Gawler Free Kindergarten
| Place type: | School |
|---|---|
| Address: | Light Square |
| Town or Locality: | Gawler |
| Year constructed: | 1947 |
Gawler’s Free Kindergarten was declared open on Tuesday morning, 4th February 1947, by the Mayoress of Gawler (Mrs Louis Ey). Thirty-five toddlers and their mothers arrived at 9 o’clock and had a group photograph taken in front of the Duffield Memorial building in the Congregational Church grounds.
In her remarks Mrs Ey said that this was Gawler’s first Free Kindergarten. She welcomed all-of the new young scholars and felt sure they would enjoy themselves immensely. The Kindergarten was very fortunate to obtain the very experienced services of Mrs D Rusk, formerly of the Education Department, said Mrs Ey. Mrs Rusk could not take up her duties for six weeks as she was going to enjoy a holiday first.
Mrs Ey said it was indeed fortunate to have Miss Eileen Thomas in charge until Mrs Rusk’s return. Miss Thomas had great experience with kindergarten work as she formerly was director of the Bowden Kindergarten.
Miss Enid Goodger will be the assistant.
It would take about 300 pounds per year to conduct the Gawler Kindergarten and it was hoped all-of the parents would assist by arranging bridge afternoons, trading tables and the like.
The Ministers and trustees of the Congregational Church had been kind and helpful and Mrs Ey said that all concerned were very grateful for the church’s action.
After Miss Thomas, Mrs J Watts, S A Lewis and Rev J McKinna had spoken, the kiddies were soon settled inside endeavouring to overcome their shyness. The parents eventually departed leaving proceedings in the capable hands of Miss Thomas, Mrs Rusk and Miss Enid Goodger.
The committee and supporters of the Gawler Free Kindergarten set about raising the funds necessary to manage the running of the new Kindergarten.
Their first effort was a Trading Table conducted in Murray Street in February and in subsequent months on the last Friday of the month.
March a Belle of the Ball was held in the Gawler South Hall, Hannaford’s Orchestra supplied the music, the admission being 1 shilling and sixpence. The organiser was Mrs Orr, and the Belle was Miss Rhonda Sanders.
In April, the Mayoress Mrs Louis Ey hosted a Garden Fete.
The Kindergarten Ball was the main event in May with music by Hannaford’s Orchestra and a homemade supper.
In September a Mannequin Parade was held in the Institute.
The fundraising continued in the ensuing years.
Researched by Margaret Howse.
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