NRS-16837 | Visitors' books [Glen Gallic Public School]

The Public Instruction Act, 1866 authorised special religious instruction by visiting clergymen and their delegates (Public Schools Act, 1866, s. 19), and regulations under the Act authorised members of the public to visit schools during 'the hours of secular instruction' to observe teaching methods, teaching material and equipment. (1) The regulations required every teacher to keep a visitors' book 'in which visitors may enter their names and if they think proper any remarks. Such remarks the Teachers are by no means to erase or alter.' (2)The purpose of the visitors' book was to create a record of the persons other than pupils or teachers who attended the school during business hours. Visitors' books were divided into three columns: date, name and remarks. The remarks usually recorded the purpose of the visit which included religious instruction (by far the most usual purpose for visiting a school), school inspection, medical inspection, departmental officers visiting on business e.g. to inspect the buildings or equipment, and guest speakers. Occasionally visitors (particularly Inspectors) remarked briefly on the conduct or the ambience of the school.The first volume is current until midway through 1964, the latest normal entry being made in March. The second volume commenced in July of that year. The first volume, however, continued to be used to record the annual visits of the Inspector of Schools until the school ceased operating in 1966, and beyond. Both volumes have been signed by the Inspector on a final visit to the now-closed school on 8 February 1967.The overwhelming majority of entries in the first volume are made by clergy visiting the school in order to provide religious instruction. No visits for religious instruction are recorded after February 1963. Other entries are made by the Inspector of Schools on his regular visits to the school and occasional officers of the Education and Child Welfare Departments. A visit by members of the Bush Fire Brigade is recorded in 1953. In 1955, 1957, 1958, 1963 and 1965 visitors to the school's Education Week Open Day displays have signed the book. The guests at a special presentation for outstanding service to the Parents and Citizens Association are recorded in 1964, as are those at the school's Christmas Parties held in 1964, 1965 and 1966. The last Christmas party was the day before the school's final closure.Endnotes1. Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867, s. 84-85.2. ibid s. 86.