Judy reflects on teaching years

Based in the old Memorial Hall, among other things, she remembered a sea of desks, tables and chairs.

“There were two rooms initially that grew to four and a staff room, but when there were just two the big room had a wooden platform for the teacher and a big chalkboard,” Judy said.

“There was an open fire, and the children used to put their lunches in foil around the edges to warm them up. Milk was available for the children every recess.

“The smaller room was used for the younger children, and I used to take in sewing and crafts for Friday afternoon activities.”

Judy remembers the school as, although quite small, being very organised, and the children always being very well-behaved.

Her recollections of mothers’ clubs running special days for fundraising and helping with school sports and events were fond, and she remembers swimming classes being held in Tatura.

“We used to get a bus to Tatura for swimming lessons,” she said.

“They were very popular, but I remember it also being very cold.”

Judy’s recollections are positive, from children and staff watching the sunset and the moon rise on school camps with Toolamba West Primary School to the school being relocated into the town in 1984.

However, there is one she said she would never forget.

“As the old school was situated beside a school railway line, it could be quite dangerous,” she said.

“One day, a small boy was being bullied and started to run towards the railway line and home. I came around the edge of the building and rang the bell, signalling the end of playtime, and luckily, he came back quickly.

“I have many fond memories of teaching at Toolamba Primary School. It was a wonderful community, and I wish the current staff and students all the best this year as they celebrate this incredible milestone in the school’s history.”