Parish of Meredith
Meredith, Winchelsea, Anakie,
Bannockburn, Elaine, Inverleigh and Lethbridge
Parish History
St Joseph's School
The first Catholic school in Meredith was opened in the original church building in the year 1861. This was a private school, and as such did not qualify for State aid. Mary Anne Stow was appointed as the school‘s first teacher. The Catholic school and the Church of England school No.408 were both absorbed in the Common school which opened in 1867. This system demanded that all denominations be represented on the School Committee. Patrick O‘Keefe, Hotel Keeper was appointed the first representative of the Roman Catholic‘s followed in 1870 by Store Keeper Harry O‘Brien and Farmer John Murphy.
The Advocate August 10, 1890
A school has recently been opened at Meredith, under the charge of Miss English. On the opening day forty Catholic children were withdrawn from the local State school and transferred to the new school.
The Advocate August 24, 1890
The school in charge of Miss English is ably conducted, and maintained in a high state of efficiency.
The Advocate January 16, 1892
After the vacation Miss Murphy will take charge of the Meredith school.
The Advocate December 16, 1893
Inspectors grading 1st class William Ganly, Inspector.
The Advocate March 7, 1896
Excellent Catholic school
The Advocate December 8, 1900
Inspectors grading 1st class J.McCarthy, Inspector.
The Advocate April 21, 1906
At the “welcome” for Fr.Murphy, occasion was taken to present Miss Murphy with a gold star brooch and chain which had been subscribed for by the parents of the children attending the Catholic day school; also an illuminated address from the congregation, thanking Fr.P.J.Gibbons for the services rendered to the parish during the absence of the Rev.Fr.Murphy.
The Meredith Sentinel October 8, 1909.
Monday last being the anniversary of the birth of the Rev.Father Murphy, the children attending St.Joseph‘s school made him a presentation of a handsome occasional table and toast rack.
The presentation was made by Master Willie O‘Brien, and was feelingly acknowledged by the rev. gentleman, who thanked them for their remembrance, which would be always held in high esteem by him.
A new school registration No 519 was built and opened in 1912.
The Advocate February 21. 1914
Miss Nina Patena whose teaching abilities are of a high order, has taken charge of the Meredith parish school. The district is fortunate to secure her services.
The Advocate December 28, 1922 MEREDITH
The break-up picnic for St.Joseph‘s school children was held last Wednesday week, under ideal conditions, at the Clarendon Mineral Springs. The children were conveyed up in Mr.Davis‘ light waggon, which he kindly loaned for the occasion. When the picnic ground was reached lunch was handed round, and then a sports programme was arranged for both the children and parents. A very pleasant afternoon was spent. Tea being dispensed by the ladies, a start was made for home, which was reached at seven o‘clock. Thus ended one of the most enjoyable break-ups ever held by the St.Joseph‘s School. The teachers and children extend their thanks to the Rev.Fr.Vaughan and the kind ladies and gentlemen who helped to make the outing a success.
The Advocate February 15, 1923
Miss Hennessey, of Melbourne, has been appointed head teacher at St.Joseph‘s School, Meredith, and will take over her new duties on Monday. Miss Murphy who has been in charge of the school for the last six years, has been transferred to Mansfield.
The Advocate January 10. 1924
Miss Kathleen O‘Brien, Head teacher of the Catholic school, Meredith has been entertained and presented with a silver tray and silver backed comb and brushes.
The Advocate February 14. 1924
St.Joseph‘s School resumed last Wednesday after the holidays, with Miss Liddy in charge. Miss K.O‘Brien, who was in charge last year, was unable to resume on account of continued ill-health.
The Advocate April 17. 1924
Miss Liddy teaching since Christmas left the district Friday last to take up a position in the State service at the Burrumbeet school.
The Advocate October 16. 1924
Despite many breaks in the school year, on account of sickness and other causes, St.Joseph‘s School gave an excellent account of itself at the annual examination last week. On Sunday the scholars and their teacher (Mrs.Farrelly) were congratulated by Fr.Conlon, who assured them that their results-93 per cent. for the whole school- would be beaten by few scholars, even in the city.
The Advocate February 4. 1926
On Tuesday last St.Joseph‘s School re-opened after the Christmas vacation. The teacher, Mrs.Farrelly, was the recipient of a statue of St.Theresa (suitably inscribed) from the parents and children in recognition of her work during the past year.
The school was relocated to Elaine and opened there in 1939, returning to Meredith in 1944.
The Advocate March 13, 1946
A pleasant evening was spent in St.Joseph‘s Hall at a farewell social given by the residents and parents to Mrs.Farrelly, who was resident teacher at St.Joseph‘s School for 21 years. Vocal items were given by St.Joseph‘s scholars. Dancing items were given by Misses. C.and K.Graham, of Geelong. Mr.M.Sharkey, who was chairman, presented Mrs.Farrelly with a wallet of notes from the parents and friends. Mr.Maloney spoke on behalf of the parents, and Mr.J.Gargan on behalf of the past pupils. Their remarks were supported by Mr.C.Mooney. Mrs.Farrelly suitably responded. Mr.Grant presented a silver cake stand, on behalf of the pupils.
A combined football team made up of the children from St.Joseph‘s Catholic school and the Meredith State school, played six football matches in 1909 against a team drawn from the Elaine and Cargeri State school children. Elaine were the victorious team. Football matches were often played between the Catholic school and the Meredith State school. The Catholics were usually the winners.
The Advocate November 16, 1950 ST.JOSEPH‘S (MEREDITH) WIN SCHOOL SPORTS.
St.Joseph‘s School, Meredith, won the Leslie Austin Cup at the combined schools‘ sports. Unfortunately, a mistake was made in computing the percentages, and Cr.Elliott made the presentation of the cup to Bungal captain (Barry Ferguson). The mistake was soon discovered, and the officials found it necessary to make a second presentation. Nine teams competed and the final points were:
St.Joseph‘s, 46 points (percentage,35.38), 1; Bungal, 29 (29), 2; She Oaks, 23 (25.55), 3.
Mr.Anthony made the second presentation of the cup to Peter Jackman, captain of St.Joseph‘s.
Miss Grace Storey was the last to teach at the school during 1970, at the end of which the school was closed and the children transferred to the Meredith State school.
LIST OF TEACHERS
1861-1866 Miss Mary Stow
1889-1892 Miss English Mrs Leverett
1892-1909 Miss Nellie Murphy Miss Mary Ryan
1909-1910 Miss Daly
1910-1914 Miss Redden
1914-1916 Miss Nina Patena
1916-1923 Miss Murphy
1923-1923 Miss Hennessey
1924 -1924 Miss Kathleen O‘Brien
1924 Miss Liddy
1924-1946 Mrs Farrelly
1968 Miss Kelly
1969 Mrs Lorraine Perdrisat, Miss Purtill
1969 Miss E.Morrison
1970 Miss Grace Storey