Chapter 8. The Eighties

During the 1980's, Beverly Hills Public School was the centre of many changes. From staff to buildings, fundraisers to sporting achievements, the school underwent tremendous developments, all of which contributed to the high status the school enjoys today.

LAND AND BUILDINGS

The eighties marked a vast improvement in the general state of the school, with the classrooms, gardens and toilets receiving facelifts.The old, rickety buildings were replaced with new demountables, setting a standard for future improvements. The old brick toilets were also knocked down and new ones erected, adjoining the infants block.

All of the new, clean classrooms were fitted with carpet, and spectacular new desks and chairs. The canteen, which had once merely been a hastily erected table in the corner of the hall, was now made a separate building, primarily for the convenience of both students and teachers.

Existing gardens were landscaped and new ones formed. Once, where bare ground stood, or weeds grew, an excess of flowers now bloom. The students, showing enormous school spirit, also began the planting of young trees on the school grounds. This improved the general sight of the school, and served to lift everyone's spirits.

In recent times, new eating areas have been set aside in the shade of the trees , and the whole school now circulates together during recess and lunch.

FOOTBRIDGES

The late eighties also marked the beginning of a period of campaigning toward the erection of footbridges. Parents and teachers had become distressed at the danger students faced when crossing both King Georges and Stoney Creek Rds before and after school. Ideas for alternative ways to cross these roads began in 1988-89, and a period of campaigning and awareness raising followed, with the ultimate goal being to erect these much needed bridges.

SCHOOL BELL

Beverly Hills Public was shocked when in 1985, the old brass bell was stolen from the school. The bell, which was to be used once again as it had been many years ago, mysteriously disappeared. Mr Bill Turner, a student from 1910 to 1915, donated a new brass and steel bell made by Central Foundry of Waterloo, which took six months to make and cost $50.

Rae White, principal at the time, arranged a small, but special ceremony for the unveiling of the bell, where Mr Turner was presented with several school gifts. At the same time, the students of the school, showing their immense gratitude, presented him with arts and crafts they'd made themselves. The bell, which was placed on a support near the new staff demountables, is still now, as always, serving as a source of fun for the students who take turns ringing it.

FUNDRAISING

Throughout the eighties, there were several different fundraisers held to raise money within the school and outside. In 1981, pupils in Beverly Hills Infants School collected money for Fairlea Nursing Home. The nursing home was in great need of a new shower chair, and a sum of $150 was raised by the students to purchase this item. A handful of infants students then visited Fairlea, and sang choir songs to the residents, before presenting the chair to the matron.

Fundraising such as this shows the tremendous spirit the pupils at Beverly Hills share, and the joy they receive in helping others. A reflection of this successful fundraising was shown by the recognition the school received from a local newspaper on Friday 13th March.

The eighties also continued the tradition of the annual mini-marathon, which was held in the school grounds and allowed students, teachers and parents to participate. The 25 laps of the circuit are to be completed in any style, and drinks are supplied throughout. Participants are sponsored, and the money raised given to the school, once more displaying the pupils' supportive nature and school spirit.

Further showing tremendous group spirit, the school, during the eighties, continued to sponsor and donate money to others less fortunate than themselves. This money, raised annually by the student, was used to help places such as Dr Banardos and Stewart House. Students are also able to participate in the MS Read-A-thon, which raises funds and awareness of the disease Multiple Sclerosis.

RECREATIONAL DAYS

Beverly Hills Public School has proved a success in many fun activities held for the enjoyment of all involved. Throughout the eighties, there were several fun days and fetes held for both the school and the public. For example, Multi-Cultural Day, filled with luscious delicacies, and the "Letter P" Day, where students were able to dress as anything starting with the letter "p".

A Pirate Day was also held in 1983, where students and teachers alike dressed as villainous pirates. The climax of the day consisted of everyone lining up in front of several judges, to pick the "most convincing pirate". Another example of these "fun days" includes a "Pop Star Day", held in the early 80's, where everyone dressed up as, what else, but their favourite rock and roll stars.

Also held within the school, were the exciting fun-filled days of the school fetes. Students had a marvellous time one year especially, when they were allowed to throw wet sponges at their teachers' faces - a once in a lifetime experience.

On July 1, 1987, a Pioneer Day was held within the school, with all of the students dressing up in memory of Australia's ancestry. The day consisted of each year group performing in the assembly hall for the rest of the school. Such performances included songs like "Waltzing Matilda" and "Click Go The Shears". Folk dancing was also included in the fun-packed day, and freshly cooked damper was a treat for all involved.

Education and pleasure CAN be mixed, as was the case on Maths Day, 1986. Even the infants were involved in throwing and measuring activities, so as to improve their mathematical skills. Activities included beanbag throwing, weighing and estimating of objects, and the relativity of gravity. The infants section were also kept busy measuring each others' heads with crepe paper.

Carols By Candlelight is a time when students, teachers, parents and the general public can join together at the school for carol singing, and an all-round enjoyable night However, this was also part of the many changes which occurred in the eighties. The carols, which were traditionally held on the grass area in front of the staff block, were soon held in the school assembly hall. This occurred in the late eighties, with a band also playing on stage. But, this change did nothing to hamper peoples' Christmas spirits, and with still much audience participation, Carols By Candlelight continued to be an enjoyable time of the festive season.

UNIFORM

Another notable change during the eighties has been the alteration in the boys' and girls' sports' uniforms. During this period, new shirts in the four sports colours were introduced with the school motto "Play The Game" printed on them. These are now worn during sport, with the appropriate blue skirt or shorts. The boys' uniform, which up until the late eighties had been grey shirt and shorts, was now changed to a yellow t-shirt and blue shorts. The change in uniform has been a tremendous improvement in the general appearance of the students, as they are fairly different from the uniforms of near-by schools. This can only show the unique style which is a part of Beverly Hills Public.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions are a fun way of learning and having an enjoyable experience at the same time. The students at Beverly Hills are incredibly lucky that the teachers and parents are able to provide and supervise many excursions for the them annually. During the eighties, there were a number of exciting excursions provided for the students. While the infants enjoyed trips to such places as Taronga Zoo and Symbio, the primary students made visits to Lucas Heights and the Powerhouse Museum. The Bicentennial Year (1988), was a special time for the students especially, where they were given the opportunity of seeing the Tall Ships at Darling Harbour.

Personal Experience (Jodie) Perhaps one of my best memories of Beverly Hills Public was our Year 6 camp (1986), to Point Wolstoncroft. There were only 32 places for the camp, so my friend and I arrived at school extremely early to assure we would be included in that 32. The camp was all we anticipated it to be. We were assigned to cabins, and chose our cabin-mates. Other schools were also there, so the chance to make new friends arose. We enjoyed many new activities while at camp, such as, grass-skiing, orienteering and beach exploring amongst others.

Besides these activities, we were also taught several camp songs and games. There was a general feeling of togetherness felt by everyone at the camp, as we made many new friends, and strengthened our ties with our own school friends. This Year 6 camp to Point Wolstoncroft was a terrific experience for everyone involved, and camps will continue to be such, for anyone else who is fortunate to go on camp while at Beverly Hills Public.

EXTRA-CURRICULA ACTIVITIES

As well as activities outside the school, students are fortunate enough to interact with other schools on a number of occasions. One such occasion is the school choir. Throughout our schooling years, we were given the chance to join the school choir, and to endure endless rehearsals. However, all this hard work was rewarded when, together with other choirs from our region, we performed at the Bankstown Civic Centre (1986) in a huge spectacular concert. This was a wonderful experience for all, and once again shows the incredible school spirit the students and teachers of Beverly Hills share.

Another vivid memory that we have of Beverly Hills Public School is the end of year social. Held for primary students only, everyone always looked forward to this time. With many fun rehearsals held during the year, students learnt dances such as "heel-toe", amongst many other barn dances. These socials were held over two nights (one for years 3 and 4, and one for years 5 and 6), and ended with supper being served. Everything added together was a great way to end the year.

STAFF

The teachers at Beverly Hills Public maintain the high standard of the school. During the eighties, many teachers came and went, but their teaching excellence never faltered. During the eighties, librarian Mrs Wells was replaced by Mrs Payget (1984), who worked at the school until 1989 when Mrs Flowers took her place. Sorrow was felt throughout the school and community, when soon after retiring, Mr McInerny died of a heart attack. He will always be remembered by the school for being a remarkable principal, and for his caring nature. He was replaced in 1984 by Mr Mercer, who was then replaced by Mrs White in 1985. Mr Jowett took over this position in the late eighties.

SPORT

During the eighties, children at Beverly Hills Public were able to enjoy many sports and activities in school time. Students were arranged into houses, and accompanied their teacher to their chosen sport. Sport was either at school, or outside, and was originally on Friday afternoon, although later changed to Tuesday. All students eagerly participated in these sporting activities, showing plenty of spirit and enjoyment.

In 1988, to mark Australia's Bi Centenary, the school organised a Mini Olympics for the students to participate in. This was an added extra to the annual swimming and athletics carnivals. Events included hurdles, jump rope and beanbag throwing. Swimming was also introduced in the eighties as a sport choice, and all students were encouraged to participate. This has proved very successful, as many students have learnt or improved their swimming ability through this program.

There were several extremely outstanding sporting students who attended Beverly Hills Public School. Such athletes included Janelle Ellford, Lisa Zammarelli and Shanon Bates. All three represented the school (and further) extensively throughout their schooling years in the eighties.

LISA ZAMMARELLI - Lisa attended Beverly Hills Public from 1981 to 87. When she was only six, she joined the St. George Little Athletics, where she stayed for about eight years, before joining the St. George Amateur Athletics And Cross Country Club. Lisa represented the school on a number of occasions, mainly in long distance events, but also sprinting. She made it to state level at the age of eight, and won the Australian Cross Country at the age of eleven. Lisa has travelled overseas numerous times, displaying her outstanding athletic ability. Ireland, Singapore and America are some of the countries, in which Lisa has competed. She has also competed extremely well recently at the 1992 Pan Pacific Games.

JANELLE ELLFORD - Janelle enrolled at BPHPS in Year 1 in 1976 and stayed at the school until Year 6 in 1981. She learned to swim when she was 5 years of age and started competing when she was just 7 years old. Her training, up until she was 14, was done at Cole Jones Swimming pool at Hurstville. She trains twice a day right up to this day. One of her greatest achievements while at primary school was when she won the school state title at just 8 years of age. In recent years Janelle has performed tremendously well at the Seoul Olympics, the Commonwealth Games (1990) and the Pan Pacific Games (1991). Janelle visited the school officially in 1991 to assist in the opening of the fete.

In all, what we see throughout (whether it be sport, fundraising, fun and games, or serious learning) the eighties were a time of marked improvement and change for all involved with the school. However, the one thing that did not waver during these years, was the immense school spirit and everlasting enthusiasm from all. Without these, Beverly Hills Public School would not be the great success it is today.

DINA SOTIRALIS
JODIE GATEHOUSE.
(ex-students)

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THE PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

The actual date that the P&C was formed is unknown to me and the history prior to 1953 is very sketchy. It is however known that parents were actively involved in the welfare of their children as early as May 1897.

OBJECTIVES OF THE P&C

In order that we may be more readily able to relate to the activities of the P&C we should look at its objectives and they are:-

1. To promote the interests of the school by bringing parents and teaching staff into close co-operation.
2. To assist in providing aids to teaching which the Department of Education is unable to supply such as Library books, pictures, Art and Craft Material, etc.
3. To provide pupils with recreative and sporting gear.
4. To advise the Department of Education in matters related to material requirements of the school, such as minor repairs, alterations and additions to the school buildings and plans and specifications of proposed new buildings.

These objectives were in place in 1953 and still seem to be appropriate today.

To enable the P&C to meet its objectives there are two affiliated committees. The Mothers Club, which looked after the Infants Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, which looked after the Primary Department, merged to become one in 1984 with the new name of Beverly Hills School Committee. The second committee reporting to the P&C is the Canteen committee. When we read the story of the P&C it is clearly understood that these committees made major contributions to and had a fast input into the P&C.

HOW HAS THE P&C MET ITS OBJECTIVES?

It is unfortunate that when we write our minutes we only write the bare minimum and as a result the historic picture is often incomplete. The effort and time taken to achieve an objective is often not clear, nor are some of the drastic actions that have had to be taken but here we go.

Some of the activities used to bring teacher and parent closer together include :-

• Parent Teacher Nights, Social get togethers including December break-up nights and Carols by Candle Light,�Teachers coming to P&C to speak to parents
• Annual Balls (upto about 1960), etc.

How has the P&C raised its funds?

• Bottle drives, auctions, art shows, fetes, street stalls, fund raisers such as selling chocolates nuts and biscuits
• Spellathons, walkathons.

It is interesting to note that one of the fund raisers in the 1950s was WOG nights - Oh the thought of even using the word today.

And how have these funds been used over the years?

• The wireless system was extended to the Girls Department in the 50s and additional radios, televisions, overhead projectors, public address systems, VCRs and Computers have been bought over the years.
• Duplicating equipment and later photo copying equipment were purchased
• Many Thousands of Dollars were used to purchase Library Books.
• Sporting equipment and music instruments.
• Teaching aids of many varieties and probably all subject matter.
• Playground seating

Who said public Education was free?

How often have we heard about cut backs in funding for Education and increased funding being required from P&Cs. I found it recorded in minuted books back in about 1956. And what did the Minister for Education tell us in 1984. The minutes say "Big spending days for schools were over and that P&C should be prepared to put money into libraries and computers, etc."

How has the P&C been involved in looking after the condition of the school itself?

The first recorded incidence of parent involvement relating to the condition of the school goes back to 18th May 1897 when parents complained about the Closet accomodation (toilets to us) being too restricted and illness being caused because of the cess pits.

Over the years problems with toilets continued, culminating with a major confrontation with the Education Department. Newspaper reports and published photographs in 1983-84 reflected the feelings of the parent body at that stage. The old toilets were pulled down and replaced in 1984.

Classrooms and School buildings in general have had the attention of the P&C - and rightly so. In the 1950s many of our girls were forced to have classes in the weather sheds, which themselves were adjacent to the old toilets. Through parent pressure, old timber classrooms were replaced with aluminium classrooms in 1958.

In 1980 the P&C finds the School to be suffering from major disrepair. From 1982 - 1984 the parent body applied immense pressure on the Department to do something about the condition of our School. Large cracks in the main building, at least one teacher falling through the floor of one of the temporary (25 years temporary?) buildings, and traffic noice from both King Georges Rd and Stoney Creek Rd forced the P&C to publicise the conditions that existed.

Large signs on the main school building roof mysteriously appeared overnight. An alphabet base on the initials of the then Minister for Education was found around the school. The result of course being the modern layout of todays school. The classrooms, library and office were completed in 1985 and the canteen the following year.

The school Hall was the result of efforts by the P&C in 1952 - 1956. With major input from the P&C president Mr J.W. Nixon. The Education Department not only gave us a hall but a first for the State of New South Wales. Beverly Hills Public School was the first Primary School in the State to receive a High School Hall. The hall was officially opened on 10 November 1956.

How has the P&C supported the safety of our children?

First records on road problems are recorded in 1954 when the first sets of traffic lights are installed at the intersection.
In 1973 the pedestrian crossings are changed and P&C requests better sign posting.
In 1975 Alderman from Hurstville Council attends P&C to discuss problems with the road crossings. Request for Overhead bridge similar to that near South Hursville School was made.
In 1978 a promise is made that Police will supervise intersection. A left hand turn is introduced. Letters are written to Members of Parliament. Petition is organised. It is identified that 2 overhead bridges are required at a cost of $200,000 each.
In 1979 extra traffic light controls are installed. We are told the overhead bridges are a definite no. The local Chamber of Commerce gets involved. The traffic island outside the School is removed for safety of children.
In 1984 the need for overhead bridges is again included as part of the Schools problems and even though the State Premier himself comes out, nothing eventuates to ease the worries of the parents.
In 1987 a committee is formed to agitate for two new overhead bridges and under Vince Lagana's guidance success is finally achieved with approval for the bridges in May 1989 and the opening 2 years later in 1991.
Although the above points out the highlights it should not be forgotten that the P&C also was involved in:-

• Planting of numerous trees over the years
• Painting parts of the inside of the hall on several occasions.
• Setting up a A Safety House Committee
• Setting up a Play Group in the 1980s

Although over the years there have been a number of Groups who have been able to achieve great things for the School, it should not be forgotten that they happened at times of greatest need. Each P&C committee over the years has worked hard to achieve the needs at that particular time.

Over the years a number of people have been recognised for their services to the School over extended periods of time. The following members have been identified as Life Members:-

• 1958 Mrs Dodd, Mrs Stone, Mrs Ireson, Mrs Warwick Mr J.Nixon, Mr D.Brogden, Mr F.Trinder.
• 1959 Mrs Wills.
• 1986 Mrs Faye Pascoe, Mr Jan Steinfurth.
• 1988 Mrs Kath Sheely, Mrs Trish Rees and Mrs Rosemarie Young.

In concluding the writer believes that the aims of the P&C have been achieved over the years. The Children of the Past, Present and Future have and are being well served by the P&C.

Jan Steinfurth (Past President).

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MOTHERS' CLUB - LADIES AUXILIARY - SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The above Committees were formed by parents to support the Staff and the P&C Association by raising money and by giving their help and time so that the childern of Beverly Hiils Public School would have every opportunity to receive the best education that could be offered

The Beverly Hills Infants Mothers Club was formed in 1949. Mrs. Parker being the first President, Mrs. Villagrand Secretary and Mrs. Dyke as Treasurer. The Mothers club raised money to purchase items for the school by having a subscription card that was sent home once a month and the parents were asked to donate the sum of one shilling. The club held a Market Day once a year, which always raised a good sum of money. Records also show that proceeds were collected from an "Underwear Display " and also a"Wig Display", they even held a"Choko Sale", proceeds being 50 cents.

Many things were purchased for the school including paintings and the material and labour for the building of the wooden seats around the playground for the children to use. A Gardener was hired and help was given to the Infants School to pay the telephone account. The Members of the Mothers Club worked very hard over the years and gave a lot of their time and effort to ensure our children had many items that the Education department could not supply. The Mothers club was disbanded by the then President Mrs. Rees on 13th March 1984. Unfortunately the records do not show the date the Ladies Auxiliary was formed nor who the first President was.

However records do show that the hard working parents held many functions,such as Mother Day and Christmas Stalls, Progressive Lunches, Pie and Hot Dog Days, Lace Parties, Lamington and Nut Drives, Trash and Treasure Days and a Fete to raise money to purchase much needed equipment for the Primary School. The Ladies Auxiliary also formed the Clothing Pool in September 1979. A lot of time and effort was given to the organisiation of the School sport days and School socials. The Auxiliary also gave their support to the P&C Association whenever an issue was raised about the improvement of the school facilities or when the safety and welfare of the children were concerned. The Ladies Auxiliary was disbanded by the President Mrs Pascoe, on the 13th March, 1984

The Beverly Hills School Committee was formed on 13th February, 1984. The first president being Mrs. Pascoe. The Committee was the combination of the Mothers Club and the Ladies Auxiliary. The two combined to continue the work and support that previous parents had given to the children and school. Many fund raising projects have been run by the school committee, Square dances, walkathons, cake stalls, to name but a few. The money raised from these functions being passed-on to the P&C Association for purchase of equipment required by the school. The members of the School Committee were very hard working and dedicated people. The School Committee was disbanded in October 1991, by the then President Mrs. Collas.

Throughout the history of the above committees we have always had tuck shops, canteens etc. The first availabe record shows that the Mothers Club held Tuck Shops, once a month, the food sold was donated by the parents i.e. fairy bread, jellie cups, fresh fruit, celery sticks, home made biscuits and cakes. Oslo Box Lunches were introduced in June 1968. Later records show the Ladies Auxiliary had Pie and Hot Dog Days. The "Canteen" in those days was the kitchen in the back of the school hall, an invisible line was drawn down the middle one side being the Mothers Club work benches the other the Ladies Auxiliaries work space. Everything including food was kept separate.

I recall being on lunches one Monday, being rostered on for the Infants, and running out of cheese for the sandwiches. Seeing the Primary Ladies had plenty I asked for a slice, only to receive shocked looks from the other ladies, things like that were not done.... Canteen, for the Primary School at lunch times was held at the top of the stairs at the entrance of the hall. A table was set up with the food that was stored in a cupboard near the craft room and ice blocks were sold from boxes that had to be taken from the freezer in the kitchen, messy on hot days... So much work had to be done by the Mums on duty before and after canteen. In 1984 with the committees combining, the infants were allowed to use the canteen.

Mrs Sheely was the first Canteen Supervisor to organize our modern present canteen. This was opened in October 1986 the working conditions we have today are no comparison to the previous "Canteen" conditions, even so Parents are still working hard and give their time in the canteen preparing lunches twice a week, having canteen every day and holding special days for the children

With the continued support from the parents and the staff I feel sure that Committees within the school will keep on holding successful functions to raise funds for equipment for the future children of the school just as the parents of past students have.

Robyn Collas
Past President of the B.H.S.C.
President of P&C Association.

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CENTENARY ACTIVITIES

Centenary activities at the school have involved the children in various aspects of educational activity as well as special days and events for the wider community.

Student activities have included:

The study of Social Studies units on:

• Australia's Heritage1892 1992.
• Changes that have occurred in the last hundred years.
• One hundred years of technological change in Australia.
• Changes in travel over the last hundred years.

Excursions to:

• The Power House Museum.
• The Tram Museum.

Literature:

• The study of stories and poems involving the early days of Australia.

Visiting Speakers:

• Mr Ted Parker (ex pupil): Impressions of educational changes, 19261992.
• Mr Gavin Flick: Aboriginals in Australia.
• Senior Citizens: Reflections on school days.

Research Activities:

• Children at all levels of the school have had the opportunity to research aspects of community and national life during the last hundred years.

Drama:

• Dramatisation of memorable moments from 1892 to 1992.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

• February: Whole school centenary photograph.
• March: Centenary Picnic Day.
• September:Centenary Dinner.
  Official Day.
  Bush Dance.
  Centenary Sport's Afternoon.
  Time Capsule.
  Old Building Exhibition.
  Library Activities.
  Gala Picnic Day.

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