl did to the young fellow but he never dipped her hair in the ink well again.

Beryl kept not just her school reports but her exam papers. Of great interest in 2015 are the ‘First Year Laundry’ and ‘Home Management’ examination questions of 1942. Such teaching and testing has long since passed from our curriculum.

Rayma Jean Roberts 1939-1945

I was born at 46 Clarke Street, Wallsend being the last of seven children. My six siblings attended Plattsburg School until the Intermediate Certificate. I started at the Infants section in 1939 and was there until I finished sixth class and then went on to Newcastle Girls High.

The whole of my infants and primary schooling was during the Second World War. I can remember having to do air raid practice and going quickly, but orderly, down to Federal Park where there were trenches dug out. Also,

getting under our desks when the warning was given. We also carried what they called a Dilly Bag, made of canvas which had First Aid supplies in it. It also had a jar of twisted barley sugar in it which our mother was always replenishing.

As teachers were in short supply because of the war our classes were very big. I am almost sure in sixth class we had almost 60 children. We did not have uniforms and the boys did not wear shoes.

I had two children, Roslyn Maree Newton (Born 1954) and Paul David Newton (Born 1959) who also went to Plattsburg. During their time there and up until 2012 I lived with my husband at 64 Devon Street which is at the back corner of the school where all the trees were planted.

I was very involved with the Mother’s Club and the P&C and my children were there when the 100 year celebration was on.

I also had two grandchildren that were there a short while, while their house was being built.

I will be eighty one years old on 15 January 2015 and have lived very close all my life and have always had happy memories of Plattsburg Public School.

Rayma, second row far right and her class of 1941

Mervyn Collins 1938-1941

I came to Plattsburg District Rural School about June 1938 from Fassifern where I was one of 6 in 6th class. There were about 50 in Mr Chapman’s 6th class. I left school after gaining the Intermediate Certificate in December 1941.

In 1940-41 Mr Cox introduced hockey to the school - I believe he was a State Representative. This was a most popular innovation, especially for those of us who were not good enough for the soccer team.

Doug Nelson (Science Teacher?) used to annoy the adjoining Cookery Class when he made H2S (rotten egg gas). Doug also taught Agriculture and a highlight of the year was ploughing in a paddock across the road. The school borrowed an elderly horse from the Co-op to haul the plough. The poor old thing was blind in one eye and, of course, was called Nelson! We all made varying tries at a straight furrow. I figured Nelson knew best so I just held the reins and followed after.

In summer going by tram to the Ocean Baths for a swim was very popular - a penny each way. Empire Day 1941 was a big occasion with many notables, including the Minister for Education, and we packed into the Empire Theatre where I gave an oration on Sir Henry Parkes, the “Father of Federation”.

My Favourite teacher was Marion Carter, an enthusiastic and dedicated English teacher. There was a large print of the classic ‘Stag at Bay’ painting on the wall. Some of the boys - I’m not admitting anything - used to break off the end of their nibs to create a dart to shoot at a particular part of the stag’s anatomy. It was a a great challenge when Miss Carte was out of the room.

Our playground activities were marbles, tops, flicking cards against a wall, swapping cricket cards, chasings and pasting with a tennis ball. And annoying the girls by running through their skipping ropes, about the only time we acknowledged their presence.

Newcastle Ocean Baths circa 1940s.

Students travelled by tram from Wallsend to Newcastle to swim on the now lost concrete continents of the world.

Elsie Bradshaw (nee Moss)

I first came to Plattsburg as a 5^th year student. Mr O’Donnell was Headmaster, his daughter Miss O’Donnell was Head Mistress of the Infants School. Mr Eric Porter was the 5^th class teacher. Mr Porter would many years later teach my children at Wallsend Primary School. Mr Jack Chapman was the 6^th class teacher, he was an excellent teacher who brought out the best in all his students.

Friday afternoons were special as Mr Chapman would often play his violin and we would have a “sing song”. Christmas break-up parties were special for 6^th class students would bring cakes, fruit and goodies from home to be shared with class mates. Mr Chapman made sure it was a special occasion as for some students it was the end of Plattsburg school as they went on to other Newcastle High Schools.

Other primary school teachers were Mr Moorby, Mr Newy and Miss Hogan.

In High School we had many teachers for the many subjects. We would also have a new Headmaster who replaced our much loved Mr McDonald who retired from school teaching. Our new Headmaster lacked the kindly fatherly traits of Mr O’Donnell. My memories of the new Headmaster were of a stern man who frequently caned students.

One of the High School teachers that stood out was Mr Bill Finley who was an excellent teacher but was very “quick tempered”. If he noticed a student not listening he would call their name and throw a blackboard duster or chalk in their direction. I still have visions of offending students “ducking” quickly below their desks to avoid these missiles. I never saw him hit a student but we knew to pay attention.

Mr Finley was also Sports Master and very popular with students. Once a year we would have a special sports day held at the Newcastle sports ground where students from many local schools would compete against each other, we had some champion runners at Plattsburg School.

Girls were taught sewing and cooking, boys were taught metalwork and woodwork. Mr George Davies was the woodwork teacher and he was also Scout Master for Wallsend Scouts, he was a thorough gentleman.

Some of the boys belonged to the Junior Farmer’s Club and would grow vegetables etc in a garden plot beside the then lunch shed. One outstanding junior farmer was Alan Branagh who in later years would open Wallsend’s first nursery on Lake Road, Wallsend.

I have happy memories of time at Plattsburg School and its teachers.

Max Whichello 1954-1956

Plattsburg Secondary High School

I, like a number of Wallsend and Plattsburg youth, attended Plattsburg Secondary High School for the three years to finish my schooling. In those days you had the choice of just doing the three years until you were the leaving age of 15 or sitting for the Intermediate Certificate after the three years of high school.

The Plattsburg School in my days had all three levels of schooling from Infants School, to Primary School and finishing with High School.

Some of my memories of this period are as follows:-

You walked into the school gate before 8.30 am and walked out at 3.30 pm. The biggest difference from Primary School to High School was going to a different class room for each subject you were doing that day unlike Primary School where you were in the same room every day.

The highlight of the day was the one hour spent in Plattsburg Park for lunch. The only time you had away from the school was with sporting teams on Friday afternoons or attending swimming classes in the summer months training for swimming medals.

With very few people owning motor cars, you either walked to school, caught the Lindsley Brother’s School Bus or rode your pushbike, hence the school playground always had dozens of pushbikes parked all over the place.

As Wallsend and Plattsburg areas were very big in soccer football, the Plattsburg School Soccer Teams were always very competitive, and I was lucky enough to play in a number of these teams and most of the Newcastle High Schools always hated to play us.

The Headmaster was supplied with a house on the school grounds at the corner of Boscowan and Ranclaud Streets, and the high school students, not sitting for the Intermediate Certificate, would assist with maintaining the grounds of the Headmaster’s Garden.

The big event in year 1954 was the visit to Newcastle of Queen Elizabeth II with thousands of students attending the Showground to meet her.

In my final year, I was successful in gaining my Intermediate Certificate which enabled me to gain employment at the BHP as an Apprentice Fitter and Turner.

Some of the teachers I remember assisting me were:-

Mr. Bloomfield - Maths

Mr. Brady – Maths and he also trained the gymnastics team of which I was a member. Mrs. Hodgins – English

Mr. Davies – Woodwork

Mr. Hadfield – Tech Drawing

Lavina Bartholomew 1949-1959

SCHOOL DAYS FAMILY MEMORIES

As I write, I imagine that my Mother, Lavina Bartholomew, better known as “Lil” would be one of the oldest students from Plattsburg School still living.

Mum was born at her home on the “Nanny Goat Hill” side of Wallsend, where she still resides today, on the 9^th June, 1917. She began school as a five year old in the early 1920’s. At school she went by the Christian name of “Lily” and her maiden name of MITCHELL. Her brother Jack Mitchell was five years older. They would dutifully walk to school as that was their only mode of transport available to them.

When I asked Mum what her favourite memories were she quickly answered, “None, because I hated school. I had to stay at school until I was sixteen because my mother said I had to get a job before I could leave.” Mum also added that she only got as far as sixth class because she did not want to learn, and that she had to “repeat”. Further into the conversation, surfaced the recall of going into Newcastle Baths for swimming, as well as, going to play of a Friday in Federal Park for sports afternoon.

The real happy memories of school times for her, arrived when my youngest brother Phillip began school in 1965 (Another one who was not a bit impressed with his school years). Mum was a member of the “Mother’s Club”. Mum could clearly see a need for a Tuckshop and she would faithfully walk down to the school each day by 11am to sell mix up drinks to the children for recess. Another sparkling thought highlighted the memory of her being dressed up as Santa Claus. Her words were, “I went to every classroom, and they were all decorated, and I just praised them for having such a lovely room to welcome Santa Claus. I told them, I hope you will all be happy with what Santa has for you. None of the children recognized me and I had so much fun.”

My sister Angela Bartholomew is the eldest of the four of Mum’s living children. Her entire schooling was at Plattsburg Public School beginning in 1948.

It was comfortable memories of school for Angela with the most outstanding being the complete making and sewing of a dress for her Intermediate Certificate. Angela stated, “I remember it was a good feeling to be able to wear the dress I had to make to our farewell dance where we got to dance the Barn Dance, Gypsy Tap, and the Pride of Erin. I felt very special when one of the boys approached me for the first dance.”

My brother James Bartholomew began his schooling in 1959. James clearly recalls the recess and lunchtime cricket matches down on the flat where he spent a fair bit of time at the wicket. His record was 3 days “Not Out”. His other most vivid memory was the visiting school dentist that “Dragged” his teeth out leaving him with a real concern and discomfort regarding the thought, of visiting the Dentist to this very day.

I (Lavina Bartholomew) began my schooling at the age of 4 plus years in 1949. I absolutely loved my school years that spanned at Plattsburg until 1959 which was the final year for High School on those premises. Despite my little challenging traits that probably annoyed the teachers, that seemed to have great delight in their punishments, I always maintained A deep respect for the role they played.

I remember being in my 1^st year of High School whereby I qualified to attend Hunter High in Newcastle. Feeling like “a fish out of water” after 10 days, my need to return to where I felt so much at “Home”, made me realize what is really important. I missed my friends and all that I had grown to love. I have lots of great memories, like representing the school at the Newcastle Town Hall for the drama Festival. Also, I was chosen with other friends to demonstrate our cooking skills at Nesca House. I always looked forward to the Sporting events with a willingness to “Have a Go”. Probably the disappointment would have been when a dear friend of mine Billie-Anne Wells and myself, were chosen by the students voting system, to be Prefects for our final year at school, and then to be told by our lovely Principal Mr. Reginald Thomas, that due to our “Scallywag Ways” perhaps we were not the best choices to set the example for the others. I however managed a consolation prize, of being voted and allowed to be Class Captain of 3A. All Good!!!.

I give thanks for the decade I spent at our beloved Plattsburg Public School that is certainly laced with many fine memories of my life’s most valued and memorable experiences.

“GO PLATTSY”.

The original entrance to Plattsburg Public School (built in 1884) At the time of publication the original verandas are being restored.

Margret Ambler 1952-1959

INFANTS

In Kindergarten ‘B’, Barry CLOUGH and I were praised for our singing; just after that we

were transferred to Kindergarten ‘A’.

Some teachers in the infants’ school (I don’t remember if they were specifically my teachers):

Mrs GENGE (headmistress), who, through my young eyes, appeared to me to be quite a big lady with shortish dark hair cut straight across at the bottom.

Miss LIPSY (maybe that was her nickname as I think she had full lips.) Didn’t appear to be very tall, and may have had dark hair plaited and twisted around her head.

Mrs FULLALOVE

In the big ground floor room closer to the playground there was a small area in which were things/toys the kids could play with. There was a little kitchen cabinet which I always eyed off to play with but it was popular. Being a shy kid and not one to push in, I finally got my chance to play with it, but it was very brief, as we immediately had to leave that little play area.

There was a lunch shed not far from the infants’ building.

After school on one occasion I waited outside my sister Marie’s 5^th or 6^th class room and her teacher invited me in to sit and wait with her – he didn’t leave me standing outside which I appreciated.

PRIMARY SCHOOL Headmaster was Mr HOLLAND.

3A Classroom was the end room overlooking playground in the old building next to the staff room. Teacher Miss/Mrs HILTON. Her hair was short and possibly dyed gold/red. I remember her wearing a dark green 2-piece suit. My first ever hearing of ‘for instance’ was in the form of ‘frinstance’ spoken by Miss Hilton. She also taught us “Rub a dub dub, three men in a tub, and who do you think they were? The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, and, I’m going to tell you a little secret; THEY ALL JUMPED OUT OF A ROTTEN POTATER.”

4A Classroom was a stand-alone room down near the playing field and cookery room. Teacher was Mr AVERY of almost-retiring age. I usually had to stand at the back of the classroom for not knowing my times tables. On a number of occasions, when there was a knock on the classroom door he would say, “Come in if you’re thin.” One day quite a plump girl did come in, and as kids often do, we had a good laugh. I do remember who the girl was and really feel for how she must have felt. I think Mr Avery retired within a couple of years after that and a presentation was made on the verandah of another low-set classroom in front of the students.

5A Classroom was along from Class 3A. Teacher was Mr O’NEIL (Deputy Primary Headmaster). Not a very tall man – may have parted his hair in the middle and it was flat against his scalp. He may have worn a dark blue suit.

Back Row L to R: B .Sutcliff, Mrs R. Goodwin, Mrs G. Nobbs, B. Yee, Miss R. Taylor, D. Rose, Mrs E. Crawford, E. Moorby, G. ClarkFront Row L to R: Mrs B. Carter, Mrs T. McElroy, Mrs L. Genge (Mistress), H. Holland (Principal) Mrs D. Mandison (Deputy Mistress), L. Anson (Assistant Principal), Mrs Z. Hindmarsh

Joy Lewis 1954-1960

The most vivid memories I have of my years at Plattsburg School, apart from the tears and terrors of the first day at Kindergarten, is the final year 1960.

I was elected captain of class 6A and also School Captain so there was extra responsibility to be a good example to all the other students. I was a keen scholar, a prolific reader and I enjoyed learning all subjects and even doing homework and additional study, however, sports days and swimming carnivals were certainly not my favourite activities.

One of my duties as captain was to address the school at assembly and to lead in the recitation of the School Pledge, saluting the flag and singing the School Song and the National Anthem. The gathering was then called to “attention!” and students marched obediently to their classrooms. I remember my body shaking as I approached the microphone and my voice wavering as I viewed the crowd of faces and the teachers with their stern appearance. To this day I can remember the tune of the school song and some of the words of the pledge.

I have a number of photos that I treasure from my schooldays and two of those are of special occasions in 1960. It was a privilege to present to the Matron of Wallsend Hospital, on behalf of the girl students, a number of hand-made quilts which would be used in the Children’s Ward. A few of the senior students were also invited to take a tour of the hospital following a fund-raising effort towards the purchase of an ‘iron-lung’ machine. [I am 2^nd from the left in both photos]

The reward for my years of diligent study was the achievement of Dux of the School 1960. It was an honour to serve Plattsburg School as its Captain in this position of trust and I am deeply grateful to all those wonderful teachers who shaped my future.

My acknowledgement and best wishes to all past, present and future students, teachers and principals of Plattsburg School.

Helen Lewis 1959-1965

My time at Plattsburg School went from Kindergarten in 1959 to 6^th class in 1965. Memories fade and blur after 50 years, but it’s interesting what recollections are triggered by a few special items kept for all that time: school reports, a sewing book, class photos, an autograph book, and two special event photos.

General memories still remaining include: the two-storey brick building where I started school; the huge Moreton Bay Fig tree which gave lots of shade during play times; assemblies in the main quadrangle where we lined up in class groups, and sang the school song and the national anthem; learning the maypole dance with intertwining coloured ribbons; and the Anzac Day ceremonies in Federal Park. I remember also the old style student desks – the pencil groove and inkwell at the top of the sloping desk, the hard seat, the cold wrought iron legs, and the occasional initial carved into the wood by a previous occupant. In the early years there was a compulsory health program where we had to drink a small ¼ pint bottle of milk every day – not very nice in summer when it had been sitting in the sun all morning!

The school reports reminded me of some of my teachers, e.g. Mr Anson, Mr Sutcliffe, but Mrs Crawford was my favourite (she was a gentle and caring person) – I was sad when she left to start a family. The good test results showed how much I enjoyed learning (which continued through high school and university) and my parents were very proud when I was dux of the class and of the school. Another skill begun in primary school was sewing, and the book of samples (still starched and glued in place) showcases those early attempts at needlework. The sewing teacher Mrs Wooller was memorable for her homely quotes like “a stitch in time saves nine”.

The class photos bring back memories of fellow students, their personalities and their antics. The autograph book puts names to many of the faces, most of them continued with me through high school. Blow is a picture of four students: Kerry Dransfield, myself, Greg Frame and Brian Slade? looking at what appears to be a book of stamps – the reason escapes me now.

Over time we’ve all gone our separate ways and lost touch, with only a few remaining in con-tact. This is why special events like the 150^th anniversary are a great opportunity to catch up even briefly with fellow students of the era.

The ribbon above is from 1965, and celebrates 100 years.

Kerry Dransfield, Helen Lewis, Greg Frame and Brian Slade?

Shirley Thoroughgood 1957-1963

My family, the Thoroughgood’s, lived in Hope Street, Wallsend (along side Gretley Colliery). As well as myself and my two older brothers – John and Barry, my younger sister Suzanne, all attended Plattsburg School. My older brother John was still at the school when it was offering high school subjects as Wallsend High School had not opened in time. I think John did one year of high school education at Plattsburg School before Wallsend High School opened!

I started at Plattsburg School (or Plattsy as we always called it) in 1957. In the 1957 photo, looking at the photo I am directly to the

right of the girl holding the class name up. In looking at the photo I can remember lots of the names of those who were there, but not all. Most of these people continued through to attend Wallsend High School.

My memories do not go back to when I started, only vague recollections of leaving bags outside the room etc. But I distinctly remember when my sister Suzanne (Sue as she is known now) started. I can remember her being in one of the rooms downstairs on the right. And my going to visit her at morning tea to check that she was alright!

I distinctly remember a time from when I was in 2^nd class when Mrs Genge (who was the Infants Principal in those days), standing on the steps welcoming me back after being off for a number of weeks with an illness. This is probably the only recollection I have of infants school.

Primary School I remember a little bit more. I remember teachers like Mr Telfer (1962 photo), Miss McElroy (funnily enough I went on to be a Mrs McIlroy) Mr Moresby was the first aid officer and I remember going to him crying after I had jammed my fingers in the doors of the girls toilets! Miss McElroy I distinctly remember always wore bright red lip-stick!

KAB 1957 (Shirley Thoroughgood front row third from the left)

I remember the milk being delivered so that the children could have milk for morning tea.

Sometimes it was even flavoured.

I remember how we used to have concerts or talent quests in the school hall. I even remember one of the songs that I participated in – On the Good Ship Lollipop which was made famous back in those days by Shirley Temple! I remember being in the hall one day when they announced that Marilyn Monroe had died!

I remember when we used to do tennis on a Friday afternoon for sport. To play tennis we had to walk from Plattsy to the other side of Thomas Street, Wallsend. To get there we would walk via the drain from Federal Park, under the roads and under Thomas Street to come up on the other side of the road near the courts. The thought that they could flood probably never entered our minds. When tennis was finished we would again walk home. I had quite a distance to walk seeing I lived then in what was commonly known as the last street of Wallsend, Hope Street, alongside Gretley Colliery!

I remember Plattsburg’s 100^th year celebration. I had gone to high school only a few years earlier but went down to the school on the Saturday for the centenary celebration.

Later when I lived in Maryland we had the choice of sending our children to Plattsburg School or Maryland School – we chose Plattsburg. My 3 children attended Plattsy, starting with Scott, who commenced in 1981, to Nathan, who commenced in 1982 and Erin who commenced in 1986. Between the 3 of them I think we had house captains, prefects and possibly either captain or vice captain of the school. My daughter Erin would have been at Plattsburg during the 125^th celebrations .

I must admit I am a proud ex-Plattsy student, and I’m proud that Plattsburg started my children off on their academic careers. They all attended Wallsend High School and then the University of Newcastle. Scott went on to become a high school teacher, Nathan a journalist then publicist, and Erin a primary school teacher. So I really believe they had the best start in their educational lives.

I would like to pass on to those involved in the 150^th celebration my congratulations and best wishes. I only hope I am around for the celebration.

Drinking school milk circa 1957

Mrs Kirsop (circa 1960s)

I went to Plattsburg School when I was young. My mum and grandmother also went to Plattsburg. It was also the High School then. When I went to Plattsburg, the uniform was a navy box pleat tunic and a white blouse. They changed it when I was in Year 6 to maroon so it could be worn on to the High School. There was no canteen. We used to have to walk to the shop behind the school in Ranclaud Street and there is a house there now. A bottle of Coke or Fanta was about 11c and when you took back the glass bottle you would get a 5c refund.

We had 2 electric sewing machines and the rest were treadle machines. All sewing was done by hand or on the treadle machines. You weren’t allowed to use the electric machines until you were in Year 6. Only the girls did sewing; the boys didn’t need to know how to sew.

The gully didn’t belong to the school then. It was a paddock with horses in it. There was a big wooden fence that went across the back where the canteen is now. The horses were very well fed because if you had a sandwich you didn’t like, the horses got it.

We used to do marching every week. Each house would take it in turns at marching around. Which ever House marched the best for that week got the Marching Trophy presented to it at the next assembly. I was the Captain of Phillip House so I got to march out the front carrying the Phillip House flag.

For sport we girls played netball and vigoro in the winter and swimming in the summer. We had to go to Lambton pool then because Wallsend Pool hadn’t been built. Girls weren’t allowed to play cricket or soccer because they were boy’s games.

When I was in Year 6 we went to Canberra and families from Cooma billeted us out. I didn’t like staying with strangers but it was the first time I’d ever seen snow. One of my friends wore a pair of new jeans and when they got wet in the snow, the dye ran and the bus driver wouldn’t let her sit on the seat on the bus. So she had to stand up all the way from the snow to Cooma.

So, things are a lot different now than when I went to school. I think it might be better now. There is a lot more variety and fewer restrictions on girls.

A view of the Gully before it became part of the school, 1965

A great photo of Plattsburg PS and the surrounding area. We are not sure of the date for this one, but you can see the school's two-storey building in the photo. The train track is now the road to Maryland.

Bill Hawkins

(Deputy Principal 1987 - 1990)

In 1987 I accepted a promotion to my first non-teaching [class free] position of Deputy Principal 1 Infants, in charge of the 13 Infants classes at the then large Plattsburg Public School.

A man in charge of 13 ladies was a new experience for all of us. I have to say I was extremely well received by the all-female staff and I must have done something right because at the end of my time at Plattsburg, at the end of 1989, my Infants staff awarded me a “Best Boss” Award.

Up till this time such positions were only open to Infants Mistresses, so you could say that I made history as the first male Infants Mistress at Plattsburg! A new Principal, Ray Tranby also began at Plattsburg the same year. One of our first administrative decisions was to do away with the white line across the playground which divided the Infants and Primary Departments. Up till our arrival at the school Infants and Primary children were not allowed to mix with one another on the playground. We changed that very quickly!

One minor problem that caused some concern, now and then, was that there was already a Mr. Hawkins on the staff in the Primary Department, [John Hawkins], and occasionally one of us got the blame for the other one’s actions.

I remember that everyone, including the staff, liked to “dress up”, on out of uniform days and on any other occasion which presented themselves. On an excursion to Old Sydney Town staff and pupils dressed in period costume and became indistinguishable from the people who worked there. Many times I was asked questions by the general public about the various fea-tures at the theme park which, of course, I couldn’t answer.

Dress ups 1988 style. Class 4F

Bill Hawkins continued

Although I had always been involved with school music activities, [choirs and bands], after a visit to a Sydney School to see it action, it was at Plattsburg that I introduced the idea of a school dance festival, where every child in every class was involved, and the school’s involvement in the Regional Dance Festivals. Dance thus became a vital and growing feature of the school's cultural curriculum.

It was a time when programming formats were changing and with my strong support and encouragement my staff were heavily involved in trialling the new formats. I remember at her List 1 inspection, Bronwyn Isherwood so impressed the Inspector of Schools with her program that he asked permission to take it away to show his colleagues. Of course, Bronwyn did succeed in gaining her List 1 that year.

During my three years at Plattsburg I think the things I remember best are the two catastrophes which occurred. The first was the massive damage that was caused to the Infants block during the Newcastle earthquake in 1988. Thankfully, this incident took place during the Christmas holidays, so even though there was much damage to the building, no pupils or staff were injured. The other, and of much more concern, was the incident where one of our pupils was hit by a car in the pedestrian crossing outside the school and was severely injured. After a long period of recovery she returned to school in a wheel chair. I’m not ashamed to say that I wept when I saw her the day she came back to school.
It was during this time that classroom teaching became of lesser importance and administration and staff supervision and development became of much greater importance to me. Although I still enjoyed brief visits to the classrooms and my interaction with the pupils I had to concentrate on the broader issues of school and community. The three years at Plattsburg gave me the opportunity to continue to grow into the role of an administrator as I was given a great deal of freedom as well as much support by the Principal, Ray Tranby. I learnt a lot about dealing with other teachers' problems and their development and dealing with parental concerns. This put me in good stead for my next position as Principal 2 at Charlestown South Public School in 1990.

Neryl Watkins

My education at Plattsburg District Rural School was during World War II, 1941 to 1944, 1st year to Intermediate Certificate 3rd year. Previously I attended Wallsend Public School as it was closer to home and Plattsburg was one of the ‘feeder’ High Schools in the Newcastle area. Education was certainly different from todays system - NO calculators, biros, computers, mobile phones etc. TV had not been invented, there were very few cars and petrol was rationed. Everything was done by learning from teachers in a practical way.

Many of the students relatives were away serving in the armed forces or in essential services, being driven to school was unheard of, and very few families had home telephones. Students either walked to school, caught a bus (Minmi or South Wallsend (Elermore Vale), or rode a bike rain, hail or shine. As there was a shortage of rubber, if new bike tyres were needed it was compulsory to have a permit signed by the Headmaster Mr McGrath, certifying we lived a particular distance from the school before they could be purchased.

Subjects taught to girls were English, History, Maths (including algebra), Physiology, Cooking, Sewing and Art whilst boys subjects included Manual Arts, Science and Agriculture.

Out teachers were strict but fair, and kept us well disciplined when necessary. The boys were even given the cane at times in their classes, as my husband Ken can remember!

We were given small bottles of milk each day, it was never cold as refrigeration was not available. Most lunch times were spent in Federal Park. A close friend and I often walked around the oval cement bike track for exercise. There was no “tuck shop” however sandwiches were sold at a shop next to the school or brought from home. We were also allowed to walk to Nelson Street to buy chips or pies mostly on Mondays.

For sport during the summer we walked to the Wallsend Rotunda and caught the tram to Newcastle Ocean Baths for swimming. In winter in 1st year I played basketball (now called Netball) then changed to hockey in 2nd and 3rd year. Plattsburg was in the Newcastle area ‘B’ grade High School competition. We travelled to Union Street by tram then walked to National Park. After being well coached by teacher/coach Mrs Baldwin we were good enough to win the Grand Final. Mrs Baldwin was so excited she took a photograph of the team with her little camera and we were taken to Plumridge’s lovely café in Nelson Street for an ice cream sundae and drink - what a treat at the time!

A tram travelling down Robert Street Wallsend. Plattsburg students boarded trams to travel into the Ocean Baths for sport.

Edna Moylan (nee Lee) 1944 - 1954

Four girls in my family went to Plattsburg school. I remember that in high school, all students had injections for TB in 1953.

I enjoyed school. In 1953 we won the Hockey Premiers competition and I was in the team. The teachers I remember are Mr Cook, Miss Margar, Peter Bloomfield and the school principal was Mr Thomas.

I was a contestant in the Back to Wallsend week. I was the St John ambulance entrant but I did not win. Maureen Easton from the Cal Church won. At the time, Wallsend Hospital was run by Margaret Neal who went on to become Matron of Wallsend Hospital.

Memories in Brief

Ray Brooks 1938 - 1940

The walk from Wallsend school to Plattsburg school for the Wood Working Class lessons by Mr Davies - a wonderful teacher - in his grey dustcoat, white shirt and tie ….. always dressed to perfection.

The maypole dancing and the friendly competition between Wallsend and Plattsburg schools. We all enjoyed these fun days and made many friends.

Mr O’Donnell the Head Master was respected by all students in so many ways. He was easy to talk to and supported you at all times. He was held in high esteem throughout the Wallsend Plattsburg community.

Barbara Peel 1941-1948

My favourite memory of my time at Plattsburg is the day in September 1945 when the Headmaster Mr Chapman assembled the school & announced "THE WAR IS OVER".

Helen Blacklock

I remember being completely surprised to receive a prize in the 5th and 6th classes for coming 3rd in the year. The book was “Seven Little Australians” a lovely classic which I still have.

Margaret Broadbent 1956-1962

Having the ends of my plaits dipped in the inkwells, and the bubblers bursting in your face.

The most awful thing about school was having to drink the bottles of milk that were left out in the sun.

All the friendships made and the great teachers. Doing the times tables every morning.

Alan Austin 1963-1969

A Glimpse of the Past

Photo courtesy of Rayma Roberts: February 1955

Whilst the above scene looks tranquil it belies a sanitary issue that plagued Plattsburg and Wallsend for years. Iron Cove Creek at one time extended to what we know today as Federal Park. The swampy water was often foetid and stagnant in the summer and flooded in the winter being impacted on by the sewage of the boroughs of Wallsend and Plattsburg.

Miners' Advocate and Northumberland Recorder

Saturday 25 July 1874

….the swamp lies in the centre of the municipality, by pouring into it the accumulated filth of the whole borough, it will be made a monstrous cesspool whose constant ascending alluvia and perpetual spreading miasma will be the prolific source of disease and death

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate

Friday 12 March 1880

Plattsburg Sanitary Improvements

It will be seen by the report of the last council meeting, that our alderman have commenced in earnest towards improving the sanitary conditions of the borough. Their surveyor, Mr J. Swinburn, having completed the survey, and prepared plans for the cutting of a water channel from the Mary Street Bridge to Iron Bark Creek; the formation of which will not only drain the low lying land on either side but can also be utilised for sewerage purposes.

Memories Captured

Alan Trevett is picture in 1941, fourth from the left in the top row, and pictured again in 2015 in the same location.

PLATTSBURG RUNS THIRD IN STATE NETBALL

The Newcastle Herald, Thursday, August 30, 1990

(Juniors in Sport by Vera Rose)

Plattsburg Public School achieved its best netball result recently when its team made the semi

-finals of the State Knockout competition. The side finished third out of 323 teams.

The school lost its semi-final match to Robert Townson of, Campbelltown, 13-18, but not before the gritty Novocastrians put up a hard battle.

The team played six matches in the Hunter to qualify for the semi-finals and won them all convincingly.

They beat Garden Suburb 63-3, Stockton 31-8, Barnsley 23-9, The Junction 22-15 and Warners Bay 23-12.

In the quarter finals they overcame Kanwal, of Wyong 21-15.

Team members are: Aleisha Herbert, Kylie Wills, Elizabeth Turner, Belinda Walsh, Rebecca Petrie, Jessica Brent, Naomi Bell, Joy Beale, Jenny Adams and Rochelle Hanna. The coach and manager is Sharon Mansfield.

PLATTSBURG’S P&C ACROSS TIME

Plattsburg has a long history of support from parents. Sometimes known as the Mother’s Club and more often known as the P&C (Parents and Citizen’s Association). In the 1950’s the Newcastle Sun ran a regular column, “P&C Activities”. On 19 March 1953 the Newcastle Sun reported the following:

One of the most important activities of P&C branches is to provide money for text books and already this year many hundreds of pounds has been allocated. The supply of text books in schools is necessary because the Department of Education does not supply any text books except the school magazine and a scripture book. Text books are not supplied for secondary schools, although they may be purchased at a discount if ordered in advance. With primary school books costing as much as 12s 6d each, help from P&C branches is limited and some parents experience hardship in buying the books. They consider it is time either the department printed their own text books or heavily subsidise their purchase.

So many aspects of school life have been and continue to be supported and fought for by the parents and carers of the children that attend school.

Origins of the School Canteen

By Leola Owen

It was around the mid 1960s when I joined the ladies of the Mother’s Club at Plattsburg School. Fund raising was a big part of our group. We soon began to work towards the raising of funds for the building of Plattsburg School’s first canteen for the students.

In the beginning, on the last Monday of the month an area was set up in the foyer of the Infant’s Department (two storey building) for the volunteer Mothers (approx. 10 to 12 of us) to prepare sandwiches for the children who had placed their lunch orders on the Friday before. Some Mothers would also bake cupcakes and bring them from home to be sold as well. The only Primary school students that were given the opportunity to also order their lunch were the brothers or sisters of the Infant Department students that were ordering lunch on the respective day.

Each day at 11 a.m. Lil Bartholomew would come to the school to sell mix up drinks for playtime, and also lunch time to help to finance what was to come.

I recall Mr Burns the new Headmaster who was a progressive thinker suggesting that we have each Monday and Friday made available for providing lunch orders.

From memory Mr Burns must have approached the Education Department with his vision for a canteen to be built and utilised on a daily basis. Apparently they were prepared to fund 50% of costs of the Mother’s Club could raise the other 50%.

Another way of achieving our goal was to create a “Family Recipe Book” whereby the parents were invited to submit a favourite recipe. Between the resourcefulness of the willing parents we created a profitable outcome from the sale of these books that were put together by a fun loving group of people at one of the ladies home.

The cook book that built a school canteen

When it was time to prepare for the project of the new building I recall a Mr Bill Polworth, a local builder, who had children at the school plan a suitable design for the canteen that would protect the children against the bad weather.

I also remember the Fathers having working bees on a Saturday morning because myself and Meryl Newton would supply morning tea of scones and grated cheese or jam with their cuppas.

Once we had our canteen in operation we offered sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls, donuts (plain and iced), frozen yogurt and ice blocks.

We had come a long way from what we began with. Due to the fact that Mr Burns and his faithful team of parents had a vision for a much needed service.

It felt like at times I worked harder at school during this time than I did in my own home. On completion it felt like ‘a job well done’.

The school canteen in the background, some 25 years after its construction

Postscript.
In 2015 the original canteen is frequently referred to as ‘the old canteen’. It was refurbed by the P&C in 2009-2010 and, as was the case in the mid 1960s, fathers and mothers volunteered to do much of the work. In 2015 it is used everyday for Breakfast Club. It is also the sale point for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls and other special occasions involving food preparation.

The original canteen, still going strong in 2015. P&C members man the Mother’s Day Stall.

Ex-students and their deeds

William Matthew Currey VC

(1895-1948) Victoria Cross

William Currey was born at Wallsend on 19 September 1895. After finishing school at Dudley and Plattsburg Public schools he moved to Sydney to find employment.

After the outbreak of World War I he twice attempted to enlist without his parents' consent, giving a false age, but was discovered and discharged. He was accepted for the AIF in 1916 and sent to France late that year.

Private Currey was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the Australian attack at Péronne on 1 September 1918.

After the war Currey joined the NSW railways as a storeman. While employed with the railways he became active in the Australian Labor Party and on 16 May 1941 he resigned his post to stand as Labor candidate for Kogarah in the Legislative Assembly. He was twice re-elected - in 1944 and 1947.

Currey collapsed suddenly in Parliament House on 27 April 1948 and died three days later.

Robert Cameron NSW Politician

(29 October 1890 – 21 May 1970)

Robert Cameron was an Australian politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1927 until 1956. He was a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Cameron was born in the Hunter Region coal mining town of Minmi. He was the son of Robert Cameron, miner and union official, and Isabel Bower. He was educated to elementary level at Plattsburg Public School. He began work at the age of 14 years as a coal miner at the Wallsend Colliery until his election to parliament. He was an office-holder in the Miners' Federation prior to his election to parliament.

Following the abolition of multi-member seats elected by proportional representation at the 1927 election, Cameron won ALP pre-selection and the general election for the seat of Wallsend. This seat was abolished in a redistribution before the 1930 state election and Cameron was subsequently elected to the seat of Waratah. He remained the representative for this seat until his retirement in 1956.

On 1 January 1963, Cameron was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire "in recognition of public service in New South Wales." His community interests included: secretary of Wallsend Lodge; prominent in friendly societies; trustee of Wallsend soccer club, racegoer.

Reg Date

(26 July 1921 – 11 August 1995) an Australian soccer player

Reg Date started his career with Plattsburg Primary School in 1930. His junior career included 305 goals with the Plattsburg club Under-16 and Under-18 teams.

Between 1937 and 1953, Date scored 664 goals in competition games,

including nine goals in one game, seven goals in two games and six goals in three games. In his junior and senior career, Date kicked a total of 1,616 goals.

He represented Australia six times when international matches were few and far between. Most of his playing career was spent with Wallsend (from 1937 to 1953), with exception of a three-year stint playing with Canterbury. His most productive years were 1947, when he

scored 72 goals in the season for Canterbury, and 1937 when he scored 204 goals for Plattsburg Under-18s.

At his peak Date was a prolific goal scorer for Canterbury-Bankstown in the New South Wales Division 1, earning state and international recognition and captaining Australia for a single

game on 31 May 1947 against South Africa. That game formed part of a five-game home series against that nation; Date scoring 8 goals. (He scored another 3 in two warm-up matches for the 'B' side prior to the official tour.

(Football Federation Australia, September 2014)

Henry Christian “Harry” Hopman (CBE)

(12 August 1906 - December 27 1985)

Harry Hopman was a well known Australian tennis player and coach. His father, John Henry Hopman, was the principal of Plattsburg from July 1915 to sometime in late 1917. Harry attended Plattsburg in the years his father was principal.

Hopman’s success included captaining Australia to 16 Davis Cup titles between 1939 and 1967. As a player he won seven Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles titles (several with his first wife, Nell), was a member of the victorious Australian Davis Cup team in 1939 and reached the singles final of the Australian Championships three times.

The Hopman Cup is named in Harry’s honour. The Hopman Cup is an annual international team indoor hardcourt tennis tournament held in Perth, Western Australia.

Sonia Hornery (MP)

(4 December 1961 - )

Sonia Kathleen Hornery JP MP is an Australian politician representing the seat of Electoral district of Wallsend for the Australian Labor Party. She has been in Parliament since 24 March 2007.

Sonia is a great supporter of Plattsburg Public School. Whilst working tirelessly for the people of Wallsend and the Hunter Sonia has never forgotten her ties to the school and is a contemporary role model for all students.

Sonia Hornery 1967, front row fourth from the right

THEN AND NOW

1880

1900-1917

1920's

1930's

1940's

1950's

1960s

1970's