Looking Backward at Westleigh - The Misses Westgarth

Thankfully Harry Blutstein has sent me some additional information which goes back a lot further than the time of the Misses Everard – back to 1933!

I am most appreciative of this, Harry! 

Great information. 

Seems Westleigh College in some way, shape or form existed for a long time!

This piece is mainly about the time of the Misses Westgarth.

I have mentioned previously the school houses were named “Westgarth” and "Thornton”. 

Obviously the former named after, or for, the Misses Westgarth, and I think Thornton was named after Canon Thornton, or at least a member of his family. 

Notice the quote on discipline and behaviour.

“They do not approve of the relaxing of discipline which is a modern development in many girls' schools. In their own school they were a law unto themselves . “We had rules, and we never broke them." Miss Westgarth said.

Neither did the parents of our girls ever think of attempting to interfere with what we did. Our discipline was strict but never irksome and we are still convinced that the characters of our girls and their later lives were the better for it.”

I mentioned in this post that discipline and behaviour was not really an issue back when I was there.

My goodness!    How things have changed!

Notice also the date of the article in the now-defunct Argus newspaper. 

This post explains that the Misses Westgarth opened the school in 1900 in Clifton Hill.

In 1910 they moved to Bay Street which is where the Misses Everard’s house was located. 

It is one street south from James Street where the school I attended was, as far as I recall.

After the Misses Westgarth’s possession of Westleigh College it went into the possession of sisters, Kate and Ada Gresham. 

Then came the Misses Everard. 

Harry sent me a report card dated 1937 and signed by Miss Clarice. 

I think I can safely assume that in 1919 and the school changed hands from the Misses Gresham to the Misses Everard.

It is possible, although unlikely, that in the bottom picture of ex-pupils from 1927 some were taught by Miss Clarice, Miss Lillian Everard and Matron. Although some look a bit old so they may be Misses Gresham graduates.

So long ago, and yet I remember one of the Misses Everard showing us a very inadequate air-raid shelter for use during WW2 at the back of the Bayview Street house.I think it was behind my favourite Camelia tree!

I suppose it would have been the 1950’s equivalent of “duck and cover”!!

Again, stay tuned, and remember some of the pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them directly.

I do apologise for lack of several pictures: no mean feat getting anything about Westleigh College! 

LOOKING BACKWARD.

The Argus Saturday 27 May 1933

The Misses Westgarth.

“Forty years ago does not seem so long when one is looking backward," Miss Westgarth said this week when, with her two sisters, she talked of the many changes in outlook and custom that have taken place in the years since they established in 1886 what was to be the largest, and was at one time the only, private school for girls in the northern suburbs.

Before they came to Melbourne, and on medical advice for their mother's health they went with their parents to reside in Clifton Hill, the Misses Westgarth had kept a private school for girls in Geelong. 

The eldest Miss Westgarth had been governess in one of the leading Western district families and was asked if she would take other children as well for private education.

Recalling these beginnings this week Miss Westgarth said, “Our mother said at once, 'I know what that will mean, a school in no time.' She did not like the idea at all, but she was right. 

The idea did eventually take the form of a school, and when we came to Clifton Hill to live we again opened a private school for girls, which was known as Westleigh College. 

As the school grew in numbers and the need for larger grounds became imperative, Westleigh was moved to Northcote, and memories of its importance in the early educational life of Melbourne were recalled during the Northcote jubilee celebrations this week. 

Westleigh, as it was under the Misses Westgarth's regime no longer exists, although the name is still retained for the primary school that has taken the place of their secondary school.

The Misses Westgarth and a married sister, Mrs Fletcher, retired to live privately in 1917.

During their 31 years of directing Westleigh College more than 1,000 girls passed through their hands, and they are proud of the fact that in only two instances did they have any serious trouble with their pupils. 

They do not approve of the relaxing of discipline which is a modern development in many girls' schools. In their own school they were a law unto themselves . “We had rules, and we never broke them." Miss Westgarth said.

Neither did the parents of our girls ever think of attempting to interfere with what we did. Our discipline was strict but never irksome and we are still convinced that the characters of our girls and their later lives were the better for it.

"The girls had plenty of fun, games of all kinds, dancing, picnics, and so on, but it was never allowed to interfere with their school work. Boarders were never allowed to go to dances or parties during the school term, no matter who desired them to do so." If it had meant the loss of our last pupil we would not have relaxed our rules," Miss Westgarth said firmly. 

The limelight that plays on sport and social life among the young people today also meets with the condemnation of these ladies, who, even in the quiet backwater, as they describe it, of their lives today, still retain themselves the joy of life that they consider the young people of to-day lose so early be - cause their powers of enjoyment become vitiated.

"I heard of a child of nine years the other day," one sister said, "who re marked of a party that she had attended that the claret cup was horribly poor!"

Northcote was a place very different in the early years of Westleigh College from the Northcote of today.

There were of course no trams or buses. The only vehicles for public hire were four-wheeler cabs.

Miss J . Westgarth recalls an occasion when she was discussing arrangements at a meeting of the Ministering Children's League for a picnic down the bay to which the schoolgirls were going. 

"One lady, who came from Footscray asked me where I came from." she recalled: "and when I told her Northcote, she remarked, “Oh, then you'll have to bring your girls into town the night before."  

So far apart did Footscray and Northcote seem in those days. 

Fairy Hills which was a favourite pickicking spot, was real bush, and the journey to Heidelberg was made in a tram.

The Northcote Town Hall was so small that Westleigh"break up" entertainments had to be held at Fitzroy, and this was one of the arguments used when a new town hall was mooted.

Never more than 10 boarders were accepted at Westleigh College because it was regarded as essential that each girl she should get individual care.

There were girls from India, Fiji, and other foreign parts who lived all the lime at the college, and were completely in charge of the principals.

It was interesting to learn that the Misses Westgarth were educated at Geelong Ladies College under Mr. McBurney, brother of the Miss Mona McBurney, whose death last year removed one of our most distinguished musicians. 

Many of their own pupils have had distinguished careers, among them Evelyn Scotney, while among the well-known graduates on their teaching staff was Mrs. J. G. Latham.

The Northcote Jubilee is mentioned on Trove here, here, and here.

You can search “The Argus”for this piece here.

Picture credits:

Original Text Grab: Trove Digitised Newspapers

Past Pupil Pupils of Westleigh College 1927 with many thanks to Darebin Libraries.

  

                                                               

Speech Night

Speech Night at Westleigh College was the grand climax of the school year.

It occurred just before we broke up for the Christmas holidays and it was always held at the Northcote Town Hall.

We always wore our usual school uniform with white socks, not tan socks.

It was the one time all the teachers dressed up, maybe had their hair done, and wore some makeup.

It was also a time when all the parents, including fathers, generally made an appearance.

The main purpose of Speech Night was, I think, to reward outstanding pupils in all the fields taught: both academic and sport.

As well as that it gave Miss Clarice a chance to give a review of the school to all involved.

Yes, there were actually speeches!

I don't recall Miss Lillian Everard or Matron ever giving a speech, however.

The speeches and award presentations happened at the end.

Before speech time the parents were treated to seeing their daughters sing the songs Madame Northcote had taught them, and also the routines Miss Vera Hopton had prepared the girls to do.

After a lot of rehearsals the standard was very high.

This was done on a class by class basic.

It was not uncommon for solo performances also. Since so many of the girls were ballet and dance students there were always a few of these routines as well.

Many of the girls attended the May Downs' school which used to be in Burke Street back then. It's still going to this day.

I think I enjoyed these the most.

When all the performances were over the stage was set for the speeches and awards.

As well as a speech from Miss Clarice we usually also heard a speech by the then Mayor of Northcote, who, as far as I can recall, was a Mr Batrouney.

Books were usually rewarded to whoever reached the highest academic level for each grade and small silver trophies were awarded to the athletes and swimmers who had shone that year.

The books had a a presentation certificate pasted inside the cover, as shown above.

This was signed by Miss Lillian Everard and Miss Clarice. A book with a certificate is still in my possession.

A large trophy was awarded to the winning House: either Westgarth or Thornton.

I recall Westgarth almost always won.

Considering the size of the school there was quite a lot of talent there!

Knitting, Sewing and Such - Part One

Matron's main teaching task at Westleigh College was to teach us knitting, sewing and weaving.

Each grade knew what they would be doing each year as the tasks required progressed as we advanced through the levels. They were the same for all the years I spent there. Nothing changed much in the entire curriculum.


The very first thing we learned was how to make what Matron called a "pigtail" using a cotton reel.

This is technically called a Knitting Nancy. We started off with a reasonably sized cotton reel that had four nails hammered in at the top. Matron would cast on four stitches and do a couple of rows and then we would continue until she said we had done enough.

These were done with colour changes as well as it helped use up scraps of yarn. When they were long enough they were stitched onto a piece of felt, in a coil shape, and became a not-so-safe pot holder. I doubt any of them were ever used: at least not for holding pots!

In any case we enjoyed making them and certainly felt a sense of achievement.


Usually the next task was knitting a pair of bed socks which essentially amounted to using one knitting stitch to produce two squares, sew them up, and thread a draw-string near the top so that they could be tightened around the foot. Pom-poms were added to the draw-string as they looked a lot better with them.

This was simple enough for most of us to do and it paved the way for knitting more complex things like a baby's singlet, booties, a tea cosy and eventually a jumper. Many of the more complex items were finished by my mother or my aunt, thankfully.

I don't think I had very much success with any of the later tasks, but I still knit simple things.
I haven't made a "Knitting Nancy" item since way back then!

We also learned simple embroidery stitches and plain hand-sewing stitches like how to sew a hem. These were used to complete a tea-towel. The linen was bought by the yard, hemmed and then we embroidered a tea-cup motif on it.

As we improved we handled harder items like doylies. Most were simpler than the one pictured. I have made a few since then so I suppose Matron taught the basics well.


Of course it would be remiss of me to not mention the fact that some similar projects were tackled later when I went to High School.


We also used our embroidery and sewing skills to make a stuffed felt toy. The one pictured is a good example.

This was very definitely not my favourite project!

The Teachers I Remember - Part One

My first day at Westleigh College started in the Kindergarten, or what we now call "Prep".

The Kindergarten building was a separate timber structure from the other class rooms and it was connected by a passage-way to the house where the Misses Everard lived. The passage-way had large windows where Matron kept some potted maiden-hair ferns and geraniums.

The room seemed to me to be quite large. There were many interesting things to be seen in that room: blackboards, of course, hand made phonics charts, vocabulary charts, number charts, beads for counting and threading, a few toys, and a very old piano.

The Kindergarten had two teachers who came on different days. Their names were Mrs Polnar and Mrs Begley. I preferred Mrs Begley because she could play the piano and we would be able to sing nursery rhymes and other simple songs accompanied by her playing.

We sat at colour-themed tables. These were painted in a light green, and had a coloured motif in the middle. For example the red table had a tomato, the orange table, an orange. I think there was also a pink table and a yellow table. One could be moved from one coloured table to another, and now I am sure that these tables were graded from "brightest" down to "not so bright'!

Before each day started we would be in the Kindergarten playground, always wearing an apron or "pinnie" (pinafore?).

The Kindergarten playground was covered in asphalt: the rest of the school's play areas consisted of grey sand and pebbles. There was no grass, hence the many grazes that were treated with iodine!

One of the senior pupils would supervise us while we participated in games like "The Farmer in the Dell", and several others which I no longer remember.

After that we went inside for "more serious learning" like counting, reading, drawing and colouring and possibly handwriting.

Once out of the Kindergarten there were the composite classrooms which were located in the main building and were also made of timber.

I think the first was Mrs Oliver's class - grades 1, 2, and 3.

By then we were formally taught handwriting - print script.

Later we were taught a version of what we called "running writing" - Copperplate Script.

This wasn't generally in the State School Curriculum. It was very ornate and a bit difficult for young children but I can still see the influence in my handwriting today. In the lower grades we used lead pencils and exercise books that had read and blue lines so that you could see where to place your letters.

Other subjects taught were Reading, Poetry, History Geography, Nature Study, Health, Arithmetic, Grammar, Composition and Spelling.

(We also did Art, Physical Education, Sport and Singing which were taught by specialist teachers.)

Mrs Oliver had to know and teach all these things and she seemed to be able to answer almost any questions asked of her, as well as being able to identify any plant or insect we brought in to show for "Morning Talk" - the equivalent of "Show and Tell'.

I think, to this day, Mrs Oliver was my favourite teacher ever! She was fair and compassionate, knowledgeable and effective.

I was never bored in her classes, although I was disciplined for talking too much on the odd occasion.

After completing grade 3 we were promoted into the next composite classroom
and we had Mrs Mason.

Mrs Mason was also an excellent teacher but somewhat stricter than Mrs Oliver. I don't know where she taught before but once she arrived she didn't quite know what hit her. Westleigh College was "another world"!

She confided this to my sister and I when we went to visit her out of school hours. She lived in a tiny flat which was in a War Widows building in Caroline Street, South Yarra.

She had a son called Bill, who worked as a sportscaster on ABC Radio and later ABC Television. I don't think she stayed there for a long time because eventually, and much to my delight, Mrs Oliver took over her classroom, and at this point some of the subjects were taught by Miss Clarice and Miss Everard.

By then we had transitioned from lead pencil to using pen and ink for our handwriting. This lead to a whole new routine of changing pen nibs, using blotting paper and the much-dreaded inkwells that fitted into a special place on our desks! Every week someone was chosen to be the "Inkwell Monitor". Most of us hated this job: it was messy and time-consuming.

The whole scenario now reminds me somewhat of the classes at Hogwart's, minus the magic, and some Enid Blyton stories!

Miss Lillian Everard

Miss Lillian Everard was simply addressed as "Miss Everard". She was the oldest.

We all knew her name was "Lillian" because that is how Miss Clarice addressed her, even in front of us!

Miss Clarice usually did this when she was correcting something Miss Lillian had said or done, and you could easily sense the displeasure and irritation in Miss Clarice's voice.

She was never able to disguise her emotions when she was speaking and we all learned this from a very early age.

I don't recall Miss Everard actually teaching me for a whole year, but she certainly taught some of the classes I was in.

All the class-rooms housed composite classes of three levels: grades 1, 2, and 3 and 4, 5, and 6 and so on. I think there were 4 main rooms, and a separate Kindergarten. (The Preparatory grade).

I think her speciality was history and I enjoyed these classes a lot. In later years this provided some familiarity with much of the history I studied.

Most of the history we did was British History and we used the "Kingsway History" books written by Rhoda Power. I wish I still had them. These books were definitely not part of the Victorian State School curriculum back then, but since Westleigh College was a private school we were not bound by these rules. I think we were fortunate to have used them.

I think Lillian was the most overtly religious of the Everards.

Whilst the school was not specifically denominational we recited "The Lord's Prayer" every Monday morning at assembly, and I recall her reading us psalms, proverbs and other passages from the Bible.

I think all the Misses Everard attended the Church of the Epiphany which was almost next door to their home. The building is still there, and is still an impressive sight when driving (north) towards it along High Street, Northcote.

Like Matron and Miss Clarice she also had long grey hair parted in the middle, braided and in some kind of chignon/bun. The main difference was that Miss Lillian had a fringe. None of the Everards changed their hairstyle in the whole time I was there.

She also dressed appropriately for her age, if not a tad older, and I think she must have been well into her eighties. She was certainly the most frail of them, and with hindsight I am guessing she was getting senile, or even in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

Like the others she would dress up for Speech Night and sport a fur stole or cape.

She didn't frighten or intimidate us like Matron or Miss Clarice.

Miss Lillian Everard was more gentle, caring and empathetic.

Matron

Matron had one thing in common with the memorable character created by Hattie Jacques in the "Carry On" films.

They wore almost the same uniform! That's where the comparison stops.

There was no innuendo of the kind the Hattie Jacques' character exhibited from the Everard sisters: quite the contrary. Most of their values, and indeed the values of the 1950's, were positively Victorian.

The whole set-up at Westleigh College could have come straight out of a Charles Dickens novel, plus a smattering of "Picnic At Hanging Rock".

Matron always wore a belted nurse's dress, the head-gear, the badge and a red nurse's cape: except on Speech Night.

On this occasion she wore a dress suitable for ladies of her age and era, (which seemed to me to be 80 something).
Without the head gear one could see her grey hair parted in the middle, braided and pinned around her head. Unsurprisingly she complemented this "formal" outfit with a fur cape. The first time I saw her like this she was unrecognizable!

Her tasks were varied. Looking after sick pupils was but one of them and that was usually limited to a dab of stinging iodine on a grazed knee or elbow.

Worst-case scenario: she would call the parents of the injured pupil to have them collected and taken to the doctor. This didn't happen very often because most people didn't have the telephone installed then, let alone a car to expedite the whole procedure.

Sadly there were many falls. This was largely due to Matron's obsession with pigeons which were revered by her at a somewhat higher level than her reverence for the pupils.

They were all over the playground and one had to dodge them almost all the time. We were permitted to feed them but they were simply nuisances to be avoided at all costs.
I still dislike pigeons to this day, even though I can appreciate their incredible homing abilities.


                                                                        

If we had known the term "flying rats" back then it would have been used on an hourly basis!
On one occasion one of the girls stepped on one as she was frantically running to get to class on time. The rest of us were relieved that we were not the one who was guilty of fatally injuring the pigeon.

Matron was livid! It was her favourite pigeon, "Cuckoo"!

The poor girl's feelings be damned, but the rest of us empathized with her.
In no time at all Matron found another use for the dreaded, stinging, yellow iodine: she put the dying pigeon out of its misery by feeding it bread dipped in iodine. It worked.

Another of her tasks was making cups of tea for the teachers to be served at morning tea-time, lunchtime and afternoon tea-time. Matron chose girls who she liked, or were conveniently nearby, to deliver the cups of tea which came with one very ordinary biscuit. I did this a few times and always managed to spill the tea onto the biscuit which made it even more inedible.

She was also the housekeeper for the sisters and looked after the garden. She had some exquisite pink camellias and if you had been very,very good, she would deign to give you a bloom.
I was so impressed with these camellias that when I saw the same plant in a nursery many years later I naturally had to have it and I still do.

The house was dark and dingy. There was always a musty odor and no one particularly liked to go into it unless we were allowed to read in the library room. This didn't happen very often.

Her main task in education was teaching useful things like sewing and knitting.

Compared to Miss Clarice and Miss Lillian Everard she was by far the most crotchety and erratic. Going to see Matron if you were unwell was not something you really wanted to do.

She had no empathy for anyone or anything, other than her pigeons!