The History of Charlestown East Public School
50 Years
1959 - 2009
A New School for Charlestown
Charlestown East Public School was opened in September 1959 at the current site in James St, to cater for the growing population in the area. There were two buildings, one row of classrooms and an office block. The playground in front of the current kinder building was cleared but to the south of the school was thick natural bushland, where today a modern leagues club and residences exist.
Photographs of the school show simple roads and low timber fences such as you would find in a small country town. The words of the original school song lend more to this setting:
On fresh and lovely hillside
From nature newly shorn
With sounds of joyful children
A school is duly born
Three classes were in operation that year, kinder, 1/2 and 3/4/5. Students moved from other schools in the area to join CEPS. The school had two teachers Mrs Goodwin and Miss Clarke as well as a teaching Principal Mr P Moore. The school was officially opened in March, 1960 by the Premier. During this year the school colours were chosen by the P&C as royal blue and light blue with grey socks, winter tunic and trousers. The sporting houses were named Kangaroos (blue),
Koalas (green), Robins (red) and Swallows (yellow).
The Early Years, 1960s
By 1961 the school was in full swing having 5 classes and 5 staff. Approval was given to begin building on the second group of four classrooms. The lawn in the front of the school was planted. Many firsts were occurring, the first working bee and the school's first sports carnival on the newly constructed Kahibah Soccer Oval. Kindergarten classes were soon swelling with new enrolments and new teachers continued to join the staff. As building of the new classrooms was almost complete Mr Johns, the school's first deputy combined in team teaching 64 students in one room with the principal Mr Moore.
The school also didn't have a canteen (yet to be built in 1966) and as a result the children were sold potato chips and pies through the staffroom window! Students were required to drink milk each day for their health but it was often warm on hot summer days.
Major works on the grounds to prepare lawn around the new buildings and improve the clay soil in the playground were undertaken by spreading ash. More improvements around the new buildings were carried out, lawn and camphor laurel trees were planted. Cricket pitches were laid and Charlestown East had its first PSSA win in athletics in the ball games at East Lakes Carnival in 1965. By the end of 1966 two new brick classrooms and the administration block were complete.
Educational Change in the 1970s
In 1973 Mr K Curry became the second Principal of the school, then in 1975 Mr E.P. (Ted) Herrett took over as Principal to serve until the end of 1990, 15 years at Charlestown East. The school's focus in the 1970's was towards aiming to give the children wide and varied educational experiences. Monthly bulletins were a means of communication between school and families in a decade where eroding values of family and church were feared.
A number of new homes going up in the area zoned for the school particularly in Burwood Rd, Baroomba Street, Kalinda Parade and Hallam Street. The school's enrolment held steady at 420, the largest the school has enjoyed in its history.
Over 50 new trees and shrubs were added to the grounds as part of the celebrations for the Charlestown Centenary and Arbor Day. During Earth Week students planted 25 trees in Whitebridge Recreation Area.
The 1977 school year was dominated by a tragic fire on the 5th March. The entire infants block was gutted and burnt to the ground. Bystanders helplessly witnessed the building engulfed by smoke and flames in the early hours of the morning. Firefighters searched the rubble found everything destroyed. Children throughout the day carried bucket after bucket of water dousing the fire as it smoldered in the ruins of their classrooms.
There is no doubt the blaze caused severe losses to the school's resources and heaped additional work upon the teaching and office staff. The community rallied behind the school responding at all levels:
Despite the chaos it caused in the Infants' Dept; despite the many extra demands it made on staff members; despite all the additional clerical work at the administrative level, there were a number of pleasing features which compensated, to some degree, for the severe losses caused by the fire.
In particular, there was the spontaneous and overwhelming response from the community at all levels; there was the prompt action by officers of the Education Department and Public Works Dept. to provide such pleasing demountable accommodation; there was the very real support given to us by other schools and departments. To one and all we express our sincere thanks for your valuable help when it was most needed. - Mr EP Herrett, Annual School Report 1977
By 1978 new buildings were finished to replace the fire destroyed ones and a new demountable library was built, subsequently fitted out as a resource centre for staff. Asphalt driveways from both entrances were laid and the netball courts completed. Throughout all the changes students of Charlestown East displayed continual achievement and successful academic results.
A Centenary of NSW Education, 1980
The year 1980 heralded a Centenary of Education in NSW and with that great change in educational practices had descended upon staff and students. Schools were required to meet the demands to develop programs in all subject areas which were appropriate to its students, a mammoth task. There was a new reading, science and maths curriculum. Changes and community pressures were impacting on staff time compared to teachers 25 years ago who taught a universal syllabus which concentrated on reading, writing and arithmetic. Teachers became vocal about the increasing demands on their time not wanting to detract from their lessons yet a shift in government mandating sudden changes added more pressure.
The years of the 1980s were turbulent in education and coupled with falling enrolments this was all to directly affect Charlestown East Public School. Government cuts in services and funding stalled physical improvements to schools where consecutive dry summers brought water restrictions drying up the playground. In 1989 the school also sustained minor damage in the Newcastle earthquake. The last of the school's big grades finished with 69 students making the transition to high school in 1985.
The teaching emphasis was aimed towards developing the basic skills and offering students a variety of educational experiences. Many new activities now made up the day-to-day operation of the school and the students academically continued to achieve. Involvement in parents in the day-to-day running of the school was not only necessary but also welcomed at CEPS. Assistance was given for the reading and craft programs and in the canteen. Ashton (now Scholastic) Book Club was introduced benefiting all children and boosting library resources.
Mr. Herrett, Principal, reflects:
"Although the children in today's school no longer chant their tables or write in perfect copper plate writing, I feel that they are much more involved in the life of the school and the community. With the flexibility available to schools today there is a great opportunity for children to pursue interests in drama, music, dance, physical education, art, oral and written expression, science and social studies. I feel that they are better all-round students because of this." -1980 School Report
Daily PE became a major thrust in curriculum as health and physical education became a priority. The fixed equipment was purchased and installed by the P&C in Education Week 1984. Bike education was introduced. Sports representation was high in PSSA rugby league, soccer and netball. Participation in swimming and athletics carnivals was a whole school focus. The school's music program was a highlight. Many excursion opportunities were provided like those to the Sydney Opera house and Ashton's circus.
Pupil welfare became a large concern heralding the Safety House scheme, water safety swimming courses and Hunter Life Education. Year 6 students had opportunities to experience outdoor skills and form greater peer relationships with camps at Crangan and Myuna Bay. In 1989 the Fair Discipline Code abolished corporal punishment and introduced the compulsory wearing of school uniforms. The school introduced the Principal's Award presented to recipients of 5 merit awards.
During the 1988 Bicentenary students participated in a medallion presentation (to every school pupil in Australia), placement of the school plaque, the bicentenary brick and the Whitebridge plaque unveiling at a ceremony on the original 'white bridge' near Station Street.
In the late 1980's major changes were made during the refurbishing of the administration building with a new look foyer and office. Painting of the exterior of buildings was done and a new roof was put on block C. The original demountable library was planned to be relocated to a school, which needed it more, thus the conversion of two rooms to form a library resource area began. Two vacant primary classrooms were reconstructed to form an assembly hall including the installation of a modern sound system.
A concrete footpath was laid along James Street as well as a new fence for the western boundary and Ulaka Street with a concrete path for the bus area. Playground improvements saw grass planting and turf laying, the hitting wall and more infants seating built. Tree planting in the school grounds was comprehensive including 42 trees planted during Earth Week in 1982.
There was involvement in the wider community through charity appeals to raise money for the Victorian bushfires, Barnardo's, Stewart House, Red Cross, NBN Telethon and Dudley hospital. Through the participation of CEPS students in outside activities outstanding achievements were accomplished. In 1986 celebrating International Day of Peace Stephanie Smith won the Lake Macquarie City Council award for her essay on peace, and her sister Alison Smith was runner-up in Peace Poster competition. A senior student had his poem selected in the Mattara contest.
The advent of technology in the 1990's
At Mr. Herret's retirement Ms Julie E Fuller became the school's fourth Principal staying at CEPS for 9 years from 1991 - 2000 until her retirement.
CEPS was entering a time of change as technology saw the computerization of administration and the library with OASIS. The P&C had originally purchased a few Apple computers and software for senior students to use. A government grant had allowed the purchase of 4 more computers, 2 printers and the accompanying software so that by the mid-90's along with the acquisition of some IBMs there was a computer in every classroom. Computer education was a new innovative realm as, unlike today, a computer was not something everyone had in their homes. Developing a program to teach skills from how to start up the machine to keyboard & mouse proficiency and using computer vocabulary was a challenge met by all at CEPS.
In 1990, the International Year of Literacy, the school answered an appeal by the principal of the Maryvale Titjikala School in the Northern Territory to help resource their depleted library. Titjikala school is located on Maryvale station which is 1 1/2 hrs drive from Alice Springs on a dirt road that's impassable in wet weather. The school is classified as Very Remote and its students speak English as a second, third or fourth language after local aboriginal ones. Maryvale at the time was a town with a population of 170. A generous gift of 250 books was sent by the children of Charlestown East and was delightedly received by the children of Titjikala.
We would like...to convey our very genuine appreciation for your very kind actions...the whole experience has been a valuable lesson in good old-fashioned neighbourly sharing. I thank you and your kind staff, pupils and parents for the efforts you have gone to in assisting us in our library development project.
-Simon King, Principal Maryvale Titjikala School, Alice Springs, 1990.
The 1990's saw the formation of the School Council, continual improvement and plantings around the school by the environment committee and two new honour boards for the school's Dux and Sports Person of the Year. Construction of the covered over learning area (COLA) as a sun-safe and wet weather area was undertaken. The multi-purpose hard ball court and new cricket pitches were laid.
It was also the beginning of participation in Starstruck and the Newcastle Eisteddfod by the choir, dance troupe and band. CEPS again won the East Lake Macquarie PSSA Zone Athletics point score competition in 1995. As always its students displayed a depth of talent in many areas.
Beyond 2000
Mrs. Debbie Skillen became Principal of Charlestown East Public School from 2001 - 2004, Mr. Peter Dan from 2004 - 2008 and the current Principal Mr. Neil Sneddon began his position in 2009, the school's 50th year.
Charlestown East continued its well-deserved reputation as a place of high academic achievement along with outstanding sporting and performing arts programs. Basic Skills results continued to be above state average. Students consistently received credits and distinctions in the Primary School's Maths, Science and English competitions.
Creative and performing arts was a significant component with every class presenting items at school assemblies. The student executive learned to administrate weekly assemblies, ANZAC and Presentation days utilising their public speaking skills. Chess and debating teams represented the school. The choir became regular performers at the Carols by Candlelight event, one year recording a song on a CD featuring Whitebridge cluster schools, and performed at the East Lakes Cultural Festival. The successful dance program produced musicals such as 'Vaudeville' and 'Rocks to Rap' featuring all students from K-6.
In the sports of netball, touch football, rugby league, soccer, tennis, and t-ball children participated in gala days and PSSA knockout competitions winning the overall point score at East Lake Macquarie Athletics carnival for another year. Each year representatives continued to be selected for zone, regional and state level competitions.
In the early 2000's the P&C made a huge fundraising effort to put air-conditioning units in every classroom, which involved a wholesale upgrade of the school's power system to cope. CEPS adopted a 'green' healthy canteen and formed the canteen committee run by volunteers returning all funds directly to the school. There was the addition of an interactive whiteboard (Smart Board) to the computer room and a DVD slide show of CEPS children at work and play showing in the office foyer. Professional signage was put up around the school, a website created along with a school brochure and colour posters. Year 6 raised money and had murals painted around the school.
The Environmental Management group was formed in 2006 to create outdoor learning areas in the school and mentor a Junior Landcare group. They acquired a grant for plants, nest boxes and stepping stones. The group facilitated the construction and outfitting of 'the cage' to hold worm farms and a water tank, for recycling of food and water, as well as a place to grow flowers and vegetables. The outdoor classroom will be used for teaching children horticultural skills for sustainable living.
In June 2007 huge storms caused devastation in the Newcastle region including the running aground of the Pasha Bulker on Nobby's Beach. The school was closed for three days as all power had been severed, large gum tree limbs had fallen on the roof of the staff house and water supply had to be restored to the school. Luckily the damage could be fixed relatively quickly and the area wasn't largely as affected as were many homes, schools and people less fortunate, some of whom lost everything.
Children of today face a wider, more information driven and culturally diverse community than ever before in our history. At Charlestown East they celebrate this community through Harmony Day (cultural diversity), Doing Things Together Day (tolerance and acceptance) and National Aborigines and Islanders (NAIDOC) week. They participate in the Tree of Values and You Can Do It programs developing their personal strength and school pride. They help others to cope with adjustment to school through the Kindergarten orientation program, buddy system and peer support.
In the school's 50th year the values of education, achievement and community continue to be upheld. In the words of the school's longest serving principal and patron Mr. Ted Herrett:
"Between us all - staff, parents, community and pupils - we have a school of which we can be proud. My sincere wish is that it continues to grow in stature as a lovely place in which to live and work."
Congratulations Charlestown East Public School. Here's to the next 50 years!