NRS-20431 | Visitors books [Collins Creek Public School]

The Public Schools Act, 1866 (30 Vic. No.3, s.19) authorised special religious instruction by visiting clergymen and their delegates, 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 (Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867 ss.84-85). 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. (Regulations, s.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. 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), sewing instruction, open days, 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 visitors book for Collins Creek Public School also notes visitors for special events such as the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1969.