Kingscote School

See also the comprehensive site: Kangaroo Island Community Education for the Kingscote Area School 

http://www.kice.sa.edu.au/kingscote_campus_history.htm

See also subpage of Kingscote School : Prize Winners

SCHOOL AT KINGSCOTE.

[1909] The Public Works Department on Wednesday received tenders for the erection of a new public school, with a detached residence for the teacher, at Kingscote, Kangaroo Island. The contract for the building of the structure, which is very much needed, will be let with as little delay as possible.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Thursday 1 July 1909, page 6

New Kingscote School.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE.

A large number of Kingscoteites and country residents met at Kingscote South on Saturday afternoon last to witness the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new school-house and dwelling now being erected by the Government on a block of land given to the Education Department for the purpose by Mr Arthur Daw. Mr R. C. Thorpe (Chairman of the Board of Advice) remarked that in a few minutes they would witness one of the most important events in the history of Kingscote, viz., the laying of the foundation stone of the new school. They owed & debt of gratitude to Mr A. Daw, who presented the block of land on which the school was to be erected as, without the gift, he did not think they would be present that day to celebrate the laying of the stone. He considered that it was in the schools and nurseries of to-day that the British Empire was being built, and a great responsibility rested with the teachers who had to teach their pupils to stand up for and protect their country.

He had very much pleasure in calling upon Mrs Daw to lay the foundation stone. Mrs Daw, with the aid of trowel and level (and the assistance of the Chairman of the Board of Advice) put the stone in position using the words " I declare, by God's grace, this stone to be well and truly laid this day." (Cheers.) 

Mr Prior said it must be gratifying to residents to be present at this ceremony and also at the driving of the pile of the new jetty, as it was seen that the Government had every confidence in K.I. All present would realise the importance of laying the foundation stone of the new school. Some might feel sad at not having had the advantages of education in their younger days which the younger generation would have. We lived in land where education was the highest of its kind. Any boy or girl who had any talent or ambition had the opportunity of making a name for himself or herself under the Commonwealth flag. That had been often proved by our public men. The teachers had great responsibility andhe appealed to the parents present to help them by farthering the teacher's work in the home. 

[Image: State Library of South Australia B 46306] View of the laying of the foundation stone ceremony for the first school on Kangaroo Island at Kingscote.

Dr. Burgess said it gave him great pleasure to be present to see so many others, especially children, witnessing, what in time to come, would be an historical event. Dr. Cook said he was very pleased to be present. He thought the school might have been larger but, judging by the teacher's residence, the Government no doubt intended to enlarge the school as the necessity arose. He hoped the children and teachers would be a credit to tbe building. Mr J. Davidge expressed his pleasure at being present and also that the wife of the donor of the grounds had had laid the stone. Judging by the dwelling the Government evidently thought Kingscote was going to grow. Australia was not very much behind the leading nations as regards education. England had the advantage of high schools but Australia's public schools were superior, Parents should be grateful for the opportunity afforded their children of making a name for themselves. Messrs. G. Turner, A. Von Wiadrowski and G. Davidge also expressed the pleasure they felt at being present. 

Kingscote School  Girls 1916

Teachers Ruby Neighbour, H. H. Rofe, Edith Leahy. 

Netta Burdon, Marge Carter, Anna Sundberg, Maudie Adams, Freda Buick, Kathleen Snelling, Jean Gasmier, Gladys Cook, Zoe Hudson, Alma Sundberg, Edna Gasmier, Phillis Potter, Alice Chapman, Nellie Sundberg, Bella Hudson, Violet Burgess, Ruby Sharp.

Cr. Daw thanked the speakers for their kind remarks re donation of land. He had been in a position to give the land and the education of the young under comfortable conditions was one of the best things to help along. He thought it the duty of parents to give their children all the schooling they could. He considered that the Chairman and members of the Board of Advice had been instrumental in securing the new school and he was very pleased that their efforts had resulted in success.Cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Daw, the Chairman of the Board of Advice and the contractor, after which tea and cakes were handed round. At the conclusion of the proceedings the Chairman of the Board of Advice and Mr Daw personally thanked the Kingscote Town Band for services rendered during the afternoon.

New Kingscote School. (1909, October 16). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191631755See also: NEW SCHOOL AND TEACHER'S RESIDENCE. (1909, July 3). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191640932

Kingscote School 1910. Image courtesy Hope Cottage.

Old Kingscote School 18 Franklin Street, sold 5 June 2020 for $220,000

State School Appointments.

[1910] Mr H. H. [Herbert Henry] Rofe has been appointed as head teacher of the Kingscote State School, vice Miss Lindsay, who, whilst in charge here, gained general esteem and to whom we wish all prosperity in her future career.

Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 8 January 1910, page 4

[1915] Miss R. Turner, teacher.

PERSONAL. (1915, April 17). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189503375 

[1917] See also his valedictory on 28 Sept 1917 as H. H. Rofe left Kingscote for Reynella.

VALEDICTORY. (1917, October 6). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189512618

Mr A. J. G. [Arthur James Gordon] Benier  has been appointed temporarily to succeed Mr H.H. Rofe as Head Teacher of the Kingscote Public School.

- Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 22 September 1917, page 2

[1920] Mr A. J. G. Benier, who has been in charge of the Kingscote Public School for a little over two years, has received notice of his transferance to the Stockport School, and will leave on Monday for his new position, Mrs Benier and family following later. His successor, Lieut. L. H. R. Gordon, who returned from the front on Xmas Eve, is expected so arrive at Kingscote this evening. — Miss Ramsey, who has had charge of the Wisanger School for some time past has also been transferred, being appointed to the Kelly School on the West Coast, and will leave Kingscote to take up her new appointment on Thursday. During their residence on the Island Mr and Mrs Benier and Miss Ramsey have made many friends, who wish them every happiness in their new sphere of action.

- Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Saturday 10 January 1920, page 2

[1921] Mr L. H. R. Gordon [Lionel Harrison Rankine Gordon], who for the past twelve months has been in charge of the Kingscote Public School, left on Monday, accompanied by Mrs Gordon, for Adelaide. After the holidays Mr Gordon will lake up his duties as head assistant at the East Adelaide School, to which position he was recently promoted, Mr and Mrs Gordon carry with them the best wishes of their many Island friends. Mr H. C. Pearce, from the Adelaide University, who succeeds Mr Gordon, arrived on Wednesday accompanied by Mrs Pearce and child.

PERSONAL. (1921, January 15). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191553134

[1919]  EDUCATIONAL MATTERS The seamen's strike, and the consequent lack of steamer communication, has had the effect of closing the Shoal Bay School and preventing the opening of the Emu Bay School, owing to teachers being unable to come over and take up their duties. The Kingscote School is also affected, being without an assistant teacher through the same cause. Miss H. Farmer has been appointed to that position, succeeding Miss Hudson, who a few weeks ago was transferred to the charge of the Muston School. The local school has been closed since Tuesday owing to the Head Teacher (Mr Benier) being on sick leave

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. (1919, August 9). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191556467

Kingscote School c.1922. Photo courtesy Kathy Barrett.

Top row: L-R. Ron Adams, John Sundberg, Francis Harford, Frank Chapman, Marsden Chapman, Sid Letton, Frank Rowe, George Waller, Douglas Lenthall, Marjorie Murton, Edna Anderson, Pearl Sharpe,  Ina Sundberg, Kathleen May, Vera Waller, Joan Murton, Eric Cook, Alf Sundberg.

2nd Row: Clyde Pearce (Head), Nell Sundberg (monitor), Jack Anderson, Hilda Bell, Edna Bell, Lorna Boxer, Doris Snelling, Alice Chapman, Phyllis Wiadrowski, Saidie Murton, Violet Burgess, Charles Anderson, Francis Edwards, Kenneth Cook, Lewis Chapman, Ross Rowe, Klemm Edwards, Victor Gasmier, Clarence May.

Front row: Conor Ralph Bell, Gordon Ransom, Stanley May, Fred Christopher, Elwyn Leahy, Melville Leopold, Murray Lenthall, Leslie Lovering, Colin Bell, Eric Sundberg, Fred Buckland, Doris Burgess, Laurel Uren, Joyce Harford, Madeline Leopold, Alice Letton, Archie Lovering, Vera Gunn (assistant).

[1923] SCHOOL CONCERT. Look out for — and patronise — tbe school concert, which takes place shortly. The teacher (Mr McHugh), is taking great pains with the children's' items, and half the programme will be given by adult talent. The proceeds are to be devoted to improving conditions at the School. The ground is to be levelled, and two gates erected with fencing, etc. The Committee also wish, if possible, to provide a set of carpenter's tools and have our boys taught something about carpentry. The concert is for a good cause — don't miss it. 

SCHOOL CONCERT. (1923, December 1). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191544258
BACK TO KANGAROO ISLAND (1929, November 2). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), p. 22.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29633784 

Secondary Course Now On K.I. 

[1946] Three years' secondary education in a course of 10 years will be provided for Kangaroo Island children at the new Kingscote area school to be opened officially by the Minister for Education (Mr. Abbott) on May 2. A site of 13 acres has been bought by the Education Department and additional buildings will provide for boys and girls' craft rooms, a set of class rooms, library, and teachers' offices. The teaching staff has been increased from two to seven. The 10-year course will enable pupils to reach the standard of the intermediate examination. Previously no secondary education was available on the island. About 160 attend the school. It was explained today that it was the department's aim to teach subjects best suited to the needs of the community. Several smaller schools have been closed. Each schoolday about 70 scholars are taken to the school in departmental buses driven by teachers.

News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954), Monday 15 April 1946, page 3

1946  Valda Ramsey, who is a teacher at the Area school, Kingscote Kangaroo Island, is spending her vacation at home with her parents at Kimba.

Eyre's Peninsula Tribune (Cowell, SA : 1910 - 1950), Thursday 23 May 1946, page 3

PAECH, Gladys Gwendoline
b. 1905 Coolgardie, WA
d. 10 Mar 1988 unmarried
e. Electoral roll 1939 Kingscote, Kangaroo Island teacher

McKINNON, Robert Campbell
b. 13 Dec 1902 Clare, SA
d. 14 Dec 1977
e. Electoral roll BET 1939 & 1941 Kingscote, Kangaroo Island teacher
m. EDWARDS, Beatrice R.  20 Dec 1929 Adelaide, SA
d. 18 Jan 1984

ROWE, Ina Patricia  
b. 14 Mar 1916 Strathalbyn, SA
e. Electoral roll 1941 Kingscote, Kangaroo Island school teacher

KOHLER, Wilfred Horace

b. ABT 1901
d. 28 Jun 1970 Elizabeth Vale, SA
e. Burial Salisbury Memorial Park
e. Electoral roll 1943 Kingscote, Kangaroo Island school teacher
m. BELCHER, Ruby Z.  13 May 1926 Solomontown, SA d. 01 Mar 1983

1874 to 1878 Lucy Ann Hibbert taught in the school building, Dauncey Street, Kingscote - after that it was at St Alban's Hall. During the 1890’s the school was then relocated to wood & iron building on the site of the Methodist church [Uniting Church]. Later a house was leased from a Mr. Hudson which was on the corner of Dauncey street & Murray Street . In 1904, the school was named Kingscote and Queenscliffe & did not appear on any records after that date. 1904 to 1906 Agnes Marion Johns taught in Dauncey street, Kingscote

In 1908 the school was owned W H Strawbridge.

1906 to 1909 Jane [Jean] Stewart Lindsay taught in Dauncey street.

-- Geoffrey Chapman

1936. Farewell was bidden to the teacher (Mr. Kollasche), who was presented with a fine leather travelling case by the chairman of the school committee.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Wednesday 8 January 1936, page 23

courtesy Kathy Barrett

MODERN EDUCATION.

[1948] A few years ago a proposal was put forward for the erection of an Area School on Kangaroo Island. This had rather a mixed reception from many who felt that the centralization of the system might retard the growth of more outlying areas. However with a wider knowledge of the many advantages to be obtained, the proposal was rushed forward, until the modern " Kingscote Area School" was at length opened. There would now be few, if any, who would revert to the former system. 

It is not the intention of this article to review the many advantages that are now being obtained by the children now attending the School. Rather we wish to point to the most obvious difference between the attitude of the present children and those of " the good old days" towards education. And the change is, that at present, the children " like" going to school. This is strange but true ; and however much we tend to decry most things modern, we are all agreed that this ' liking school" is a good thing. 

Now this has not come about merely with the erection of the Area School. Rather has this accelerated a process that has been going on for a long time. Indeed an inspection of other schools on Kangaroo Island will lead one to conclude that most children like going to school. 

Sometimes we are inclined to be sceptical and feel that " they don't teach them much these days," but a closer examination soon proves that they 'teach them much more then days." Indeed this is one of the main reasons why they " like" going to school. The variety of the subjects now taught, together with modern methods of teaching have relieved the monotony of school life. Instead of learning many lessons after the fashion of a parrot, children now take an intelligent interest in their subjects, and want to learn more. 

When children now leave school they don't feel that they're "finished," but rather they have a wider field of learning ahead. For after all the more one learns the more one feels there is to learn. Again we can't help feeling that the new approach to education is all to the good. It would therefore be wise for us to see that our children have as many opportunities as we are able to give them to take advantage of the system. Also let us learn the fundamental lesson of modern education i.e. "You are never too old to learn."

Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), Friday 23 July 1948, page 1

Kingscote Area School 1948. Grades V and VI. Photo courtesy Kathy Barrett

Left-Right: (1) P. Menz, J. Northcott, R. Curnow, D. Waller,  ? Hall, J. Lovering, H. Neave

(2) M. Melville, M. Florance, M. Curnow, B. Hall, M. Cook, J. Potter, B. Chapman

(3) T. Potter, D. Carthew, N. Barrett, K. Smith, ? Sorrell, R. Connell, T. Turner, T. Tucker

(4) N. Potter, D. Andrews, P. Jones.

Absent: Y. and T. Turner, K. and H. Whittle, J. Bennett.