Eleanor Christie (née Read)

I remember the strict code of discipline and the importance of correct uniform at Goodwood Central School. There were regular uniform inspections. Long-sleeved blouses were essential.

Of the three headmistresses, Miss Sellars, Miss Tapp and Miss McDonald, I remember Miss Sellars as a caring and well-liked head and Miss McDonald advised me to go to the art school and study to be an art teacher.

My two class teachers were Miss Chilman and Miss Heath. Miss Chilman was a disciplinarian and a first class teacher. Miss Heath was bright, quick witted and very well liked. I recall an outing when we visited Parliament House.

The craft subjects – dressmaking, needlework, art and craft, domestic arts and millinery – were all at the ‘old’ school on Goodwood Road and were given an important place in the curriculum. All ‘good’ students were expected to exhibit in the Royal Adelaide Show. Competition was keen between the various Central Schools. I can still remember the hours of labour which went into an embroidered three-piece child’s outfit which I afterwards sold for 15 shillings.

I was terrified of the gas irons as a scorch was a calamity and I will never forget not remembering to light the oven when cooking. Miss Maschmedt – I remember you with kind affection.

All general classes were at the Lily Street school. English was the most important subject, taught to develop a love of the subject. Spelling tests were given regularly and I appreciate that to this day. Some of the books studied I remember were We of the Never-Never, Prester John, Evangeline, Seven Modern Plays. I remember acting in one at the 1938 final assembly with others from Miss Chilman’s class. Shakespeare was a must – The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar. Other general subjects taught were hygiene and physiology, arithmetic with emphasis on speed and accuracy, geography, history and current events.

Miss Patterson was in charge of music and the whole school had singing lessons together in the Methodist Church Hall on Goodwood Road. All assemblies were held there too, so considerable time was spent walking between teaching venues.

Physical education consisted of some competitive sport between classes and an inter-class sports day but the main emphasis was on rhythm – I loved the numerous folk dances, such as the German clap dance, that we danced to the gramophone.

Marks were allotted for each subject weekly and averaged at the end of each term. No exams were held. Blue ribbons were awarded for top place in each subject and the dux of the class. They were presented at the end of term assemblies and parents and friends were invited to the final assembly each year.

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