Pickering Brook History

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PIESSE BROOK SCHOOL RE-UNION
AND MEMORIES

Research by GORDON FREEGARD April 2021

On Sunday October 14th 1979, just two days short of the 51st Anniversary of the opening of the Piesse Brook School on October 16th 1928, a re-union of ex students, teachers and families was held at the old school (now a youth hostel) and grounds.

Attendance at the re-union was in excess of 160 people and the day was enjoyed by all with many aquaintances being renewed after a period of 40 years and more. A barbecue lunch was held in the grounds.

A special guest was Mrs. Edmonds (better known to old scholars as Miss Elliott) who was the first teacher at Piesse Brook School 1928 - 1934. During speech time Mrs. Edmonds reminisced about the early days of the schol, describing how on opening day the building was just completed but left uncleaned by the builderd and that she and the pupils had to set to and make it habitable.

The furniture, deskes, etc., had not arrived. They were finally located at the Kalamunda Railway Station and had to be transported to the school by horse and cart.

Councillor Cec Wright, whose children attended the school, was President of the local Parents and Citizens Association for some years during 1940 - 50 era, welcomed the ex students and visitors to the re-union.

Other teachers present, who taught at the school were Mrs. Gretchen Forrest (nee Loaring) who taught both as a Monitor for a short period in1950 and later as a fully qualified teacher in 1953 - 54. Her sister Mrs. Marie Parton (nee Loaring) who taught as a Monitor was also present as well as Mrs. Ruchti (Schook).

Special thanks for organising the day in such an efficent way go to Mrs. Joan Turner (nee Loaring) ex student and her sister Gretchen (Mrs. Forrest), whose idea it was to hold the re-union.

Some of the parents of the earlier students who were present, and who were also active in the P. & C. Association included Mrs. W. Loaring, Mrs. A. McWhirter, Mrs. A Scott, Mrs. A. Findlay, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Hutchison, Mr. and Mrs. E. Lyneham, Mrs. Fortescur and Mr. and Mrs. J. THomas.

Another family whose parents were early settlers in the district was well represented - Arnold Palmer, his brother Cyril who flew from Carnarvon for the occasion and three sisters, Doris (Mrs. D. Mynors), Audrey (Mrs. K. Netherway) and Ruth (Mrs. B. Cheeseman).

As the day drew to a close the general sensus of opinion wae that it's a pity that a re-union can't be held more often indicating the success of the day.

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