Location of Wyaldra School
Department of Public Instruction,
Sydney, 6th May, 1899.
HIS Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and on the recommendation of the Public Service Board, has approved of the retirement of the following Teachers, without gratuity, on the dates specified:—
On March 1899.
- Miss May Barker, Teacher, Wyaldra Public School.
J. A. HOWE.
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Fri 12 May 1899 [Issue No.396 (SUPPLEMENT)] Page 3825
— Miss May Barker, teacher, Wyaldra Public School;
Department of Public Instruction,
Sydney, 23rd May, 1901.
HIS Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and on the recommendation of the Public Service Board, has approved of the retirement of the following Teachers (without gratuity), on the dates specified:
—Mr. A. J. Florance, Teacher, Wyaldra Public School, on 31st March, 1901.
JOHN PERRY.Source: Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001) Fri 24 May 1901 [Issue No.443 (SUPPLEMENT)] Page 4176
1903 - Wyaldra Public School. TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — I notice that tenders are called for painting and repairs to Wyaldra School, but nothing is mentioned about a weather-shed, or the addition of a verandah to the back of the school, which I fully explained as being urgently needed, in a letter some few weeks ago. When the thermometer reaches 110 degrees in the Gulgong Post Office, you can be sure it is 180 in the 'furnace' (Wyaldra school).
During one summer, the teacher then in charge was so frightened of sunstroke that he kept a wet towel constantly wound round his head. The children would have liked the same treatment no doubt, but instead were given the privilege to run out of the crowded room every ten minutes into the sun, that being one way of cooling themselves. Perhaps if the plan of this teacher, just mentioned, were adopted — it being much cheaper than erecting buildings — the Government might kindly forward about twenty towels for the pupil's heads.
But, now that they have ordered a few tins of paint to add to the appearance of the building, they might as well see to the comfort of its pupils. If the parents were right-thinking people, they would never have allowed the school to remain in such a state, for so long. Their whole cry is 'The attendance is not large enough,' and nothing can be done. They even go so far as to say the school will be closed. If so, why is the Government going to the expense of repairs and painting? I would not hesitate in saying that it would be closed because several children are at present staying away on account of there being no protection from the heat. Thanking you in anticipation of printing this,
I am yours, etc., A FORMER 'PUPIL.'
31st January, 1903.
Mr. John J. Muller, teacher of the Wyaldra Public School, who has been ill during the past week, suffering from a slight attack of pneumonia, has quite recovered, and was able to resume duty at his school on Monday last.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Dec 1903 Page 17
1904 - TRANSFER
Mr. J. J. Muller, teacher of the Wyaldra Public School, has been appointed to the Binnaway School, and leaves for that place this week. Mr. Muller's innumerable Gulgong and Wyaldra friends will be glad to hear that the transfer carries a rise in salary.
1905 - ANNUAL PICNIC
The annual picnic in connection with Wyaldra public school will take place on the 25th inst. Mr. Hawkins, the teacher, who succeeded Mr. J. J. Muller at the school, is a great favorite with the pupils, and also the parents.
1909 - SCHOOL STRIKE NEAR GULGONG
Something of the nature of a strike exists at the Wyaldra Public School, three miles from Gulgcmg (writes our correspondent). The parents of most of the children agreed to withdraw their children from school last week, until the building was made fit for school work, and, on Tuesday last only four children put in an appearance. The teacher and the parents have repeatedly complained about the condition of the buildings, and the department met them, by calling for tenders for improvements. As tenders closed on January 28, and nothing has been done yet, they have taken a drastic step to bring their case before the responsible officers. We understand the trouble is about the dangerous and rotten state of the building, which is being eaten away by white ants, and that the only two windows in the school face due west, which means that the windows and dark blinds must be kept down on a hot day, or the sun shines directly on the children's heads; and, when the blinds are down, the school is too dark for practical work. Twelve months ago, when these facts were brought before the department, the remedy arrived at was ordering off all children who lived closed to other schools. It is quite likely that the Education Department will now be forced to do something more practical in the matter.
Miss Lizzie Griffin, a pupil of the Wyaldra public school, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Griffin, of Wyaldra, was awarded the special prize for ornamental printing at the Gulgong show. In our report it was stated that this little lady, who is only 11 years of age, won the second prize.
1909 - EMPIRE DAY SPORTS
The following were the schools represented at the Empire Day sports in Gulgong on Monday last Gulgong Public School, Gulgong Convent, Wyaldra, Guntawang, Stubbo, Beryl, and Ulan.
The Wyaldra school pupils appropriated the majority of the prizes at the sports in Gulgong on Empire Day.
The artistic works of Misses Lizzie and Bridget Griffin, of the Wyaldra Public School, were awarded several first and second prizes at the Dubbo Show.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 27 May 1909 Page 18
Empire Day was celebrated at Gulgong with every show of patriotic enthusiasm. A good programme of songs was submitted at the public school, and addresses were delivered by the Mayor (Ald. A. E. Brigden). Mr. F. S. Stacy and Rev. F. A. Malcolm. In the afternoon sports were held in Victoria Park and an address was delivered by Councillor E. J. Lowe, President of the Wyaldra Shire. The following are the results of the sports: [follow link]
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 Jun 1909 Page 211918 - FUND RAISING
The Wyaldra Public School patriotic effort has realised £31/8/9, with money yet to come in. The money is to be divided between the Red Cross and the Education Department's scheme for insuring soldiers.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 13 Jun 1918 Page 23
A sampler stitched in 1918 by 8-year-old Heather Auld of Wyaldra Public School
1920 - TRANSFER
Mr. C. L. Hawkins, for many years teacher at the Wyaldra Public School, has been appointed to a school in the Taree district. Mr. G. Bisley of the Lower Tallawang School, was been appointed to Wyaldra.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 15 Jan 1920 Page 18
Saturday next should be a red letter day for the people of Wyaldra. A day's sports is to be held in the school grounds in aid of the Wyaldra Public School. The programme contains many interesting events which should attract many competitors. Special arrangements have been made for attending to the
comfort and enjoyment of visitors.
Saturday. October 2 was indeed a gala day for the children of Wyaldra Public School, when the parents of that centre set out to give them a good time. Under the capable direction of Mr. W. Gibbons the children were magnificently catered for and each child, be that he or she, was somebody worthwhile. What with Mr. Gibbons handing out bags of fruit and lollies they thought Santa Claus had made a mistake in the time of year.
Among the prizes for the children's events was a gold pendant presented by Mr. A. E. Brigden for girls under 12 years, won by Elsie Cross, and a purse by Mr. De Groen won by George Bennett. Boys throwing at the wicket created almost as much interest as that of their seniors, the prize-winners in this event being: Among the boys, Masters Clarence Murkins, James and John Buckley, and William Bennett; and the girls, Miss Doris Comer and Aileen Comer. The children's events were disposed of in the early part of the day leaving the afternoon free for the working of an interesting programme among the grown ups.
The tea tent, under the able supervision of Mrs. S. Cross. assisted by Mesdames Davis, Buckley and Bisley, supplied the necessary to those who did not feel disposed to pack their own baskets. Visitors and others appreciated the good things, one visitor remarking that he could not get anything like it for 6d at most refreshment rooms. The takings at the tent for the day resulted in over £2, which at 6d per head, represented a busy time for those in charge.
A sweets' stall, supervised by Misses Cross and Murkins, also did good work, notwithstanding the fact that two tins of lollies (presented by Jas. Loneragan (Gulgong) Co. and Mr. J. N. Spears, and a tin of biscuits (by Messrs. Stahl and Upham) were distributed among the children. Their nice stock or goodies was exhausted before the day ended, showing proceeds to the tune of over £3.
Other donations included a sheep presented by Mr. A. Croft, who was unable to be present; bottle of wine each by Mr. McOrae and Mr. Fleming, pipe each by Mr. W. Gudgeon and Messrs. Stahl and Upham. Mr. T. Woolley kindly let the committee have the fruit at cost price.
The following is a list of the winners of the various events: —
- Ladies' Foot Race. — Mrs. D. Martin.
- Ladies' Throwing at Wicket. — Mrs. G. Struber.
- Old Buffers' Raoe.— Mr. D. Mason.
- 100yds. Handicap.— Mr. A. Gibbons.
- High Jump. — Mr. E. Hickey.
- Turk's Head.— Mr. J. Allen.
- Throwing at Wicket.— Mr. E. Allen.
- Stepping 100 yards. — E. Allen and D. Martin.
- Sheep Guessing. — Mr. E. Comer (who kindly handed the sheep back to be sold by bruce auction, reaching £1).
- Guessing Name of Doll. — Miss Oldfield.
- Pea Guessing. — Mr. A. Martin.
- Wedding Cake.— Mr. T. Austin.
- Table Centre.— Mr. M. Griffin.
- Pair of Photo Frames.— Mr. N. Davis.
- Half-dozen Handkerchiefs.— Mr. P. Upham.
The proceeds after all expenses are paid will amount to approximately £22. At a meeting of the committee it was decided to expend portion of the money in providing fly-proof doors and windows at the school, also to provide prizes for the children. The committee have every reason to be proud of the very fine result achieved.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 Oct 1920 Page 11
The following are the Mudgee and district passes at the Q.C. examinations, success at which Qualifies for entrance at the High Schools:
- Wyaldra Public School — John Albert Somerfield.
A meeting of parents was held at the Wyaldra Public School for the purpose of finalising accounts in connection with the recent sports. The gross takings for the day amounted to £53, an amount the committee can feel very proud of. It was decided to purchase equipment both for the school and playground; also to set an amount aside for school prizes at the end of the year. A suggestion worthy of consideration was the desirability of installing an engine on the creek, and introducing the idea of irrigation anong the children. Names omitted from last issue in connection with donations were: — Messrs. Glasson and Rees, £1 each; Mr. DeGroen, gold brooch; Mr. Porter; Swede bag; Mr. T. Gibbons, vegetables, Mr. Harris, two donations of 2/ each; Mr. D. Mason, fruit, etc. It was decided to meet quarterly and thus keep in touch with the school and its needs.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 30 Mar 1922 Page 22
From W. M. Fleming, M.H.R., in reference to a war trophy for Wyaldra Public School, stating that few trophies were available, but he would do his best to obtain one.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Oct 1922 Page 16
1924 - Wyaldra Public School - PRIZES AND PRESENTATIONS.
A very pleasant function eventuated at Wyaldra Public School on Thursday, 13th ultimo, when the annual prize giving took place. Several parents attended, but many were prevented owing to harvesting duties. A short programme was rendered by the pupils, which was much appreciated. Several Christmas songs were sung, and individual items were rendered by Misses O'Brien, Harrod (2), Edna Murkins, Enid Bennett, and Master James Harrod. The Rev. G. S. Watts eulogised the teacher on the high mental standard he had found when giving religious instruction. Each child received a book prize. The senior girls then asked the rev. gentleman, on behalf of the school, to make a presentation to the teacher, Mr. G. Bisley. Mrs. Bisley, and Jean.
In making the presentation Mr. Watts said he was always struck with the cordial relations that existed between the teacher and pupils of this school. He presented Mr. Bisley with a silver stud box and cigars, Mrs. Bisley with an xylonite shoe-horn, and Jean with an autograph album. Mr. Bisley suitably responded.
Proceedings were terminated by the singing of the National Anthem and the salutation of the flag.
— Gulgong 'Advertiser.'
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Jan 1924 Page 14
The Wyaldta Public School are holding a day of sports on Saturday May 10. A great program of events has been arranged, and a good days sports is assured. Mr. Geo. E. Bisley is the hon. secretary.
The Wyaldra Public School will hold its annual Hospital Day on Saturday, September 20, in the school grounds.
The Wyaldra Public School children's effort for School's Hospital Day was a splendid one. The profits from the day amounted to £17, and the wish of the children that the full amount be given to the Gulgong Hospital has been fulfilled.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 23 Oct 1924 Page 12
1925 - TEACHER
Mr. and Mrs. Bisley, of Gulgong, are on a visit to Muswellbrook. Mr. Bisley is a school teacher, in charge of the Wyaldra Public School, situated close to Gulgong. The trip to Muswellbrook was made by car.
1925 - Wyaldra Public School - HOSPITAL DAY.
On Saturday. September 26, Wyaldra Public School held its annual Hospital Day, and as usual, the efforts of the children were amply rewarded by the generous response of parents and visitors.
Various stalls were conducted by the children, chief of which were fancy stall, jumble stall, refreshment and sweets, soft drinks and fruit, and a treasure tree. The thanks of the school committee is due to Mrs. Harrod (refreshments) and Mrs. Bisley (fancy stall).
A brief concert programme was arranged during the afternoon, items being rendered by the children, which were much appreciated by the audience.
Various contests were carried out which tended to make the day enjoyable.
An amount somewhere in the vicinity of £15 was raised, and when the expenses are taken out a substantial margin will remain. The proceeds are to be divided equally between, the Gulgong Hospital, Children's Hospital, and the consumptives' settlement scheme.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 15 Oct 1925 Page 14
At the recent Empire Day celebrations held at the Wyaldra Public School, Ald. A. E. Brigden offered a prize to the boy and girl who wrote the best essay on the celebrations.
A week or so later the editor of the 'Gulgong Advertiser)' judged the essays, and awarded the prizes to Myra Cook (girls) and Harold Adams (boys). On Tuesday afternoon last Ald. Brigden and Mr. T. Amies (editor of the 'Gulgong Advertiser') paid a visit to the school for the purpose of presenting the prizes to the winners.[more at link]
Messrs. G. Bisley and W. T. Kelly were farewelled at Gulgong on Saturday evening prior to their departure from the district.
Mr Bisley, who has been headmaster of the Wyaldra Public School for about 7 years and who previously was headmaster at Tallawang for 9 years, has been transferred to Talmore in the Picton district. Mr. Kelly, who has been headmaster of the Stubbo school for about 20 years past, has been transferred to Seaham, in the Dungog district.
Both have been good townsmen during their long term of residence here, and their departure, with their wives and families, is a loss to the district, and more particularly the Methodist Church circles.
Last Saturday's evening function was arranged by adherents of the Methodist Church, Rev. G. G. Wood presided, and spoke of the exceptionally good qualities of the guests.
Supporting remarks were made by Mr O. M. O'Reilly (Young People's Club); Misses Grace Brigden and Eva Coleman (choir); Messrs. G. Hoult and H. E. Newbury.
A presentation of a traymobile was made by the chairman to Mr. and Mrs. Bisley, and also to Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, from their friends in the Methodist Church. Presentations were also made to Edith, Ella, Warwick and Dorothy Kelly, and to Jean Bisley. Messrs. Bisley and Kelly suitably responded.
Mr G. Bisley, formerly headmaster of the Wyaldra Public School (now closed) had his Chrysler car considerably damaged in an accident near Picton recently.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Wed 21 Aug 1929 Page 13
Mr and Mrs, G. Bisley arrived in Gulgong on Monday last on a holiday as the guest of Mrs. A. E.Brigden and family. Mr Bisley was formerly headmaster of the Wyaldra Public School, Gulgong.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Wed 15 Jan 1930 Page 2
1934 - VISIT
MR. G. Bisley, teacher of the Tahmoor Public School (formerly of the Wyaldra Public School), and Mrs. Bisley are the guests of Mrs. A. E. Brigden, of Bayly street.
MR. G. Bisley, teacher of the Tahmoor Public School (formerly of the Wyaldra Public School), and Mrs. Bisley are the guests of Mrs. A. E. Brigden, of Bayly street.
1944 - FACES FROM THE PAST
Another photo tendered for inspection was one taken of the Wyaldra Public School during the term of Mr. George Bisley, and some of the members are "Bob" and Charlie Bolton, Jim, Frank and Jack Buckley, the three "Gunson" Davis boys, the "Jack" Comer girls, Murkins, and Allans, Heather Auld, and Elsie Cross, Jean Bisley, and others not known to the writer.
It is very sad that word received of this fine teacher, Mr. Bisley, during recent years is far from being bright. He has been a sufferer for some years, and now lives in retirement at his home, "Hiawatha," Tahmoor, where a visit from any old pupil would be appreciated. Old pupils well remember his bright and cheerful personality, as do the many folk who came in contact with him in Gulgong.
