Tumut Intermediate High School 'Back to School'

13 December 1929 Albury Banner and Wodonga Express 

“Back to School” week organised in connection with the Tumut Intermediate High School last week, proved most successful from beginning to end.   

On Monday morning the programme commenced with an exhibition of school work well prepared by students and displayed in the school buildings. 

In the afternoon the 'Week' was formally opened by the deputy shire    president (Cr. James Elphick).

On Monday night, the High School students staged an operetta, "The Magic Ruby," to a crowded house, demonstrating the result of careful, training and close rehearsals of the various characters in the play.

On Tuesday afternoon, residents and old scholars viewed school work at the school. 

Wednesday morning's proceedings, will no doubt constitute an epoch, in the history of the school, being a visit by Mr. S. H. Smith, Director of Education, who received a civic reception by the shire president, Cr. T. P. Arragon, and then, acting on behalf of Mr. H. Drummond, ML.A., Minister for Education, who was unavoidably prevented from attending at the eleventh hour, proceeded to lay the foundation stone of additions to the school buildings.

The director was presented with a silver trowel by Miss V. Kinred, senior prefect, bearing the following inscriptions:- "Presented to the Hon. D. H. Drummond, M.L.A;, Minister for Education, on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the new wing of Tumut Public School - 4/12/ '29.”

The foundation stone of polished grey granite bore tho following wording:- ''This stone was set by Hon. D. H. Drummond, Minister for Education, December 4, 1929, S. H. Smith, Director of Education." Mr. Smith traced the history of the Tumut school from 1859, when the first public school was held in a room 20ft. by 15ft., up to the present commodious building costing £7685, including sports ground and manual-training room.

The present additions will include four large class-rooms, principal's office, corridor, vestibule, hat-room and stock room, which is to be completed by March 25 next, and will cost a further £4125.

The brickwork is now well advanced.

The present roll of this Intermediate High School is 365 pupils; 113 in the secondary courses, and 252 n the primary, being under the control of 14 teachers. The director on Wednesday morning besought the interest of parents and people in the training of the school to take their place later on as worthy citizens; he also referred to the influence of our churches and homes on the Scholars.

Short addresses were delivered by Dr. T. B. Clouston, presdent of the Parents and Citizens' Asociation and Cr. James Elphick, deputy shire president.

The scholars rendered 'The School Song,' the words and music of which had been composed locally for special use on this occasion.

On Wednesday afternoon, the second annual P.S.A.A. sports took place on the racecourse, all the events being well contested, and an enjoyable afternoon spent by the public and others.

Thursday was devoted to agricultural knowledge, and a field day took place when residents kindly placed their cars at the disposal of the students, who were driven to various farms of the districts to view experimental plots in their growing stages, and to receive lectures thereon. 

On Friday was the annual prize-giving, Christmas tree and principal's report, and presentation of Intermediate Certificates. At night took place a fine banquet in the assembly hall at the school, as a grand finale.

Evening sessions took place each night, when lectures were delivered, viz.., "Pastures. Improvement" (Mr. A. N. Stacy); "Grasses" (Mr. M’Lellan, of the Agricultural Department); "Dairying" (Mr. Scott, of the Agricultural Department); "Why man needs Education” (Dr. T. B. Clouston, principal); "Education by the Parent"(Mr. J. Wallace); "Mind and Memory" (Rev. F. W. Rettie); "Aviation" (Mr. C. W. Williams); "Thrift" (Mr. S. Fleming).

On one evening the students gave a very creditable display of gymnastics.

All events were well attended by the public and parents, the whole proceedings representing a wonderful week, reflecting the highest of credit upon the principal, Mr. R. H. Gilbert, his assistants, as well as the president and secretary of the P. and C. Association, and other helpers.