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PICKERING BROOK (CARILLA) SCHOOL  

Research by Gordon Freegard

THIS COVERS 100 PLUS YEARS OF THE PICKERING BROOK SCHOOL'S HISTORY. MANY THINGS HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS, BUILDINGS, GARDENS, TEACHERS HAVE COME AND GONE, STAMPING THEIR INDIVIDUALITY ON THE SCHOOL, BUT ONE THING THAT MAKES THIS SCHOOL SO SPECIAL, THE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE, HAS NEVER CHANGED. SO AS THIS SCHOOL MAKES ITS WAY INTO THE NEXT MILLENIUM AND MANY MORE CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE WE HOPE THAT ONE CONSTANT NEVER CHANGES. HOPE YOU ENJOY READING THIS HISTORY AS MUCH AS THE P & C ENJOYED COMPILING IT. MANY THANKS TO MARIA GIUMELLI, MICHELLE BURROWS, FILOMENA MARCHETTI FOR THEIR RESEARCH AND TO THE PICKERING BROOK PRIMARY SCHOOL P & C.  THE ORGANISING, PLANNING AND RESEARCH BY JULIE HOLLAND (nee CUNNOLD) AND HER 100th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE ARE ALSO BE COMMENDED.

THIS HISTORY WAS COMPILED BY THE USE OF SCHOOL JOURNALS AND P & C MINUTES, AS FEW JOURNALS HAVE BEEN MISPLACED OR LOST, SOME YEARS HAVE GOT LIMITED OR NO INFORMATION, SO PLEASE FORGIVE ANY MISTAKES. THE JOURNALS ARE HOUSED IN THE ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE BATTYE LIBRARY.

THE BEGINNING

The original application for a school in the Pickering Brook area was made in January 1915, by a group of dedicated residents as the nearest school to the area was Canning Mills and that was three and half miles away. A new application in April was sent to the Education Department on their behalf by Mr. R. Gamble, District Inspector.
The original site marked on the map was not considered suitable, (the original site was situated near Pickering Brook Railway Station) as they felt it would not be central to most families.
A new site was picked by Messers Weston and French from Government land that was situated near Mr. French's land and 5 acres was set aside. Mr. French also offered to accommodate the new teacher at his place, but Mr. Robert Gamble suggested that the Department should supply both the school and quarters. The buildings would come from West Yarloop and these would arrive by rail to the site chosen as the rail passed by there.
Finally the Minister gave his approval for the tent school and quarters from Stranger's Pool, which is near Williams, be transported to Pickering Brook at a cost of 72 pounds. On the 24th November 1915 school and quarters were completed and the keys were handed to Mr. French as he lived close to the school premises.
On the 1st December 1915 Miss Ellen Seymour, who was appointed Headmistress, opened the school.

ORIGINAL APPLICATION REQUESTING A SCHOOL FOR PICKERING BROOK DATED 13th JANUARY 1915

LETTER REGARDING PETITION AND PLAN 23rd MARCH 1915

LETTER REGARDING CONTRACT LET FOR SCHOOL BUILDING 27th SEPTEMBER 1915

LETTER REGARDING STOCK OF SCHOOL 16th NOVEMBER 1915

SCHOOL JOURNAL 1915 - 1996

1915:

Dec 1st   Opened school with 7 children. Found the school very much stained with lime as also the furniture.
Dec 2nd   13 enrolled, one 4th standard, three 2nd standard, six 1st standard and three infants.
Dec 3rd    Average for week 11, with 13 present at all.
Dec 7th    Light rain not sufficient to fill tanks.
Dec 10th  Average for week 11.9 with 13 present at all.
Dec 17th  Average for week 12 with 13 present at all. Closed for Christmas break.

FOOTNOTE TO DEC 7TH MISS SEYMOUR REQUESTED FROM DEPARTMENT IF SHE COULD OBTAIN WATER FROM MR. FRENCH'S WELL FOR THE SCHOOL'S WATER SUPPLY UNTIL RAINS FILLED TANKS.

Mrs. Robinson, who was Gladys French when she attended school that first year, recalled that Miss Seymour, an elderly spinster, lived in Bickley and used to walk across the bush every Monday morning and walked back after school on Friday.

1916

January 25th School opened with Miss Seymour as Headmistress and an enrolment of 14. Journal shows that attendances were affected greatly by illness such as whooping cough and the weather, as when the rain fell heavily it was not unusual for the school to have only 5 attend. This was due to the fact that most of them had long distances to walk. Occasionally it was noted that children were late for school as they caught the loco, which didn't keep a tight schedule. Miss Seymour also notes in her journal that children were seen to catch the loco to school but never made an appearance there as they went onto Pickering Brook Station for the day.
Empire Day, May 24th, was celebrated by the children learning Empire recitations and Miss Seymour reading interesting storie suitable to that day. They would then salute the flag and they would play games, such as "acting of war" till noon when they would head home.
During winter Miss Seymour writes in her journal "Rain comes in at the front door and it pours in a stream down the middle of the children's shelter. Urinal pan fills being unroofed and floods the boys outhouse. No shelter anywhere, no wonder children catch colds.
In December Miss Seymour is unwell and is forced to close the school.

1917

The beginning of this school year sees bushfires in the area which causes the temperatures to rise and make conditions in the school unbearable and the children are sent home early. First trees are planted in the school grounds for Arbor Day. Towards the end of the year Miss Seymour arrives late for school due to rheumatism in her foot which made her unable to walk to school and she had to catch the loco.
In December when school closed Miss Seymour gave her pupils their first Christmas Party at school.
(Miss Seymour, lived in Bickley and walked across the bush every Monday Morning and walked back after school on Friday).

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY  

18th April 1917     -------   -------   Age         Sulked and would not do what he was requested to do              One cut on the hand with the cane
25th May 1917     -------   -------   Age         Repeated carelessness in school work                                            Two cuts on the hand with the cane

1918

Again the beginning of the year saw bushfires in the area and conditions were again unbearable. The drill that was part of the school program and would normally be performed in the afternoon was now done in the mornings, due to the heat.
During mid-year Miss Seymour having a type of Scarlet Fever and thinking that it was unwise to have children in the class with her, let them do gardening till noon and then sent them home.
America Day was celebrated in July by lessons on that topic in the morning and the afternoon was spent as the children pleased, as the Daily News of June 19th stated that there was to be a half day holiday. Badges were given out when children left for home.

1919

 School re-opens with 9 children and bushfires are still present in the early part of the year. Again from writings in her journal attendances at school are low due to diphtheria being present in the community.
July 21st was gazetted as a holiday for PEACE CELEBRATIONS.

1920

Her first entry reads:
"Re-opened school. 8 children were present. Some children owing to the excessive heat have not yet returned from their holiday resorts, others are ill."
Bushfires again make conditions unbearable and teacher wishes she had ventilators.
Miss Eckersley returns from her Easter break to find the school and quarters in disorder. Men had used the school to sleep in while doing repairs to the outside. Due to the excessive noise produced by the workmen she changed the timetable to do more silent work.

1921

 This year was rather uneventful. School opened with 7 children and for the first time basketball was taught in lieu of children for homework, schoolwork and decorative work.

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY  

7th April 1921     -------   -------   Age         Deliberately setting fire to Mr. French's fence              Four strokes with a twig

1922

School re-opens with 16 children enrolled. Miss Eckersley is Headmistress till mid-year when Mr. E. M. Hales takes up duties. E. M. Hales states in the journal that the children need more instruction on Sewing, Scripture, Nature Study and English.
Mr. Sampson, Colonial Secretary, visits the school in November and offers to present a prize to the most improved child. A Parent's night was organised in December and every parent turns up and five prizes are won by the children for homework, schoolwork and decorative work.

1923

10 children are present on the first day.
Again illness and the weather affects the number of children attending the school and on one day only 2 children are present.(Probably the ones that lived the closest to the school, or her two children). During this time Mrs. Millar closed the school for a few days as one of her children was very ill.
In September Mr. Blythe, Drill Instructor, visited the school from 11.45am to 12.45am. His time was limited with the children because of the time taken to walk from the station to the school.

1923

1924

School re-opened with the same Headmistress and an enrolment of 16.
Again there are bushfires in the area and Mrs. Millar closes the school early as fires surround the school and quarters.
February 7th was supposed to be a holiday but, as the news had not reached the school till 1pm, no holiday was given.

1925   

School began the year with an enrolment of 23. But halfway through the year Mrs. Millar becomes ill and school is closed for six weeks. Then on September 7th Mrs. C. Spoon is appointed till November 2nd when Mrs. Millar returns.
In December water in the school tank was found to be polluted by a huge lizard so it was emptied. Mrs. Millar finds that the tank leaks and reports it to the Department.
School Board grants the children a holiday on December 18th so they can attend a school picnic.
The Inspector, in his annual report, noted that "only two children sang well" and the one small blackboard was quite inadequate.

1926

School opens with an enrolment of 15.
Mrs. Millar conducts Anzac and Empire lessons on the relevant days and suspends her normal timetable. Another uneventful year.

1927

School opens this year with 22 children. Again the year proceeded with no major problems, till the journal arrives to November when again attendances are affected by illness in the district. In December a holiday is granted so that the children can attend their school picnic to Como. In the journal she states "Parents and students had an enjoyable time."
Mrs. Millar leaves this year and subsequently worked at Mount Lawley College with disabled children.

1928

Pickering Brook has an enrolment of 18. Mr. Harris has to contend with bushfires in the early part of the year. He helps to fight a bushfire which threatens the school but no school property is damaged. In his journal he makes mention for the first time that the school runs on winter hours starting from the 2nd of April. The hours are 9am - 12noon and 1pm - 3.15pm.
On May 24th Mr. Hadley, School Inspector, visited the school, and attended the celebrations for Empire Day.
For Arbor Day this year the children planted 12 pine trees. During a winter storm in July the School was struck by lightning and was slightly damaged. In August contractors constructed verandahs and put a wash-house at the quarters. Again in December a board holiday was granted for the children and their parents to attend the school picnic to Como. 70 People attended.

1929

Has an enrolment of 22 children. The highlight of the first term is when all the children and parents are taken by "motors" to see the Centenary Fireworks display on the Esplanade. The cars left Pickering Brook at 5.15pm and returned 12.30am. According to Mr. Harris the display was poor.
June 3rd King's Birthday and school is closed. School is closed early September as teacher is ill.
The West Australian Centenary was celebrated September 13th. This was done by a combined Schools Demonstration, Sports Meeting and Children's Fancy Dress Ball. Over 300 children attended. There was an equal number of parents. Over 39 pounds was donated by the various schools to be given out as prizes and used to purchase souvenirs, refreshments and sweets. This is the first time that the journal mentions an Interschool Carnival. Pickering Brook's colours are maroon and orange.
The results of the Sports Carnival are:

CENTENARY MEDAL

The A. S. Sampson Centenary Shield was won by Carmel. A second prize of two tennis racquets was won by Pickering Brook and third prize of a football was awarded to Barton's Mill.
During the October holidays a school picnic was held at the zoo. Three motor trucks conveyed the children and parents to the zoo. Lunch and tea were provided. Each child was given 1 shilling for elephant and goat carriage rides from school funds. Forty children attended and an enjoyable day was had by all.
November 5th being Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated at the school in the evening. Children prepared the bonfire during the day and this was lit at night and a "Guy" was burned. Fireworks, mainly rockets, to the value of 1 pound were provided from school funds. Children provided their own crackers. Parents provided own supper. Evening was very successful.

1930

School opened with 26 children. Public Works Inspector visited school and selected site for new school and during the year a new asbestos classroom was erected making the conditions better for children and teacher. On the other hand the School Quarters were not very comfortable. There was only one room with no fireplace and no water in the kitchen.
Interschool Sports were held again this year. Six schools attended. The second annual U.D.R. Inter-schools' sports competition for the Sampson Shield was held at Carmel on November 1st.

1930

VERY POOR QUALITY PHOTOGRAPH PUBLISHED IN "THE WEST AUSTRALIAN" WEDNESDAY 7th MAY 1930
 UNFORTUNATELY ALL NEGATIVES HAVE BEEN LOST. IF YOU HAVE A BETTER COPY CONTACT US.

1931

Enrolments for this year is 26 children. School picnic again held in Como. The school closes for Christmas break with 11 children.

HAND DRAWN PLAN OF PICKERING BROOK SCHOOL 1931

1932

School begins with 12 children. In late February attendance is very low and parents are notified by letter that school will be closed unless average attendance of 8 children is maintained. Journal shows that attendance averages 8 throughout the most part of the year.
April 6th Mr. Harris is transferred to Karnup, Peel Estate and Catherine C. Lugg is appointed the new Headmistress on April 11th. (Later Mrs. Grosvenor).
Miss Hazel Weston wins a Scholarship to Secondary School. (Later Mrs. Hodgson).
Interschool Sports were held on Friday 18th November at Walliston and a holiday was granted so that children could attend. Five schools in the upper Darling Range district competed  for the R. S. Sampson Shield at Walliston recreation ground on Friday afternoon.

There were 400 children and adults present, and some keen finishes were witnessed. 
Mr. R. S. Sampson, M.L.A., presented the shield to the captain of the Barton's Mill team (Hubert Woods). A silver cup was presented by Mr. A. E. Annetts to the representative of the Maida Vale School (Hazel Pierce), and other medals and prizes were presented by Messrs. R. Baker, L. J. Wallis and C. R. Rigdel. The Champion Boy was Frank Gibbs (Barton's Mill), and the Champion Girl, Hazel Pierce (Maida Vale).

CATHERINE LUGG  
 (Image Reference Lee Evans Catherine's Daughter)
 

Recollections of Cath Grosvenor (nee Lugg)  

Visit to Pickering Brook School by Mr. Harry Thomas, Inspector.

In July 1932, Mr. Thomas visited the school to make his annual inspection. At that time, my mother and my sister (Lucy) were living with me in the school house while my father (Richard Bunt Lugg) was leading an expedition to look for Lasseter's Reef. The thought of an inspection was slightly terrifying but, surprisingly, Mr. Thomas made friends of all the pupils, including my sister who was doing post-primary study. We finished the morning session with a procession to the Hall so that Mr. Thomas could hear the choir singing to piano accompaniment. Not only did he listen, he performed as well.
By then it was lunch-time so he was invited to the house (which looked rather like an old tram) to meet Mother. She was "Spring-cleaning" and had several well-worn mats draped over the verandah rail, and a bucket with a mop on the floor of the dining room. Mr. Thomas was invited to stay for lunch and, while preparing it, my Mother sent my sister Lucy to as him if he took milk and sugar in his tea. Lucy was as flustered as I was and began thus:
"Excuse me. do you take tea Mr. Sugar?" his instant response was,
"Yes please, Miss Milk."
We thought he was a charming visitor. My Mother made a copy of the school report to show my Father when he returned from the "Never-never" many months later.

Copy of Inspector's Report.

This school has an enrolment of 11 - mostly juniors - all of whom were present. The efficiency of the pupils has materially improved and in addition, one is conscious of an atmosphere of culture and artistry in all efforts of teacher and taught. The curriculum subjects are most capably taught in a most attractive manner.
Post-primary work is making excellent progress. Among the many pleasing features are: the attractive artistry of the teaching, especially that of the junior division; the development of musical appreciation; The excellent progress of a post-primary pupil; the excellent attitude of the children.
Miss Lugg is worthy of congratulation on her successful work. The educational outlook of these young pupils is full of promise.

(Signed) H. Thomas, Inspector 28th July 1932

1933

School opens the year with Catherine Lugg still Headmistress and an enrolment of 13 children. On the 20th February school was closed from noon owing to the death of Mr. T. A. L. Davy the Minister for Education. On the 15th May Mr. Geoffrey Mann is appointed as the school's new Headmaster.
In July the school closes for three days as teacher's son has diphtheria. Nurse arrives and takes swabs from children but all are negative and the school re-opens on the 10th July. The Kalamunda R. B. Secretary and his assistant arrive to spray the house, lavatory and school verandah with formalin? They didn't spray the interior of the school but Mr. Mann later disinfects the floor with extra formalin. No further outbreaks were recorded.
Late July the triangular paddock just beyond the hall was ploughed by Frank Hawkins using Mr. Williams' horse and plough for the combined purpose of a school sports ground and a basketball pitch. Basketball hoop retrieved from the bush at Pickering Brook Football ground. A hoop to match was made by Mr. G. Holroyd.
In October Mrs. Mann (Headmaster's wife) volunteered to teach the girls sewing as there weren't enough girls to warrant appointing a sewing mistress.

PICKERING BROOK SCHOOL 1933  

1934

School opens with 14 children enrolled.
Journal records show nothing of importance until the end of August when during a dance held at the hall, Mr. Mann noticed the next day that the school's axe had been taken from the school wood heap and when he made enquiries the axe returned not long after.

1934   

1935

On the first day of school only 8 children attended. On the 2nd April, at 1.45pm, a terrific hailstorm lasting ten minutes hit the area. Some of the school's and quarter's window panes were broken. The district suffered excessive damage. Every gardener and orchardist was affected. Trees were stripped of fruit, leaves, fruit spurs and bark. Hail drifts two feet deep was still visible after 48 hours. On the 24th May school heard on the wireless a broadcast programme of the King's Jubilee and later the school was dismissed at noon.
The Hills Inter-school Sports were held at Walliston on November 22nd, with Barton's Mill, Canning Mills, Carmel, Pickering Brook and Maida Vale Schools competing for the R. S. Sampson Centenary Shield. It was Won by Barton's Mill, with 162 points, Maida Vale being the runners-up and winning the "J. Watson Cup" with 104 points. The champion athlete of the day was Frank Gibbs, of Barton's Mill, who gained 50 points for his school.

1935

VERY POOR QUALITY PHOTOGRAPH PUBLISHED IN THE "WESTERN MAIL" THURSDAY 12th DECEMBER 1935
 UNFORTUNATELY ALL NEGATIVES HAVE BEEN LOST. IF YOU HAVE A BETTER COPY CONTACT US.

1936

School opened again with Mr. Mann as Headmaster and an enrolment of 11. Mr. Mann also enrolled a Dutch girl from Java who spoke no English. (As no more is mentioned of her in his journal can anyone remember who she was?)
On the 14th February school closed that afternoon because of the late King's Memorial Service. Mrs. Hewison kindly permitted the children to use her wireless set to listen to the broadcast.
On the 2nd June Gladys Stade was transferred to Queen's Park and Estelle E. Sainsbury became the new Headmistress. Only 4 children attended that morning because of the weather.
Early July the children organised an afternoon tea for the parents. Each child had to sing or recite school songs. Parents inspected the children's work. 3 girls received prizes and the school room was decorated with pictures and flowers. The children for the first time had a lunch room as the girls cleaned out the old school room.
July 13th Mr. Plumb is appointed the new Headmaster. On August the 7th, League of Nations Day, the children went to the residence of Mrs. Russell in order to listen to the Schools' Broadcast.

1937

School opens on February 2nd with Mr. Plumb as Headmaster. On May 7th school children went to Mrs Russell's place and there listened to the King's Coronation Broadcast. Schools were granted a half day holiday.
June 1st Mr. William Plumb was transferred to Hakea and the new Headmaster is Mr. Ronald B. Brown. 13 children present on that day. On 13th July Mrs. Hope Brown became the Sewing Mistress.
In July the children planted 13 young pine trees and also 12 assorted fruit trees which had been kindly donated by Mr. R. J. Sampson MLA (Journal finishes for the year).

1938

Mr. Brown, Headmaster opens school on February 1st with 13 children. Sydney Russell has been awarded a District Inspectors' Scholarship and will continue his studies at the Albany High School.

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY  

3rd October 1938     -------   -------   Age         Talking - warned repeatedly                       One cut on the hand with the cane

Back Row

1.   MERLE WESTON
2.   JOSIE SALA-TENNA
3.  MILLIE TRAVICICH

Middle Row

1.  IDA MARCHETTI
2.  FLORENCE & KEN ROADS (twins)
3.  COLIN ROADS
4.  GRAHAM STEPHENS
5.  DORIS ARMANASCO
6.  ROSLYN BROWN (Teacher's Daughter not school age)
 

Front Row

1.  PETER SALA-TENNA
2.  GORDON CATCHPOLE
3. DICK ROADS

 

1939

School opens with an enrolment of 18 children and Mr. Brown as Headmaster.
Interschool sports held this year is won by Pickering Brook. School closes this year with an enrolment of 17. Merle Weston wins entrance to Perth Modern School.

1940

School opens with 14 children.
Bushfires are again prevalent in the district and make conditions unbearable.
In November 2 children are sick with diphtheria and a few days later school closes until further notice and six children are admitted to hospital. School re-opens in December after it is fumigated.

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY  

13th February 1940     -------   -------   Age         Fooling in school                           One stroke with cane

1941

New teacher Mrs. Mary Richards is appointed Headmistress.
Enrolments are up to 20 children. War Savings Certificate Cards were started.
Two days holiday was granted on 10th October for Patriotic Show. October 24th children prepare writing and drawing for the Kalamunda Show. First prize for writing is won by John Issacs.

1941

VERY POOR QUALITY PHOTOGRAPH PUBLISHED IN THE "WESTERN MAIL" THURSDAY 27th NOVEMBER 1941
 UNFORTUNATELY ALL NEGATIVES HAVE BEEN LOST. IF YOU HAVE A BETTER COPY CONTACT US.

1942

School opened with an enrolment of 21 and Mrs. Richards as Headmistress.
Children start digging shelter trenches and practicing air raid drills.
Miss Edna Hall commenced duties as a Monitor on the 20th April. Hadley Library Books arrive late as they are left by railguard at Carmel Siding.
In July children went to Kalamunda for the Diphtheria Immunisation. In September they attend Kalamunda for the final injection and the doctor recommends that the children be allowed to go home for the remainder of the day as the last injection is usually severe.
Interschool Sports are held in October at Kalamunda Show and Pickering Brook won fifth place.
(No more entries in Journal for this year)

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY  

17th June 1942     -------   -------   Age         Grinning encouragingly at child who had just been reprimanded. Repeated disobedience.         Three strokes with cane    

1943

Mrs Richards still Headmistress and enrolments are now 26. In March one of the children is exposed to Scarletina (Type of Scarlet Fever). As a precautionary measure teacher disinfects the school with boiling water and dettol. She wipes down the desks with kerosene and places exposed child's belongings in the oven. No further outbreaks are evident.
For Anzac Day children go to Mrs. Weston's house to listen to the broadcast and Doris, one of the children, makes a wreath. To give children more reading practice Mrs. Richards adopts a Co-operative method, as there are equal numbers of Upper and Lower Standards. Children from the Lower Standard are given a partner from the Upper grade and read for 15 minutes at a time. The teacher writes "The Upper Standards are taking this work seriously.
In October several exhibits are sent to the Kalamunda Show. There are three prizes won by the children.

In the home gardens competition, inaugurated, by Mr. Sampson, Doris Armanasco won first prize and James Armanasco comes 4th.
Armistice Day broadcast was attended by whole school at Mrs. Weston's who provided the children with refreshments afterwards.
In November the teacher writes; "I have altered the sport period temporarily from Friday afternoon to Thursday afternoon so that we can go down to Niven's dam for swimming practice and learning. Three children can actually swim - others only just getting used to water."

1944

Mrs. Richards still Headmistress and with an enrolment of 27.
For Anzac Day a service is held in the hall as no wireless can be used as they all have a flat battery. So in December the children hold a school concert to raise money for a school wireless. They raise 5 pounds and the parents donate the rest to buy the wireless.

1945

School starts with Mrs. Richards as Headmistress but she requests sick leave as her husband is very ill. The new teacher Mr. Ian Cresswell commences on March 29th. His first comments in the journal are "The school and quarters are badly in need of renovations."
VE Day is celebrated with much rejoicing and enrolments have reached 35. In June Miss Williams, a monitor, arrives at the school. By now the school has a large number of Italian children and Miss Williams helps them with their English.
August 10th the journal reads; Excitement ran high in the school today with the imminent end of the war. Every day I hold a brief discussion on the latest news and so the children are actively interested in the quickly approaching peace."
On August 14th war is over and the children are given two days holidays as gazetted.
In October to raise money for the Library and Sporting equipment which didn't exist at the school a dance was held at the Carilla Hall.
In December an outbreak of diphtheria occurred in the district and 2 children became ill so the Department closed the school till the following year.

1946

School opens this year with 45 children enrolled and Mr. Ian Cresswell was Headmaster. Miss Weston returns to the school this time as an assistant. Cases of diphtheria are still breaking out locally. It appears that the local authorities badly mismanaged the epidemic which broke out before the Christmas Break.
School is closed by the P. H. Dept as swabs are taken from all the children of the district. School is fumigated. Five children return positive swabs and are sent to I. D. H.
Victory Day is celebrated in June and the teacher gives the children a talk on the horrors of war and stresses the thanks due to all the Allied Forces for preserving our liberty.
Miss Weston is working in the lower school under difficult conditions. There are no windows or fireplace and the blackboard she uses is a portion of the wall painted black.
(There are no more entries in the journal for this year)

1947

Mr. A. E. Williams is appointed Headmaster and Miss Weston is Assistant. The School has an enrolment of 49 children. By the end of February it reaches 52 and is likely to increase. Again school tanks run dry and he gets Mr. L. Spriggs to cart two tanks of water. Unfortunately the tanks are found to be leaking and must be repaired. Barton's Mill school is closing at the end of first term and children will then attend Pickering Brook School. A bus from Barton's Mill is being used by the 14 children though only 7 come from Barton's Mill itself.
On 5th September Mrs. Ellen Williams became an Assistant.
Sports day is held in October and Mr. C. Marchetti and Mr. C. Della take the 50 children in their trucks to the showgrounds. Pickering Brook came 2nd.

Swings and See-saws were erected by the P. & C. busy bee. At the end of the year Miss Weston is transferred to Carnarvon School.
FOOTNOTE:  A. E. Williams - Bert Williams was a prominent historian in W.A. and wrote the text books History through Activities and Social Studies Through Activities which were used in W. A. Schools for many, many years. He was always known with both his initials - A. E. Williams.

1948

School re-opens with Mr. A. E. Williams and Miss M. Herley as Assistant and the school has an enrolment of 65. 45 boys and 20 girls. Mrs. Williams, a fully trained teacher took special lessons in English for the several immigrant children who were unable to keep up with normal lessons.
In June the P. & C. accepted a tender to erect a shelter shed for the children at a cost of 25 pounds. Headmaster writes; "This will be a great convenience to the children. Shed will be substantial structure."
In November Interschool sports are held at Kalamunda and Pickering Brook finishes third.

Mr. Davey and Mr. Alec Giumelli transported the children to this event in their trucks.
A flag pole for the school was donated by the RSL and the P. & C. have erected it in front of the hall.

1949

School had an enrolment of 73 with Mr. A. E. Williams still the Headmaster, Miss D. Ayliffe was Junior Mistress. Infants had to have their class in the teachers' quarters and this would not be suitable for the winter months. P. & C. buys school a projector.
In May Mr. Williams is informed that the new school quarters would commence soon. The building was an old house that came from Wellard, near Rockingham and it was completed in August. Mr. Williams said that compared to the old house it was a "palace", though other Headmasters didn't quite agree. In the last few years the building has been used by the school for cooking classes, to make school lunches, art and craft classes and a storeroom. In the Christmas break of '88 - '89 the school quarters were demolished.
On 1st August Miss Monica Herley was transferred to Darlington.
In September a Gymkhana is held in Kalamunda and the P. & C. raised money by having a fruit and vegetable stall with all produce donated by locals.

1950

School enrolments are 87 and Mrs. E. Williams is appointed as Assistant on Supply and Mr. A. E. Williams is Headmaster and Miss Ayliffe is Junior Mistress. Water is again carted to the school as supply is nil.
Interschool Sports is held at Kalamunda and Pickering Brook finished third.

Tennis Court was constructed at the school. Mr. Williams leaves at the end of the year being transferred to Kulin School.

1950  Infants, Standards 1 & 2 

1950   Standards 3 & 4

1950   Standards 5, 6, 7 & 8

Back Row

1.   MICHAEL SCOLARO
2.   ERNIE BECHELLI
3.   TONY VINCENTI
4.   ROSS HOLDMAN
5.   TONY MARCHETTI
6.   RALPH SALA TENNA
7.   HENRY ISSAC
8.   ALAN SMAILES
 

Middle Row

1.   LAUREL ROADS
2.   VALERIE FORSYTH
3.   MARY SCOLARO
4.   ROSIE GANDOSSINI
5.   JOAN SALA TENNA
6.   GERALDINE PENISI
7.   QUEENIE MAZZARDIS
8.   RUTH WILLIAMS
 


 

Front Row

1.    LOU RADICE
2.   HARRY DELLA FRANCA
3.   DAVID McCORKILL
4.   JOHN MARCHETTI
5.   BOBBY COE
6.   BRUNO NATTA
7.   DAVID GODBOLD
 
 

Sitting

1.   BILL WILLIAMS
2.   TERRY RYAN









 

1951

Mr. J. Hodges is now the new Headmaster, Mr. T. Eaton is appointed Assistant and Miss Ayliffe is still the Junior Mistress and the school has an enrolment of 81.
Mr. Hodges first entry in Journal "The school accommodation is appalling. Even the uncondemned classroom is in very poor repair. The playing area is poor. The children are the one bright spot on the scene of general disrepair."
On 6th March James Hodges was transferred to East Kalgoorlie and Mr. Alderman becomes the new Headmaster.
On May 3rd as part of the Jubilee Celebrations a film called "Fifty Years Since Federation" was shown in the Hall. Children also performed plays and sang songs and were presented with Jubilee Booklets and Medals. During this time the Hall is hired by the Education Department for school purposes.
On 5th June Gilbert King is transferred to South Coogee.
The school is also informed that the Pre-fabricated building is on-route from England and it is erected in September and classes commence there at the end of the year.
Adult classes for immigrants to learn English begin at night. 38 enrol. Mr. Alderman shares the class on alternate nights.
July 27th holiday granted as Sir James Mitchell, ex Governor of the State died on 26th July.
Ross Holdman won first prize in the A. N. A. Essay Competition - Country School Division of W. A.
Interschool sports was held at Kalamunda and Mr. Giumelli and Mr. Marchetti transported the children in their trucks.

1952

February 7th King George VI dies and a school holiday is gazetted.
In August the old classroom was removed and was to be re-erected in Karragullen.
September 10th electricity is switched on for the first time in the school.
Faction sports are inaugurated. The teams are Green, Blue and Red. Green wins with 105.5 points.

Interschool sports were held at Kalamunda and Pickering Brook came 2nd.
Mr. Eaton is transferred as Head Teacher to Lakewood.

1953

School re-opens on February 2nd with a large number of new admissions
In March the Government's Free Milk Scheme was introduced and school ordered 106 bottles. May 25th Timetable was suspended in the morning because of the Coronation. Special lessons were held in the morning and in the afternoon all children assembled in the Hall. The Headmaster read a letter from Lord Goures? and the film "Queen Elizabeth II" was shown. A Broadcast was listened to and all children up to grade six were given a special souvenir from the Commonwealth Government.
In June the P. & C. raised money for a new projector for the school, and in September Mr. R. Owen MLA in handing over the projector to the school, congratulated the parents of Pickering Brook. That night the films shown with the new projector were;
Aborigines of Arnhem Land
Invitation to Music
Exmouth Gulf Oil Project
Comedy
Faction sports were held in October and it was won by Blue.

Miss Adamson leaves the school after two years and is transferred to Spearwood.

TERENCE FRANCAIS' SCHOOL REPORT

1953  Classes Infants & 1

1953  Classes 2/3/4

1953 Classes 5/ 6/ 7 & 8

1954

Mr. Robertson & Mrs. McCourt were transferred in May and the two new teachers were Mrs. M Lyons and Mrs. Lawton. School had an enrolment of 93 pupils.
On March 31st children were taken by private transport to Mundaring for the Royal Visit of Queen Elizabeth II. The children were given flags and took up allocated spaces near the main road. The Headmaster writes "Her Majesty the Queen and Royal Party went past too quickly for the children to get more than a fleeting glimpse, nevertheless, flags were waved vigorously and lusty cheers were given". On April 1st the Queen gave a Broadcast where she apologized at not seeing the children as arranged but appealed to them to do all they could as their ancestors had done to make and keep Australia a great nation.
To raise money the P. & C. organized film nights at the Hall and the Headmaster arranged a pruning demonstration by the Agriculture Department. This was held in Mr. A. Altinier's orchard.
Factions sports were held in October and Blue won again.

Interschool sports were held at Kalamunda and the children traveled by truck lent by Barton's Mill and Messers Travicich and Della. Pickering Brook won Champion Pennant and Louie Altinier was Senior Boy Champion.
By the end of the year there was evidence that a convent school was being built in Merrivale Road and the Headmaster was worried about enrolments for Pickering Brook School, as the majority of pupils were Catholic.

1954  Infants & 1

Back Row

1.    ROBERT ELLERY
2.    ROBERT ALTINIER
3.    KEVIN BUNN
4.    MALCOLM DAVEY

Middle Row

1.     VIC FERNIE
2.     NEIL URBINATI
3.     LINDA PETRUCCI
4.     ROSE TRAVICICH
5.     TERESA MARCHESANO
6.     LENA SCOLARO
7.     KEN WATERS
8.     PETER PETRUCCI
9.     NEIL TRANTHAM

Front Row

1.      
2.       LENA DEPIAZZI
3.       MARY LYONS
4.       MARILYN WESTON
 
 
 
 

Sitting

1.     VALENTINE SPICCIA
2.      PHILIP VINCI
3.      RUSSEL JENKINS
4.               ?     FORSYTHE?
5.      KEVIN OSBORNE
6.      BARRY SPRIGGS
7.       LOUIS MARCHETTI
8.       RALPH "FUFFY" GILLESPIE

1954      2/3/4

1954       5/6/7 & 8

1955

School re-opens with enrolment of 71 and only two teachers were at the School.
Anzac Celebrations were held around the Flag Pole and a wreath was laid by Ines Della Franca and Joe Della Franca.
In June due to heavy rains the road from Barton's Mill was impassable and the children couldn't get to school. On 26th July Mr. Alderman retired and the new Headmaster, Mr. C. Rose was transferred from Karragullen.
Faction sports were held and Gold won this year. Interschool sports were held in October and Pickering Brook won.

Cricket and softball was played against Kalamunda and Pickering Brook won.

PICKERING BROOK SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM

DARRYL OGG'S SCHOOL REPORTS

1956

School opens with 56 children and the teachers for this year are Mr. C. Rose Headmaster and Miss L. Eaton.
This was the first year that Post Primary pupils were being transported to Midland Junction High School.
In June the Journal records show that snow fell lightly at this school. In September Mr. Rose goes on sick leave and Mr. John Lawton is the relieving Headmaster.
In October Miss Eaton, two mothers and 23 children leave for a three week Nation Fitness Camp School.
Mr. Cecil Davey donates a Cup for the Annual Competition between Karragullen and Pickering Brook and it was known as "The Davey Cup".
District Sports were played in November and children were brought in from as far as Point Peron. Maida Vale came first and Pickering Brook second.

POINT PERON FITNESS CAMP. OCTOBER 1956
Back Row L- R; ANGELINA URBINATI, MISS L. EATON (Teacher),  SARAH MARCHETTI (Rear), KAY OSBOURN (Front), PAM BEARD, ANNE SPRIGGS, BEV FERNIE (Rear), JENNY BEARD (Front),
 NORM COLLINS (Rear), JANET SMAILES (Front), BRUNO MATTA, MAURICE MAZZARDIS, JIM GORDON, MRS NITA NIVEN, VIC FERNIE,        ?        , MRS MAVIS GODBOLD

Sitting: VICTOR SMITH, LORRAINE MURPHY, MARYLIN WESTON, GARRY MURPHY, JUDY SPRIGGS, NEIL URBINATI, JIM GILLESPIE , BARRY SPRIGGS

POINT PERON FITNESS CAMP. OCTOBER 1956

1956

POSSIBLE SPORTS DAY? 1956

FATHER CHRISTMAS ARRIVES 1956

SNAKE CAUGHT IN SCHOOL YARD 1956

FREMANTLE EXCURSION 1956

1956 - 1957 ?   

1957

School opens with 57 children. Teachers were Mr. Rose, Headmaster and Miss Nowak, new Teacher.
In March Night School for New Australians begins.
In October Interschool sports are held at Pickering Brook Club. There are two sections. Pickering Brook, Karragullen and Wattle Grove played in first. Carinyah, Carmel and Lesmurdie played in the second. Pickering Brook comes second in their section.
November 25th Mrs. McCourt takes up duties as Miss Nowak is on sick leave till the end of the year.

1957 ?  

1958

School opens this year with 50 children. Mr. Rose is on Long Service leave and Mr. Murray is appointed relieving Headmaster. and Miss Novak is still Junior Mistress.
In August Mr. Rose returns as Headmaster and resumes duties.
The Davey Cup is played in October and Pickering Brook wins. Interschool sports this year are at Karragullen and Pickering Brook comes first. They also win five championship trophies out of the eight possible.
Miss Nowak is transferred to Floreat Park.

1958?

1959

There are 51 children this year. Teachers are Mr. Rose, Headmaster and Miss L. Cooper as Mistress on Probation.
Kerry Francis qualifies for a scholarship. The Darling Range Road Board granted sport area behind Hall and also a basketball court. This year Karragullen wins the Davey Cup.
In October Pickering Brook comes second in the Interschool and wins 4 Championship trophies.
In November Mr. Rose takes 24 children to the National Fitness School Camp.

1960

This year school opens with 38 children and the same teachers until July, when Mr. Rose retires, and Mr. D. Millar becomes the new Headmaster.
The Davey Cup was won by Pickering Brook. Interschool Sports was also won by Pickering Brook. With Champion Cups being presented to Russell Jenkins, Ron Hawkins, Carey Smith, Silvano Fasolo and Emily Ferrari.
At the end of the year Miss Cooper is transferred to Dalkeith and Mr. Millar is transferred to South Kensington.
Mr. K. Duffy came to the school to take over while Mr. Hale was transferred to Karragullen temporarily.
There were only 28 children at the school and Mr. Hale stayed on until 1968.

1961

School opened on Monday, February 13th with 31 children attending.
Although school numbers dwindled to 31 in June 1961, the P. & C. had a record attendance at their June Meeting.
On August 18th football and basketball were played against Karragullen. Pickering Brook won the football 11 goals 22 points to Karragullen's 5 goals 3 points. In the basketball Pickering Brook scored 14 goals to Karragullen's 6 goals.
In October the school closed for two days for the Royal Show.
In the journal it states, "A nature study excursion out at the first and second waterfalls near Barton's Mill proved highly successful.
Inter-school sports were held on November 24th. The results being; 1st Pickering Brook, 2nd Carmel, 3rd Gleneagle and 4th West Dale.

1962

School opened on February 12 with 32 enrolments.
In May, the bitumen square was completed.
In June, Mr. Bolton was transferred to High Wycombe. Mr. Thompson took over the role of Headmaster till the end of the year.
Mr. Wyss of Migrant Education requested that English classes be held at the school. In March Mr. Thompson conducted these classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

1962    

1963

School opened on February 11 with 30 enrolments. The school has been downgraded to Class IV.
Mr. R. B. Hale joined the staff in 1963 and it was during his stay that the Junior Mistress Mrs. Sambell was only required in the mornings - the numbers not warranting two full time teachers.
On March 25th and 25th the school was closed for the Queen's visit. On March 25th the children were taken by charter bus to see the Queen.
New swings arrived on May 6th from Barton's Mill. On May 10th new see-saws arrived.
In May 1963 the P. & C. raised money for a bore to be sunk which made gardening easier.
In term 2 Mrs. Sambell was appointed to take the junior grades in the mornings and a sewing class on Wednesday afternoons.
Interschool sports were cheld on October 11th hosted by Pickering Brook. Schools from Karragullen, Carmel, Carinyah, Lesmurdie, West Dale, Gleneagle and Pickering Brook competed. The event was won by Pickering Brook.
On December 10th, the seven schools that competed in the Interschool Sports went on a river trip organised by Mr. Hale.

1964

Enrolment down to 28. Mr. Hale is teaching seven grades - 19 in grades 1 to 4 and 9 in grades 5 to 7.
In June, Mr. Hale is advised that he will be relieving Mr. G. Heatly at Karragullen School until Christmas. Mr. Keith Duffy is relief Headmaster for Mr. Hale.
On July 16th, Mr. Duffy takes grades 5 to 7 to Parliament House. This outing was organised by local member Mr. K. Dunn and Mr. R. B. Hale. The excursion was "most instructive and pleasurable".
The old weatherboard building had been removed to the Bickley Bird Watchers and is now being used as a Hall by the Bickley Recreation Centre.
Interschool sports are held on October 9th hosted by Carmel.

End of year school picnic was held at the zoo on December 13th.

PICKERING BROOK'S SECOND SCHOOLROOM AFTER BEING MOVED TO BICKLEY RECREATION CENTRE    #1

PICKERING BROOK'S SECOND SCHOOLROOM AFTER BEING MOVED TO BICKLEY RECREATION CENTRE.    #3

Reference:   Images:    1, 2 , 3 , 4  Tony Ross

PICKERING BROOK'S SECOND SCHOOLROOM AFTER BEING MOVED TO BICKLEY RECREATION CENTRE    #2

PICKERING BROOK'S SECOND  SCHOOLROOM AFTER BEING MOVED TO BICKLEY RECREATION CENTRE.    #4

1965   

School opened on February 8th with 23 enrolments.
New septic tanks and toilets completed at quarters and school during January. Area prepared for grass to be planted giving children a safer area for play.
October 8th: Interschool sports hosted by West Dale. Karragullen won with Pickering Brook runner-up.
End of year excursion held December 13th. Children and parents visited Fremantle Terminal and S.S.Himalaya followed by a train ride to Mosmans.

BOB & DULCIE HALE with LINDSAY (3 years) and MARGARET (18 months)
 Taken in loungeroom of Pickering Brook Schoolhouse  16th March 1965

1965? SHOWING OFF NEW SCHOOL UNIFORMS  

1966

School opened on February 14th with 22 children.
Interschool sports hosted by Carinyah and Karragullen were held on October 14th. Pickering Brook, Carmel, Carinyah, Karragullen, Lesmurdie and West Dale competed. Pickering Brook was first with Lesmurdie in second place.

                                       Champions                 Emily Ferrari, Gordon Robinson, Julie Poletti

In early December, the children visited TVW 7.
The annual outing was held on December 8th. This outing included a visit to the Belmont Fire Station.

1966 SPORTS TEAM?    

1966  Unknown  

1967

School opened on February 6th with 27 enrolments.
The school has temporarily been given a Class 111 rating.
On May 4th, Mr. and Mrs. C. Davey and Mr. K. Sims took some boys to visit the submarine USS Black Fin.
Interschool sports are held on October 13th hosted by Lesmurdie. Mater Gratiae won with Lesmurdie runner-up.

1968

Mr. R. Budiselic was appointed the new Headmaster and had 37 children enrolled that year. As more children were enrolled in the early part of the year he asked for an extra teacher and his wife was appointed the Junior Mistress.
At the first P. & C. Meeting Mr. Godbold donated a radiogram to the school.
In March a swimming Carnival was held at Kelmscott Pool and Pickering Brook and Karragullen combined with 10 competitors and they came third. Jeff Young was Champion Boy.
Interschool sports was held on October 4th but were cancelled due to heavy rain. The schools that were to participate were Pickering Brook, Karragullen, Carinyah, West Dale and Carmel.

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY  

16th July 1968    W------   W------   Age 9        Stealing from teacher's table draw      2 strokes on hand

1969

No journal could be found for this year.

1969 Years 4,5,6 &7

Back Row

1.  Mr. RAY BUDISELIC (Teacher)
2.  JOHN McGRATH
3.  TONY TROVATO
4.  GARY BEARD
5.  ROBERT GIUMELLI
6.  JEFFERY YOUNG?

Middle Row

1.  GREGORY GODBOLD
2.  ALEX GREENO
3.  MARIA RAPONI
4.  KERRY WILSON
5.  GUNDA HITCHINS
6.  SUZANNE BEARD
7.  TREVOR BEARD
8.  PETER SIMS
 

Front Row

1.  JENNY LOVERING
2.  PATRICIA ROBINSON
3.  ROSINA TROVATO
4.  KAREN GREENO
5.  ESTHER PALAZZARI
 

Kneeling

1.  LOUI DELLA POLLINA
2.  MICHEAL HITCHINS
3.  TONY DELLA POLLINA
4.  PETER BOURDON
5.  JEFFERY LOVERING
 

1970

Miss Cuneo later became Mrs. Diane Urbinati.
The enrolments this year increased to 106 due to the closure of Mater Gratiae Convent School. Due to insufficient classrooms the Convent School was hired for the Grade 3 & 4 as the Carilla Hall was quite unsuitable.
Due to the efforts of Mr. Anning and the P. & C., the new school was decided upon. Consisting of a cluster of  three teaching areas, Headmaster's Office, toilets and a storeroom.
Interschool sports were held in October and the school won five out of the eight championships divisions.
Mrs. Raftis resigned in December and Mrs. Coe was employed for the remaining two weeks.

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY    

 9th  March         1970        M------   M------   Age 13            Wilful destruction of property                    2 strokes on each hand       This boy has                                                                                                                                                                                  previously been warned
 4th  June            1970        W-----   F------    Age   8             Defacing desks by scribbling on them     1 light stroke on each hand
26th November 1970        P------  S------     Age   8             Persistent disobedience                             1 stroke on each hand
26th November 1970        M------ S------     Age   9             Persistent disobedience                             1 stroke on each hand

1971

The School opened in the new building with the following staff;

Enrolments were 111.
First Interschool sports were played under the new groupings of Pickering Brook, Walliston, Maida Vale & Wattle Grove. Pickering Brook won "B" division and Aileen Robson was Champion Girl.
Migrant classes were commenced this year and a Fancy Dress Ball was held in the Hall to raise money for the Kindergarten.

1971 TEACHERS
Back Row :   REGINALD ANNING & DIANNE CUNEO
Front Row:    MILLE SALA TENNA & SARAH MILLAR

PUNISHMENT BOOK ENTRY     

13th July            1971       L-------  R-------   Age 9         Fooling in handwork lesson while teacher was absent                 1 stroke on each hand
13th July            1971       G------- Q-------   Age 8         Fooling in handwork lesson while teacher was absent                 1 stroke on each hand
13th July            1971       G-------  V-------  Age 9         Fooling in handwork lesson while teacher was absent                 1 stroke on each hand

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CLUSTER TYPE BUILDING . LATE 1970  
 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CLUSTER TYPE BUILDING . LATE 1970  
 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CLUSTER TYPE BUILDING . LATE 1970  
 

THE NEW CLUSTER BUILDING NEARING COMPLETION. LATE 1970
 

OPENING OF THE NEW CLUSTER SCHOOLROOMS FEBRUARY 1971

THE NEW CLUSTER SCHOOL BUILDING.  FEBRUARY 1971

OPENING OF THE NEW CLUSTER SCHOOLROOMS FEBRUARY 1971
 Note: Gap between girls and boys

1971   Grades 1 & 2
 

Back Row

1.   DIANNE CUNEO (Teacher)

Middle Row

1.   MARYANN MAZZARDIS
2.   SANDRA GIUMELLI
3.
4.
5.   SILVIA ALTINIER
6.   JOHN GREGOROVICH
 

Front Row

1.   FRANK ARASI
2.   JOE GIGLIA
3.            FRENCH?
4.   MARK SCOLARO
5.   ORIANO PALAZZARI
6.   GUY LODGE
7.   JOHN MORTELLARO

Sitting

1.   RONAN HOLLAND
2.   CLAUDE DELLA FRANCA
3.   CHRIS DONNELLY
4.   NEIL ROBSON
5.   JOHN DELLA FRANCA
 

1971   Grades 2 & 3

1971   Grades 4 & 5

1971  Grades 6 & 7

1972

School opened with an enrolment of 103 children. Staff was reduced to 3. They were:

Mr. Jenner was appointed Relieving Headmaster during term 1 as Mr. Anning took sick leave.
In July a set of jerseys in school colours were bought by the P. & C.
Interschool sports were held at Maida Vale and Pickering Brook came second.

Mr. & Mrs. Anning leave at the end of the year and Mr. Anning was transferred to Roleystone.

1972  Grades 6 & 7
 

Back Row

1.   ROSEMARY ARASI
2.   Mr REGINALD ANNING (Teacher)
3.   KAREN BENTLEY
4.   MARIA SPICCIA
5.   
6.   JOANNE DONNELLY
7.   DIANNE BENTLEY
8.   JENNY POLETTI
 

Middle Row

1.   SANDRA RAPONI
2.   ANN HOLLAND
3.                   PAULL
4.   ADELINA PULLELLI
5.   JULIE DEPIAZZI
6.   SABINA FURFARO
7.   RINA GIGLIA
 
 

Front Row

1.   CAROL DELLA FRANCA
2.   DINA FURFARO
3.   JOHN GAVA
4.   BRIAN ROBSON
5.   STEPHEN GIUMELLI ?
6.   VERA FURFARO
7.   ELLENA GIGLIA
 
 

Sitting

1.   MURRAY SPRIGGS
2.   FRANK GIUMELLI ?
3.   DAVID LODGE
4.   TONY IOPPOLO
5.   ALDO MORTELLARO
6.   JOHN GIGLIA
7.   GARY ROBSON
 
 

1972  Grades 1, 2 & 3B

1973

School opened with a new Headmaster Mr. Neville Bull. Enrolments were 98.
As the school had no cleaner, Mr. Bull had to clean the school for the first week until he employed Mr. G. Smith as cleaner on a temporary capacity. In April Mrs. Enright was employed as a Migrant Teacher to teach English to non speaking Italian children.
In June, Vulcan heaters were finally installed in the school.
Faction Sports were held in October and Weston won this with 423 points.

Pickering Brook won Interschool Sports. No Championships were mentioned in the journal.
Pickering Brook played cricket against Wattle Grove in November and a feature of the cricket was a sparkling 51 not out by Tony Ioppolo, scored in 30 minutes.
Children conducted Pet Show and Slave Auction to raise money for charity.

1974

Re-opened school with 94. In April Miss Joan Jacoby was employed as Clerical Assistant. Mrs. Suckling was appointed Migrant Teacher. School decided not to continue regular sports competitions of football, cricket, softball and netball as there were difficulties faced by a small school e.g. transport. But would participate in the Interschool sports.
Faction sports were held in October and Hadley won with 352 points.

Interschool Sports were held at Maida Vale and Pickering Brook won Handicap and Frank Giumelli was Senior Boy Champion.
End of October saw the Grade 4,5,6 & 7 travel to Toodyay with the Prospector. There they visited a winery and shearing shed and had a guided tour of the town before coming home.
November 14th a violent storm dumped 70mm rain in one hour. Drains couldn't cope and broke their banks. Mud washed into school and over paths. Areas affected were the wet area, main entrance, toilets and Mrs. Jones' quiet area. Volunteers worked into the night to clear area.

1975

School numbers were 89 and the teachers were;

Mrs. Pamela Hatt agreed to teach 20 children tennis.
In June Mrs. J. Marshall was appointed Migrant Teacher.
In October faction Sports were held at new club oval and Weston won with 334 points

Interschool Sports were held at Maida Vale, Pickering Brook came third.
Barton's Mill closed at the end of October and so ended the bus service for the children that lived on Barton's Mill road. An arrangement was made with Mrs. Lodge that she would drive the 8 children to school in a Government Van supplied for the service and it would be kept at Barton's Mill. Children that didn't live at Barton's had to catch the "High School" bus until further arrangements could be made. Draw back was that children would arrive at 8.00am and not leave till 4.00pm when bus passed again.
Mr. Bull leaves Pickering Brook after three years and Miss Donovan is transferred to Port Hedland.

1975   Years 3 & 4

1975   Years 5, 6 & 7  

1976

School opens this year with 83 students in the primary school and 30 in the Pre School with a waiting list of 11 which made a total of 113.
In March the department gave permission to increase Pre Primary centre to full time and they can now enrol an extra 15 children.
In June Mrs. Biondo commenced Italian lessons for the whole school.
In July work commenced on the school oval. Kalamunda Shire bought in the fill for free and P. & C. paid for the clearing of the land.
July 16th Mrs. Silvestro leaves and is replaced by Mrs. M. Seymour.
In September there was no water at Pre Primary centre so water had to be carted there.
Faction sports were held at Pickering Brook oval. Weston won. Tape was made and was shown at 60th Anniversary celebrations.

Interschool was held at Wattle Grove and Pickering Brook won the Wattle Grove Transport Cup.

November 6th Pickering Brook held their 60th Birthday Celebration. Dancing was held in the Hall with Mrs. Beard playing the music.
Mr. Bubna-Litic leaves the school and he writes in his journal "The Pickering Brook School with it's romantic setting and now available water, it's modern building and extremely helpful parents should become one of the showpieces of educational and aesthetical endeavour in W. A.

ORIGINAL SCHOOL LOGO 1916 - 1976

BOOKLET FOR THE 60th ANNIVERSARY

1976  KINDERGARTEN      

LEFT - RIGHT:    Unknown  , Unknown  , (back) CHRIS NAPPER , PAUL FANTUZ, (Sitting) Unknown)  , Unknown  , (Front) MERRINDA HASTIE, (Rear) Unknown, (Sitting) PETA PETRUCCI, PAUL DELLA FRANCA, (Front) SUZANNE ASHLEY, (Behind) RICHARD DELLA FRANCA, (Standing) RACHEL DELLA FRANCA, (Front) Unknown, ANDREA RAFTIS.    TEACHERS UNKNOWN

1976   Years 1 & 2
 

1976   Years 1, 2 & 3