St John's school Irishtown

As I have previously mentioned, Irishtown had two denominational schools, one operated by the Church of England, while the other was run by the Wesleyans. St John’s was the first school for Irishtown children. 

Initially the St John’s building was a rude timber structure which was gradually upgraded to weatherboard. 

The second school, built later and of brick, was next door to the St John’s school. 

The days of both schools were numbered, with the advent of the Education Act that would pass the Victorian Legislature in 1872; this important Act was shepherded through parliament by  local member Angus Mackay. 

The Education Act was to make education in the colony of Victoria free, compulsory and secular.

Towards the close of 1872, the annual prize-giving was held at St John’s Church of England Common School, the Reverend William R Croxton making the presentations. 

Sixty valuable and handsomely bound books were awarded to various young scholars. 

During the year of 1872, up to 243 pupils at different times had been attending the St John’s school. 

Mr TH Reid was the headmaster. He had begun in January with 60 pupils, but through his drive and energy he had managed to build up the numbers as well as the reputation of the school.

Mr Reid lived in Barkly Street with his wife, Matilda. The family was to move to Valentine Street at a later date where Mrs  Reid died in 1877.

St John’s school, during 1872, had catered for destitute children, the numbers of which had decreased significantly from 50 down to 19. That latter number were still in attendance at the end of the year.

Mr Croxton, when presenting the book prizes to the young students, emphasised the importance of being diligent in all they did, especially in their application to their school work. 

Mrs Reid played the school harmonium and accompanied the children when they rendered a number of songs in a most creditable manner. 

The children had practiced their songs beforehand with the assistance of both Mr and Mrs Reid.

On the completion of the prize presentation Reverend Croxton was given a good many cheers by the children, who were anticipating their summer holidays with some delight. 

The prize recipients were reported as being greatly pleased with their bounty, nursing their books with obvious pride and care. 

The teachers were thanked by Mr Croxton for their efforts during the year.

At the end of January 1873, the attendance at the school had risen from 60 in December of the previous year to 177,
and the old wooden building was bursting at the joints. 

Mr Reid was assisted by Miss Humphrey in attempting to cater for the massive increase in enrolment due to the influx of miners into Bendigo. 

In the infant department the children were packed in together, which was most unpleasant, especially as the weather was so hot. 

The teachers were attempting to cope with three or four classes at the one time.

Miss Humphrey, apart from her teaching role, had to also keep the school records.

Mr Reid was also applying for extra teaching staff and permission to rent nearby accommodation to relieve the pressure. 

Mr Reid was entitled to have two assistant teachers and two pupil teachers and was eagerly awaiting a reply from the department.

A comment was made that the children belonged to respectable parents, they presented a clean and tidy appearance. This was not unexpected as the parents were paying fees for the children to attend. 

Reid however expressed concern that there were flocks of children in the Bridge Street area of Irishtown who were not attending any school.