Turning the page on school days

ONE hundred and fifty copies of Sebastopol Historical Society’s new book were produced for Sebastopol Primary School’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.

Put on sale during celebrations, each of the books co-authored by society members Margaret Phyland and Sue Parker sold within moments.

Society president Bruce Harris said Sebastopol School Days proved popular with former students and staff, so they’ve printed more for people to buy.

The publication shares the history of school number 1167 from its establishment in 1873 to 2023.

“It’s a wonderful chronicle with so much information in it,” Mr Harris said.

“Margaret and Sue have extensively searched records. State archives, the education department, old school council minutes, everything going back over 150 years. They’ve left no stone unturned.

“They collated and formatted the information, and conducted interviews with past students, collecting anecdotes which are so meaningful, giving a personalised sense of the history of the school.

“The book promotes the school and the Sebastopol Historical Society so well, and we’re extremely proud of the authors and everyone who contributed.”

When the school opened in 1873 on its original Yarrowee Street site, there were 954 pupils, and by the next year, enrolments exceeded 1000 children.

The book features class photos, sporting team details, comments from school inspectors, and sombre content, like information from during the Great Depression, and more.

“In the early 1880s, teachers were responsible for reporting infectious diseases like whooping cough, ophthalmia eye infections, and measles,” Mr Harris said.

“1880 and 1881 were particularly difficult for the school with outbreaks. At one point the total attendance dropped from 460 children to 200.”

To purchase a copy, email [email protected].