A View of Wagga Wagga Teachers' College from the Air in 1961

Volume 23, No 2 August 2020

The WWTC Administration Block and Art Room in 1964, taken from the roof of the Principal's residence. The well-remembered rose gardens of the college are in the centre of the photograph.

A view of Wagga Wagga Teachers' College from the air in 1961

Page 3 captures ‘The Last Hurrah’, after the demolition team moved in

1 Across the Secretary’s Desk - Lesley Forbes

busy as usual; we do all sincerely ap- Some time ago Talkabout published preciate your efforts in keeping us all a couple of articles from ex-students in touch. talking about things they had be- All the very best, come involved with in retirement. Allan Manning (Holzheimer 1966-67). At the time I mentioned to Brian

that I was interested in writing My best wishes to the Social Gather- something about Trove, an initia- ing in the Southern Highlands- a love- tive of the National Library which ly part of NSW. My health (old age) is gradually digitising Australian does not permit me to travel as I have newspapers from settlement to been doing for many years. I am 1955. Volunteers are assisting by pleased to say that I am still driving correcting some of the digitised text around Dubbo and district and enjoy- (using the actual newspaper page ing a good social life locally. which is also displayed) which in Warm regards, turn, improves the search capability Ruby Riach (Lecturer 50-54) of the database. Volunteers can also

create lists and/or tag items to help Thanks Lesley, I received my edition people find relevant information. in the mail. Thank you for all the work Thankyou Lesley and best wishes to For anyone researching family his- you do to produce and mail Talkabout, our Talkabout friends for 2020. I do tory or anything connected to the I do enjoy reading it and especially love reading the issues and appreci- early history of Australia this is a about Youngie and people who attend- ate all the work that you do to keep goldmine. The beauty of this project ed College with me or the remote it going. is that you can combine the correc- schools some people experienced. I am proud to be one of "Us". tions, creations of lists etc, with Best wishes Suzie Garigliano (Donnison 65-66) whatever searches you might be Robin McKinnon (52-53) living in Sardinia personally interested in.

Beth McLaren (60-61) Suella Jarvis let me know that her Have received the latest Talkabout, Mum and Dad had moved into aged but have not read it all yet. As with The students and staff at Bobin care and that her Mum passed away all previous editions, no doubt, it Public School wish to thank you for at the end of January. She spoke of will be interesting and informative. reaching out to us and for your kind chatting to some of Jennifer’s ex- I have meant to write since I donation ($1500). College folk at her funeral. Suella will learned of the passing of Brian It has meant a lot to have your sup- ensure Ken receives the Talkabout. Powyer last year: very sad, and a port. Ken & Jennifer (Gamble) Jarvis (55- contributive life cut short. I met Headmistress Bobin Public School 56) with Brian at our Reunion in Wag- ga some years ago, but have had no G’day Lesley, I am back home in Can- contact with him since our College ada, keeping the isolation after spend- days. He was a member of our Stu- ing the summer in your part of the dents’ Council in 1967, and I have world, DROUGHT, BUSHFIRES & read of his continued contribution to FLOODS…. Now we have a world- the students, schools and communi- wide VIRUS. ties where he attended…. And these What a bloody year 2020 has been. groups, along with his family, will We are back golfing in Nanaimo, but miss him most. A very well consid- clubhouse is still closed. ered and friendly bloke. Some restaurants & pubs are begin- I have read of the Southern High- ning to open. lands Social Gathering for some Bill Keast (60-61) time now, but am unable to attend; still working, and we now make the trip south just once a year, I want to thank you for the marvellous work you are doing and the huge work (daughter and family still in Wag- ga). I would like to be remembered load you have taken on. I don’t know to all those who will have the pleas- how you find the time to do it all. I ure to attend, and I hope the Gath- love receiving Talkabout and reminisc- ering is fun for all. ing about College days. I hope you two are well still, and Sally Barnes-Cooke (62-63) 2

South Campus - Demolition Proceeds

It will be unrecog- nisable when next we visit. The move from South Cam- pus is all but complete. Within the next couple of years, the Riverina Regional Archives will move seeing the Campus totally devoted to other purposes.

Thank you to Jock & Jenny Cur- rie for these photos.

3 Wagga Wagga Teachers’ College Graduates 1950-51

Each year a group of ladies from one of the “truncated” sessions at the College This year we were few in meet at the Swissotel in Sydney. We studied the two year course over 18 months number but Decima had to align with school year commencement. Previously the College’s students grad- plenty of news about others uated in June with the difficulty of school placement in the middle of a year. unable to attend. We remi- nisced about College life, attending lectures from 9am to 5pm, travelling miles for “Prac” teaching, the Gilbert and Sullivan productions, and our initiation into Col- lege life where the second year students collected all our carefully stored shoes and distributed them throughout the College grounds while the innocent first years were at a special assembly. We wonder if the staff were party to this and whether we ever found all the shoes? Some were up the flagpole in front of the Admin building.

Already looking forward to our reunion next year!

L to R Narelle (Matthews) Griffiths; Gladys (Chapman) Meaney-Budd; Ella (Redpath) Keesing; Decima (Wheeler) Pickles AGOSCI Distinguished Services Award to Ella Keesing (Redpath 1950-51)

Some time ago, Talkabout published the Victorian Education Department. that time the school had minimum an article by me titled From Primary Following graduation I obtained a po- input from a Speech Pathologist. Teaching to Producing and Editing sition in a Special Education setting Books of Manual Sign. This is a sequel and became hooked on the diversity of To assist in my role I decided to to that review. programs and the colleagues who were complete a short course with Ma- so committed to the education of intel- katon (now Key Word Sign Austral- To recap briefly, I trained at Wagga lectually disabled children. After 3 ia), a language program using man- Wagga Teachers’ College in 1950/51, years in this setting I applied to com- ual signs to communicate. In Aus- taught for 3 years at an outer Sydney plete a Graduate Diploma in Special tralia, Auslan (the Signs used by suburb, had a year at Wagga Demon- Education at Deakin University. I was the Deaf community) is used but stration School, then back to Sydney granted part time study leave and only the Key Words are signed and where I married and had three daugh- part time work at a Special School. the signs are always accompanied ters. My husband was transferred to Because I was working part time, I by speech. I held sessions and activ- Melbourne and we established a home was given the role of Speech and Lan- ities in the classrooms so the teach- in a new city. guage Teacher. One of the grades had ers and the verbal students could 6 out of the 8 children who had hear- learn the signs and communicate I upgraded my qualifications to 3 year with their hearing but non-verbal trained status completing a course with ing but were non-verbal or had speech which could not be understood. At peers. It worked! I was indeed for-

4 tunate that I had the support of the ence in Perth in 2019 I was awarded a I was indeed delighted to be nomi- administration and all the teachers. Distinguished Services Award for my nated and honoured to receive this Soon I was running workshops for par- contribution to Key Word Sign. award as it is by an Australia wide ents and teachers from other schools. “Established in 1981, AGOSCI is an in- selection, awarded only every two Several submissions to philanthropic clusive group interested in enhancing the years and is usually granted to a organisations were successful in ob- participation of all people with complex Speech Pathologist. taining computers and electronic communication needs”. (Google) Original- speech aids to assist in communication ly, AGOSCI was an acronym which stood A long way from the Wagga Wagga in addition to signing. However it was for Australian Group on Severe Commu- Campus but a dedicated teacher early days in this field compared to nication Impairment. Due to changes in for many years, in many different current developments. terminology and the wider reach of the ways! group, AGOSCI no longer refers to itself In 1997 I retired from the Victorian in that way but still uses the acronym. Education Department but continued my interest in Key Word Sign as I saw such benefits for the families. As part of a committee, over several years, I helped develop 4 books, 2 CD Roms and an App to show how to make the signs and how to use them in communication. I also initiated the pub- lishing of a Footy Book showing the signs for the AFL teams and related conversational words.

I continued to assist the committee organising workshop training for Parents, Carers, Speech Pathologists and Teach- ers. In 2019 I had been an active voluntary committee member for 22 years.

At the AGOSCI Confer-

Kambu 1958-59 Snippets (continued)

Kambu Men 1958-59: (continued after three years was appointed to canvas in front. In retrospect Bill cer- from last Issue) Woolooma Public School and lived tainly feels fortunate that making in Stewarts Brook, seven miles and these crossings with his wife and chil- In Room 1 with Mike Bonner was Wil- six creek crossings from the school. dren were without mishap but not sure liam Wenban. He was fortunate to His During this period, the Wenban’s what would have happened if the Land initial appointment in 1960 was to Mt produced three children, the young- Rover had stalled in a raging torrent. Oriel Public School near Grenfell where est having the distinction of being he spent the first three years of his ca- ‘born would have happened if the Bill and his family continued to move: reer. He was fortunate to board with Land Rover had stalled in a raging Aberdeen PS, Muswellbrook PS, Grif- Max and Marie Barr on their farm and torrent.on the road’ en route to fith PS, Wee Waa Central and finally during this time, Bill’s Kambu mates, Scone Hospital. During the rainy from 1985 to retirement in 1997 Nel- Mike Bonnor, Lach Farrell and Kel season many of the creek crossiings son Bay PS. Hardingham spent many a happy became impassable. Bill fortunately Bill was honoured with Life Member- ‘farming weekend’. had a Land Rover which clothed ship in the NSW Teachers Federation. with the usual tarred brown paper In 1963, Bill moved to the ‘big time’, over the engine and in addition, a He continues to live at Soldiers Point Gilgandra Public School, married and near Newcastle. 5

William Wenban

Room 2: Kel Hardingham began In 1965, Kel was thrown out of the Sci- week-long residential camp for his teaching career in Hay PS and ence Faculty for failing Chemistry high ability Year 8 students. (The Tal- then two years in Urana, where he twice. He then began secondary teach- ented Students Forensic Science Camp, joined Bill Grant (WWTC lecturer) ing at Dapto High School. He also com- which attracted students from all over as Headmaster, Guy Pickering pleted Chemistry at Wollon- Australia.) W W T C ( 1 9 5 9 - 6 0 ) a n d gong University and between 1966-67, Pam Collingridge WWTC (1960- returned to UNE, completing a BSc In 1994, Kel received a BHP 61). A great staff and great (Honours). Prize fro innovation in science teaching. friends. In 2002, he was awarded the National He had a brief venture into a private Excellence in Teaching Award for innova- At WWTC, Kel had been inspired business manufacturing science teach- tions in the teaching of Field Ecology. In by Speed Gammage, biology lectur- ing aids, and between 1970 and 74, he retirement, in 2005, The School of Educa- er and in 1963, he resigned from married Fay, producing two sons, and tion at UNE recognised Kel for NSW Dept of Education and en- taught sciences at PLC, Armidale. In his outstanding contributions to Science rolled as a full time UNE student 1974, he was invited to teach the lec- Teaching. Between 1988 and in biological sciences. In 1964 he turing staff on how to talk science to 2002, Kel was also a Member of the Board was fortunate to have Charle Arts students as a physiology course of Directors of the Non Govern- Vernon, godfather of corals in his had been introduced to the Arts facul- ment School Superannuation Fund. zoology class. Through Char- ty. In 1979, Kel returned to the class- lie, Kel learned that if a group of room at The Armidale School. students were accompanied by a lecturer, accommodation on Heron Opportunities beyond Public Island was free. Thus began a30 Schools abounded. He conducted year pilgrimage for Kel, family Bush Sports (canoeing, rock members and school groups for climbing and bushwalking), led a two week trip to the Great Barri- four overseas, seven-week expedi- er Reef. Kel believed that if the tions to Nepal and India for Year GBR were to survive, it needed 10 students from friends who knew it. the Armidale area, created a

Year 10 student, PLC 1986, with Fay and Kel at Bonza Point, Ganesh Himal North of Kathmandu

6 Past Scholarship Holders & COVID 19

We have heard how many parents and Grenfell and Katelyn in Picton also Molly’s school attempting a Zoom grandparents have struggled with on thought it a challenging time and are assembly which failed, are all part line learning during the lockdown. happy to be back in the classroom. The of the new learning. Many will breathe a sigh of relief that sudden return to full time lessons after Our two scholarship students in lessons have returned full time. Speak- the part time attendance was unset- Albury have missed face to face lec- ing to some of our scholarship students tling. All three think that the children tures and are waiting to hear if and who are now in the classroom they too in their classes will take time to settle when lectures will begin and have have experienced a challenging and cra- into school life again. It will not be the been advised that their teaching zy time that we retired teachers are same, of course, with constant hand placements deferred from Semester happy to have missed. washing and sanitising part of the new routine and the constant threat of a One will be in August/September. Molly, in Narrandera, felt that the start virus outbreak in the school, which The final placement will be in Octo- of on line learning was daunting but got would confuse everyone. ber/November. Unfortunately the on top of it and it started to run smooth- placements this year will be shorter ly. A first year teacher with good IT Katelyn has a Kindergarten at Picton in length but Jack and Renee skills she still needed to develop new and her class had only started to have should both be able to graduate this skills which must have been a challenge a routine when the lockdown began so year. for many of the older staff in the sys- return to school has them adjusting to Jenny and Chris Blake tem. the system again. As things return to something like normal many will look Mandy, another first year teacher, in back and see that the problems, like

Renee Antill - 2020 Scholarship Holder

I am writing this letter to express my The financial burdens placed on uni- In these current times of uncertain- sincere gratitude and appreciation in versity students are immense and are ty associated with the Covid-19 pan- being awarded this year’s Wagga Wag- often exaggerated during times of pro- demic, the way I intended using the ga Teacher’s College Scholarship. I am fessional experience placements. In scholarship funds is changing. I had very humbled to receive this support this final year of my studies, I am re- planned on using the funds to attend and be recognised for my effort and re- quired to complete 12-weeks of place- the ALEA National Conference in sults achieved through my studies to ments which can be a very stressful Sydney this year, but the conference date at Charles Sturt University. time in terms of balancing workloads has been cancelled. While this is and family commitments and due to very disappointing, I am determined I was born and raised in Wagga Wagga the financial stress associated with to use these funds to attend the con- but have never fully understood the being unable to work during this time. ference in 2021 as I know how valu- importance of South Campus and the The financial assistance associated able the conference is for developing Teacher’s College, until I began looking with this scholarship will help to ease knowledge of literacy teaching strat- into this scholarship. I am the first in this burden significantly and allow me egies and is not something that I my family to attend university and con- to also scale back the hours I work want to miss while the conference is sider a career in the education sector throughout the year to best manage held on the east coast of Australia. and have not had close contact with my time with my family. My kids are anyone who has attended the College. often forced to make sacrifices to allow Four years is a very long time to Learning about the importance of the me time to study and having the abil- study at university and maintaining Teacher’s College in the local area and ity to spend more quality time with a high level of motivation and dedi- the impact the College has had on cur- them during this final year of my study cation can be challenging, especially rent opportunities for regional students will be highly valued and is something when faced with the circumstances to study education has been a very re- I am looking forward to. Spending we are currently experiencing due to warding experience. I am very thankful more time at home during the current Covid-19. The support you have for being able to remain in regional isolation situation has already been shown has already had a substantial New South Wales to complete my stud- enjoyable and I am looking forward to and positive impact on my motiva- ies and feel this would not be possible spending more quality time as a fami- tion to make this year as successful without the Teacher’s College paving ly. Hopefully there are no frustrated and enjoyable as possible. the way for future regional students. outbursts while we play Monopoly!

7 President’s Report - Bruce Forbes

Veteran Golfing –how it was come exceptionally hard I'm a veteran golfer, with legs some- Leave the flag alone and bunkers what wobbly, are without a rake The shorts rather saggy, the knees a But preferred lies are the go and an bit knobbly advantage to take. The hair has become sparse, the eyes aren't as twinkly, The Corona Cup is some mysterious And putting it bluntly, the skin is a mythical prize mite wrinkly. It’s played at Kew Country Club with all these old guys I still love my golf, two or three days Scores accumulate over this unprec- a week, edented pandemic time And consider myself elderly, but not With the winner in each grade the quite antique, champion sublime. My drives aren't as far, my putts aren't as true, I’ve washed my hands and sani- The approaches drop short, the chip tised before entering the pro-shop shots go through Used my credit card electronically and waved it over the top I can't see the green, let alone the Limited my warm-up to just a few flag, putts on the green And keep putting my clubs in the But when finished the round no other bloke’s bag. handshakes are to be seen. I bend down to retrieve my ball from Medley, stableford, par, monthly the cup, medal and match play And bloody near faint as I try to These are the games available on stand up. mostly a week day Social distancing with only two An eagle's impossible, a birdie's a golfers per tee to get their ball away miracle, One person per cart and perhaps a A par is enough to send me hysteri- walker, is what the rules say No longer is there space on the front page cal. for my report. The editor has control! I feel tired and develop a terrible When this is all over and the new Adapting to changing times is a reality thirst, normal appears with which we all need to cope. And that's just while I'm waiting to We will all sit together and con-

hit off the first. verse over draught beers Your committee has been unable to meet We have endured the pain, the des- quarterly and the Highland Gathering was I can't find my ball (you know what I pair, the profanity, cancelled. However, we still have managed mean), And clung by a thread to the re- to produce another Talkabout. BUT, And just avoid the bunker as I walk mains of our sanity. please be aware that these “trips down off the green. memory lane” can only be published if con- 'Point of relief' has a completely new I guess we’ve been honest, even tributions are forwarded to the editor. meaning, when things were tough,

Thank goodness for shrubbery, and We did not use our shoes to kick out I received an email from John Carolan excellent screening. of the rough. (WWTC 1954/55), now living in Edmonton We can all reminisce at the Corona (Canada), about the Veteran Golfer. John I'm not getting deafer, it's just people Golf Cup run was also my Maths Teacher at Narrandera speak lower, You may have won a few vouchers, High School in 1960. So, with time on my And they're walking faster - I'm not but mostly got done. hands and now a Golfer at Kew, I modified getting slower. the verses to suit our situation from before I get back to the clubhouse, and sit Do not despair as we manage the and during C19. down with a sigh, new normal with Covid-19

And they have to remind me it's my Every surface you touch now has a During the lockdown, from February to turn to buy… how it is now deep clean. June we veterans (over 55 years) played Enjoy your golf and may each putt for the Corona Cup which happened to be a Now with Covid they expect me to attempted be a winner case of liquid with a few lemons and limes. score on my own card Kew Golf has provided opportunity

But counting with accuracy has be- to be a Corona Cup grinner. 8 Scholarship Holder 2020 - Jack Catanzariti

I would like to express my deepest er I am now more eager than appreciation for being selected as one ever to take on my last few of the 2020 Wagga Wagga Teachers practical based subjects and College Alumni Association Scholar- upcoming professional place- ship recipients. When I was notified of ments. being awarded this prestigious scholarship I was overwhelmed with grati- These professional placements tude and happiness. Additionally, I cover eleven weeks, likely to be experienced an immense sense of re- placed close together if not lief at the thought of financial aid, back to back with different more necessary than ever during the schedules in place due to Covid unprecedented times the world is cur- -19 complications. For these rently facing. eleven weeks, I am unable to earn my usual income due to Like many, due to the Covid-19 pan- the placement commitments demic, I have experienced significant and will potentially be paying changes to my usual routine. Most rent in two different locations. substantial would be the transition to Thanks to your generosity I online learning, with all subjects be- have been granted a great ing offered solely in distance mode. piece of mind in knowing that I For me, this adjustment took time will be able to maintain finan- and like many others, I struggled to cial stability while being able engage and be productive. With con- to devote my full attention and scientious effort and diligence, howev- efforts to the placements, gain- er, I have found the positives in this ing rich and invaluable experi- style of learning in conjunction with ences to take into my teaching career. cluding necessary items such as the strict restrictions in place regard- Further, I intend to set aside a portion laminators and stationery as well ing social interaction and thus have of this money to assist with the logistics as the personal items that create a been able to apply my time and dedi- of seeking a rural teaching position up- fun classroom for students to be in cate myself to my classes – even re- on graduating as that is my ultimate such as storybooks, stamps and sulting in early completion and sub- goal, including travel and housing ex- stickers. This money will help me mission of assignments! I feel like penses. begin to collect these pieces both after making the best of this situation for use on my placements as well I am on top of my workload and have Finally, as teachers yourselves, I am as in my future classrooms. With had the opportunity to immerse my- sure you are aware of the miscellaneous all this in mind, I would like to self in the theory of education. Howev- items accumulated whilst teaching in- again convey my sincerest thanks Scholarship Report - Chris & Jenny Blake

Our scholarship students, Jack Ca- tanzariti and Renee Antill, have faced a far different final year so far. They have been forced to have lectures on line and Renee said that she had been ment of their placements. They will looking forward to attending all lec- still have to complete two sessions but tures this semester after studying the first lot has been deferred until lat- through a mixed mode last year. We er in the year. Let us hope that all will missed meeting both Jack and Renee work out well for them. when their presentation was can- Previous scholarship holders also have celled. This is probably the first time had to adapt to the challenging condi- that members of the alumni have not tions and those we have spoken to have been able to meet the recipients. If been prepared to look after the welfare the opportunity arises we will travel of their students. to Albury later in the year to catch up. Another change for Education students this year has been the postpone-

9 What’s Wrong with Dems? A Response from Allan Petersen, (Session 57-58)

Introduction: too great a concentration on meth- sion of practice teaching we were ac- od”. That in part, is indisputable. companied by at least one other fel- th A copy of Talkabout, dated 4 Decem- The approach to be taken towards low student). At all times we were ber, 1958 recently came into my pos- demonstration lessons by WWTC expected to provide detailed lesson session, and on page seven an article administration was considered to be notes prior to the lesson execution, a written by an anonymous student (I disciplined. follow-up written evaluation and re- presume) titled her/his article “What’s sponse to any supervisor’s comments wrong with Dems?” I note that a De- A particular Demonstration Lesson with the view of applying any recom- cember dated copy could have indicat- type was arranged with the class- mendations to subsequent lessons. It ed that s/he was either graduating or room teacher, prescribed by the Col- was also expected that we would pro- concluding the first year of College lege lecturer and based on a pre- vide written comments at times “not (There is insufficient detail to deter- scribed METHODOLOGY suited to on class” in an Observation Book that mine the specific timing.) The writer the curriculum for the particular was to be compiled throughout the highlights the contents of the article by grade of students. What is being two year training period. asserting that the interaction between overlooked by the article writer, is College students and demonstration the fact that the preservice training Mr Blanche, Teacher-in-Charge of classroom teachers and those being of teachers during this period at Euberta Provisional Demonstration taught was “boring, flippant and negli- WWTC was that it included: lec- School and Mr Bryant, Principal of gent”. The narrow approach taken to tures; practice teaching; demonstra- the two teacher Lake Albert Demon- this topic by the writer of preservice tion lessons provided by practising stration School supported our practi- teacher training completely overlooks teachers; and self evaluation rela- cal experience of a multi grade school the part that demonstration lessons, tive to all of these components by throughout the two years. Interest- practice teaching, lectures, self assess- the College students, leading to a ingly only the male students attend- ment and College life, lead toward professional service teaching out- ed demonstrations at Euberta, one providing a balanced introduction to come of the NSW Department of teacher school, while the female stu- teaching. I gather that the writer con- Education. dents attended demonstrations at an siders that the sequence of the demon- Infants’ Department of a Primary stration lesson process of preparation, I was fortunate to have been ap- School. implementation and evaluation were pointed within the first month of “fake” s/he responded with the ques- the College year to a Year Four, all In my second year I took a three tion: ‘WHY DID WE GO?” boys’ class at Gurwood Street week practice period at Milbrulong Demonstration School for a week of My response to the Article: Public School (K-6), and a Year Six Practice Teaching. The School three week sojourn at Temora Public I will assume that the writer of the Principal Supervisor, Mr Metcalf School. We were always transported article was a student at WWTC at the and the class teacher Mr Fitzgerald to a specific destination by the same time as myself and my wife-to- both provided direction and support Fearne Bus Company of Wagga Wag- be, 1957-1958. We collectively agree in both lesson preparation and fol- ga. One day, on the journey to Temo- that the preparation for the teaching low-up assessments. During the ra during a wet winter the bus was service provided by WWTC at that course of that year students were bogged on the gravel road as it was time was second to none. (This assess- fortunate in observing class teach- at that time. We were rescued by a ment was based on the ensuing years ers managing the methodology ap- local farmer who noticed the circum- of interaction with beginning and often propriate to the lesson type and cur- stances and provided his tractor to long serving staff when viewed from an riculum aspect covered. The lessons release the bus from this quagmire. administrative position). taught by a student were one off The combination of lectures, a variety presentations. At the commence- I mention these periods as I consider of settings for practice teaching, ment of the second year of College I that every attempt was provided by demonstration school visits, self as- was further blessed to be appointed the College Administration to pro- sessments and residential College life to an Infants’ Department class at vide an overview of school/class or- led to a well rounded appreciation of Gurwood Street Demonstration ganization, and constituted an out- being prepared for entry to the NSW School. Mrs Blanche, Deputy In- standing practical support to the the- Department of Education teaching ser- fants’ Mistress was both Supervisor ory being delivered by lecturers, vice as a professional during an exten- and class teacher. This Practice demonstration school teachers and sive two year period of apprenticeship. Teaching period extended for three the ongoing evaluation and correc- The writer on the other hand indicates weeks, so that by the last week stu- tion being developed. In retrospect I in the opening paragraph of the narra- dents were called on to plan for a can assert that I believe it applied tive that: “The trouble is that there is whole day’s teaching. (On each occa- theory and practice as a solid ground-

10 ing in preparation for the three year creative flair to produce one’s specific The Rock Central School, and Deputy BOND we were to serve as classroom teaching resources which were self Principal was Mr Trevor Harrison teachers in the initial years at a NSW directional for children working in who a few years later became a Dis- Public School. In my case those three grade groups. trict Inspector and Director of Service years were both memorable and a sig- at Head Office of the Department. nificant part of the overall forty years that I served as a practitioner. The following year I was appointed to I can assure the reader that there Balmain Demonstration College was nothing “fake” (the term used by Those first three years were spent as a Small School Division but was able to the article writer) about the profes- Teacher-in-Charge, in what were convert to an appointment to Turvey sional expertise shown by the Turvey known then as K-6 Small Schools and Park Demonstration School, which Park teaching service at that time. I usually staffed by a newly appointed was by then serving WWTC instead of was a member of a team that was male. The first of these for one term Gurwood Street. Turvey Park is a committed and supportive of the no- only was at Ganmurra (post town western suburb of Wagga Wagga a tion of teaching/taught based on de- Ganmain), the second to Green Swamp block from the Teachers’ College. It veloping positive relationships which Road (post town Berrigan) and the was 1962 by now and the year in were underscored through the advice third to The Retreat (post town Finley). which Welwyn and I were married. and encouragement of College lectur- All three appointments were in the By this time she was an English/ ers depicting a lesson type methodolo- Riverina Region as it was known, and History teacher with three years’ pri- gy that had its outcome in well pre- it afforded one with an opportunity to or service at a Wollongong Secondary pared and step by step lesson plans. return to Wagga Wagga by VW Beetle School. The regular meetings with lecturers which I had recently acquired. It was A transfer to Wagga Wagga High prior to a set demonstration were an opportunity to renew acquaintances School ensued. complemented by weekly staff meet- and fellowship with members of the ings and/or within school grade meet- Anglican Church which had been I now had the role of Demonstration ings, all programmed for out of school formed during one’s time at College. School teacher to fulfil. It seemed hours. The free flow of discussion and During my year at The Retreat, the overwhelming at first, but that anxie- information between administrators/ District Inspector of Deniliquin Inspec- ty was soon over come with the pa- teachers/lecturers was always a fea- torate Dr Joyce, had me provide profes- tience and professional understand- ture of these meetings leading to in- sional development sessions for the ing, teaching experience and calibre of service professional development, numerous Teachers-in-Charge at his my fellow colleagues, some of whom particularly of background knowledge regular teacher conferences. Looking were long serving in the role together of the 1958 “Blue Book” curriculum. back on this experience I can suggest with a band of three of us who had The class teacher always wrote the that I was provided this inservice op- been appointed during that year. The demonstration lesson notes, overseen portunity because of the organizational Principal was Mr Harold Reece, who by either the School Principal or Dep- ability I had displayed together with a had recently served as Principal of uty Principal before being transmit- ted to the College lecturer, who had formerly proposed the lesson outline. It was expected that class teachers would provide an explana- tion/justification of lesson procedure at the demonstration follow-up if called upon to do so.

Conclusion:

The writer of the 4/12/1948 article provides a definition of a “Dem” :the purpose of a demonstration is to show students how to teach” . There is a basis of truth in this limited definition, as it does not include pertinent qualities as included in the Oxford Dictionary (Reprint 1967) that “A demonstration is an outward expression of Allan at left, Welwyn 3rd from left at 2017 Celebrations feeling, clear proof, describ- 11 Gurwood Street Demonstration School WWTC Observation 1951 (from CSUR Archives) be free beer too” is an affront to the serious- ness of the program of demonstration school lesson presentations. Was the writer’s priority residential College life?

I have endeavoured to show that the article writer has failed in every respect to seriously include the entire program of WWTC teacher training preparation. Or was it all written with “tongue in cheek” to raise an awareness of respon- sibility of a classroom practitioner (his/her fellow students) of their teaching futures as they read this edition of the 1958 Talk- about?

What’s the Matter ing and providing help as a teacher”. the former effort. with Dems? Demonstration lesson or not, the rela- tionship, the outward expression of The article writer goes on to mention A Demonstration School lesson is an feeling, developed between teacher “self fulfilling prophesies” integral function of any teaching pro- and taught should always be the The impersonal atmosphere of the cess, (maybe too expensive to imple- prime consideration of the teacher. dem-- the failure to acknowledge ment in the intervening and current the professionalism of the practi- political atmosphere) and a means of The article writer asserts that “There tioner putting lesson implementation into is too great a concentration on The children pretend the students practice. Use of the word “fake” is a METHOD”. Of course there is but are not visiting—the failure to contemptuous expression and a mis- this is enfolded in the class teacher’s acknowledge the positive rela- representation of the appropriate knowledge of the learner’s needs, cur- tionship developed between values to be taken towards the full riculum and school procedures teacher and taught; extent of a teacher training program (including preprepared programming The teacher removes his pedagogical that encompasses lectures, practice details), and requirements of the mask—the failure to teaching, demonstrations, self evalu- WWTC lecturer. A single demonstra- acknowledge the professionalism ation in the WWTC residential set- tion lesson should never have been of a committed creative minded ting. Teacher training at all times, in regarded as a “one off” presentation. practitioner any setting should be fulfilling for The ill informed, spurious response that every stakeholder. Consider the relationships developed the article writer provides to turn these by the experience and individual ex- self fulfilling processes around include Allan Petersen pertise of the Demonstration School the unrealistic, unprofessional: May, 2020 staff members. None of them was a Have the lecturer conduct the first year practitioner during the demonstration lesson; course of my six year tenure at Tur- Have College students adopt a class vey Park. In fact on one occasion dur- and follow progress throughout ing an inspection for a promotions the two year College program; placement a District Inspector re- Have students become more knowl- ferred in writing to one of my lessons edgeable of the progress of that that he observed, that it was one class. “pedestrian”. The inference being that The additional comment, “there would one should always aim to improve on 12 Michele Shute (Trewin) WWTC 1963-1964

1964 WWTC Academic Staff: Arthur Trewin (in academic gown) in back row between John Hodgson and Percy Cosier

Tribute by Gerard Say cheap, Peugeot 203 that was to serve During our first winter, Michele With great sadness, I have learnt recent- me well for my first two years in my offered to drive me to a few of the ly that our colleague Michele died in one-teacher school. balls in the area. I learnt very Maclean Hospital on the Clarence River Michele’s parents, Arthur quickly that the English automo- in Northern NSW on 19th August last [Mathematics] and Cherry [Craft], tive engineers had never planned year, aged 73 years.. were both lecturers at WWTC, hav- for the deep culverts that were After being in the same section at ing returned after many years in very much part of the local roads. WWTC, Michele and I were appointed England. With their only daughter’s Despite being seated barely above just eleven kilometres apart in the Riv- graduation, they presented Michele the road surface, Michele never erina, Michele to teach the K-2 children with a Morris Mini Cooper for her seemed to be disconcerted by the at Rand Public School and me the twen- new life based on Rand. mighty bumps her swift and pow- ty K-10 students at Fernthorpe Public Initially Michele embarked on the erful little machine had to absorb. School at Urangeline. Riverina roads without a license but, One popular aspect of each school- The police in Wagga had set my driving one afternoon, during her first week term was the once-per-month staff test in December, 1962 on Saturday of teaching, she drove the eighteen -meeting when, on a Tuesday af- morning, one of the busiest times of the kilometres to nearest police-station ternoon, Wes Rowarth, Principal week. The old sergeant proceeded to put at Walbundrie. at Rand PS, hosted about ten me through all my paces, including re- After the attractive young woman Teachers-in-Charge who drove in verse parking in Baylis Street and turn- entered, the young constable re- after their school-day. For so ing diagonally into the highway traffic marked, “You’re the new teacher at many lonely male teachers, on Edward St, before stopping beside Rand, aren’t you?” Michele was a very popular part of Bolton Park on Tarcutta St to answer Michele affirmed that she was and the staff-meeting even though Wes his ten questions about the road rules. explained the reason for her visit. had plenty of practical wisdom to On learning of my first teaching appoint- “That’ll be ten pounds”, replied the share. ment, I purchased a well-used, and constable. 13 Most weekends I spent back in Wag- ber, 1967, Mick Shute, parent and at the mouth of the Clarence River, on ga after a late Friday afternoon ther- widower in my school, and Michele the opposite bank from Yamba. That apy-session and dinner at Lockhart were engaged. They married in 1968. was also Michele’s home until she en- Exservicemens’ Club before I took on I heard later that they had sold their tered Maclean Hospital. Her funeral the Bullenbong Plain. Michele, on Urangeline property and moved up to service, before cremation, was held at the other hand, chose to immerse the North Coast of NSW. St Peters Anglican Church, Iluka, herself in the Rand District commu- The organisers of one of our special The family Michele left to mourn her nity. WWTC 1963-1964 reunions, after included five adult children and three Not long into my second year at attempting to contact all the eligible partners, six grandchildren and four Fernthorpe PS, Graham Shute, then members of our group, passed on the great-grandchildren. aged about 9, happened to mention news that both Michele and Mick This very special member of our 1963- that Michele had been part of their were too unwell to join us. 1964 group with such unique connec- family activities. Before my three- Michele’s obituary notes that Mick tions to WWTC will be well and truly year appointment ended in Decem- [Les] died in 2007 at Iluka, a village missed by all who knew her well.

An appeal to each of you: I am happy to compile and edit an interesting newspaper for you but it is only as good as the material I receive. May I suggest in these modern times of retirement that a couple of pages incorporating some of the wonderful vacational tours you have indulged in would make good reading for others, especially since COVID will mean some time before overseas tours can be resumed. Perhaps some of the hobbies that you have now had time to pursue would be worth an ac- count. Some news of some of the very interesting paths of your children/grandchildren would also be interesting. I know many of you have children who did not become teachers, since univer- sities made courses more readily available and specific Teacher Scholarships ceased.

Irish Quote: ‘You will never plough the field by turning it over in your mind’

As many of you know, the Riverina Regional Archives has an extensive collection on the region, including a large one incorporating documents and photographs from the Teachers’ College from before its inception until its closure. Our Alumni Association has been contributing an an- nual amount of funding for this collection to be digitised and this growing volume can be viewed via the following URL.

https://csuregarch.intersect.org.au/collections/show/2

14 Wagga Wagga Teachers Alumni Association KEEPING THE SPIRIT ALIVE IN 2020 TO SECURE THE FUTURE

IMPORTANT NOTICE WWTCAA CONTRIBUTIONS 2020

MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS Surname ______To ensure the continued financial viability of the Former Name ______Wagga Wagga Teachers Alumni Association the Given Name ______following membership contributions and services Address ______will apply from 1 January 2020 ______Postcode ______a) Electronic Membership: Years at College ______to ______Receive all information and three (3) copies Home Phone ______of Talkabout electronically. $10.00 p.a. Mobile ______b) Standard Membership: Email ______Receive all information and three (3) printed CONTRIBUTIONS copies of Talkabout via standard mail. Electronic Membership ($10) ______$20.00 p.a. Standard Membership ($20) ______In addition to either Electronic or Standard Donation to Alumni Projects ______Membership members may choose to make additional Donation to Scholarship Fund ______Colin Taylor (1947-49) has had a contributions from the options below. General Donationsudden ______loss of eyesight. Very tough for him. c) Additional Contributions: TOTAL CONTRIBUTION 2020______i. general donation to the Alumni for ongoing Make cheques payable to: projects e.g. digitise archives from $10.00. WWTC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ii. specific donation to the WWTCAA Scholarship Send Your Contribution To: Fund from $10.00. Secretary WWTCAA 12 Silky Oak Rise ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER KEW NSW 2439 To credit of WWTC ALUMNI ASSOC CONTRIBUTIONS TALKABOUT Commonwealth Bank Casula NSW (Including Photos ) BSB: 062 329 A/C No: 10073789 Please email contributions for Talkabout Reference : Member's First Initial, Surname and To [email protected] Or mail to first year at college e.g. BForbes65 The Secretary WWTCAA Please send a Remittance Advice to email: [email protected] 12 Silky Oak Rise

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