School files can be used for your local history research as they very strongly reflect the growth or decline of towns. The school files in our Collection cover both World War I and World War II but particularly reflect the many impacts of World War I. Teachers enlisted and on return took up teaching again; they applied for rent allowances and reimbursement of travelling expenses; and repaired school residences. Women resign or have their employment terminated when they marry as married women were barred from public sector employment. 20th century increases in population saw local members making representations for more buildings or new schools in the area. The files are an excellent source of information, not only for the history of a school but the history of a local community.
These photos show the NSW State Correspondence School, Blackfriars. It began in early 1916 for children living in remote and country areas.
These photographs include children being vaccinated; medical staff; and the interior of the Dental Clinic. The photographs bear no captions and although undated they appear to date from 1914 - the year that the School Travelling Hospital was instituted.
This page was created thanks to a researcher who was looking the records of education and schools for deaf children in NSW.