NRS-20327 | Visitors book [St Ethels Public School]

The Public Schools Act (Act No. 22, 1866, s.19) authorised special religious instruction by visiting clergymen and their delegates.  Regulations under the Act authorised  members of the public to visit schools during school hours to observe teaching methods, teaching material and equipment. The regulations required every teacher to keep a 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.' (Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867, ss.84-86).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. The books were divided into three columns listing 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), sewing instruction, open days, school inspection, medical inspection, departmental officers visiting on business to inspect the buildings or equipment, and guest speakers. Occasionally visitors (particularly inspectors) remarked briefly on the conduct or the ambience of the school.