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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

School celebrates 75 years

 

Pretty Beach School held its 75 year anniversary celebrations on Saturday, September 14.

The school is celebrating 75 years since its opening in 1927.

The school is unique on the Central Coast for its size, setting and sense of community, according to its principal Mrs Jill Godwin.

"Children learn in a nurturing environment that encourages caring for others, respecting individual differences and achieving personal best in academic, sporting and cultural fields," she said.

Situated beside Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, its environmental programs encouraged in students a sense of responsibility for preserving the local and wider environment.

She said parents had a strong commitment to the public education, the school's ability to provide equity, fairness and inclusiveness for students.

"Members of the community participate actively in our learning programs and in school life by working together we are able to enhance the learning of the students."

As principal, Mrs Godwin works with eight other teachers to care for 170 students.

The school has many special programs designed to help children achieve their full potential.

Some of these included support for children with learning difficulties, enrichment for gifted and talented students, Headstart and Linkages programs for transition to kindergarten and to high school and optional music tuition in piano, guitar and recorder.

The school has participated in the Peninsula debating competition, with great success, PSSA sporting competitions and gala days and in Central Coast Eisteddfods, music festivals and art shows.

Mrs Godwin said consistently high academic standards are achieved due to a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, well-resourced programs in all key areas, commitment to using computers, a public speaking program involving all students and a well-stocked library.

Mr Albert Myer was one of the first students at he school.

His father and other community parents petitioned the NSW Government to start a school on the Bouddi Peninsula.

Before the school was opened, children walked to school at Empire Bay, over the hill separating Hardy's Bay from Empire Bay.

They followed a bush track, climbing the hill, a tiring walk for the youngest students.

An extract from the Central Coast Express, describes "the original school-house situated on a site of about 12 acres, bought for 610 pounds".

Photographs of the opening day are on display at Pretty Beach School.

Mrs Beryl Hughes and Mrs Colleen Smith remember their school days at Pretty Beach with pleasure.

As Beryl and Colleen Beasley, they walked from their home at Hardys Bay, high on the hill side, overlooking the waterfront.

Beryl continued her association with the school when she became its cleaner, serving the teachers, students and parents for 37 years before her retirement.

There was a "back to school" picnic, an art show and book fair, with a display of memorabilia.

Old students of the school attended the celebrations, bringing their own pictures and stories to share with today's pupils.

Bouddi newsletter, September 16