NRS-19288 | Visitors Book [Wirrimah Public School]

Full description

The Public Schools Act authorised special religious instruction by visiting clergymen and their delegates (Public Schools Act, 1866, s. 19), Regulations under the Act authorised members of the public to visit schools during ‘the hours of secular instruction’ to observe teaching methods, teaching material and equipment (Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867 s. 84-85). The regulations required every teacher to keep a visitors book ‘in which visitors may enter their names and if they think proper any remarks. Such remarks the Teachers are by no means to erase or alter.’ (Regulations, 27 February 1867, s. 86)

The purpose of the visitors book was to create a record of the persons other than pupils or teachers who attended the school during business hours. The books were divided into three columns – date, name and remarks.  The remarks usually covered the purpose of the visit which included religious instruction (by far the most usual purpose for visiting a school)  school inspection,  medical inspection, departmental officers visiting on business (e.g. to inspect the buildings or equipment) and guest speakers. Occasionally visitors (particularly inspectors) remarked briefly on the conduct or the ambience of the school.

The majority of entries end in 1966, however, there is one entry for 1973.