Oct2014_SAMFORD MUSEUM NEWS

Breaking the earth for the foundation of the Samford Provisional School replica commenced on 8 January 2000. January was the beginning of many very busy months ahead. Another year was to pass by before this huge job was completed.  In actual fact it was built over 27 Saturdays by volunteers from the Golden Valley/Keperra Lions Club, the volunteers and or members from the museum.  The project was funded by a Centenary Federation grant (Federal).  A quote from Pine River Press 31 January 2001 “Descendants of Samford pioneering families were among more than 500 people who witnessed the opening of the town’s 1872 Provisional School replica on Friday 26 January 2001.” 

A “normal day” for a child attending school in 1870’s commenced rather early, most had jobs to do before riding bare back on a horse, perhaps with two other children or walking on foot and probably barefooted to school.  Horses were allocated a paddock adjacent to the school.  Activities such as saluting the King/Queen, by placing your right hand over your heart and reciting (hopefully I have it right) “I love my country, I salute my flag and I honour my King/Queen”. 

Marching into school with the sound of Colonel Bogey and the teacher repeating “Left, right, left, right, left”.  Once seated the students obediently sat up straight and commenced mental arithmetic . 

Certainly the 3 R’s were etched and instilled in their minds. No such things as pencil and paper, a wooden framed rectangle shaped writing implement called a slate, along with a slate pencil, was the order of the day.  A small piece of  wet rag squeezed out proved to be a handy item to clean the slate. School desks were of solid timber, either a single or double seater – some with a lid enabling them to store their books or slates in.  A china ink well to the top right of the desk was used when students advanced into an higher class.  A thin piece of wood, cylinder in shape with a nib attached was a writing implement which was used with the copy book, the pen had to be continually dipped into the ink.  Very neat writing was required to gain marks in competency in this area. Mischievous boys were in their element when the girls wore plaits to school, they delighted in putting the neat tresses into the very full ink well.  The girls would let out a scream and the horrified teacher grabbed her cane and gave the boys five of the best.  Their punishment did not deter them from repeating their fun!!!

It was common practice for children not to complete their full schooling years, so at a very young age they left as their parents needed them to help out on the farm.  This happened generation after generation. 

Discipline and respect was high on the daily agenda.

And as school children of today  2000 + ……………

Certainly so different.  Life is very much in the fast lane now. Children have so much to learn and retain.  Jobs to be done before you left for the school, hardly.  Transport possibly by train, bike and or bus.  Parents are often the “taxi”.  Smartly dressed in school uniforms and definitely wearing foot wear. No odes or marching in this day and age.  The 3r’s has been missing from the education system for many a year.  Writing or printing no pen and paper, no way, a thing of the past.  Now it’s tablets (no, not the ones you take) personal computers, iPads and lap tops.  Spelling – students now have spell check on the above.  The students have more rights then previous generations.  No cane for these future leaders of our wonderful country.  No excuse for leaving school early.  Most start with Kindy, then Prep, Grade 1 and upwards.  University is the choice of many.  School leaving age is 15, although they are encouraged to carry on with further studies.  Lack of discipline and respect is a big issue in the classroom today.