THE EARLY DAYS
The new school’s first year was a busy one. As well as progressively fitting out the classrooms, playground equipment was installed, school signage was erected, paving, tree planting and landscaping took place, a public relations working group was established and a school open day was held. At the start of the school’s second year, 34 students meant that another teacher could be recruited. Our inaugural teacher, Jeanette Pelchen welcomed Sarah Murray to the team. By the end of that year, enrolments had reached 55. Initially, Principal, Roger Schwarz spent four out of five days per week in the classroom, leaving him little time to tackle his position as Principal. As enrolments climbed, volunteers supported the efforts of teachers, going above and beyond to ensure the school’s viability and growth, backed by the Finance Committee who worked hard to balance the budget. A SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR
The early days for GNPS were busy indeed, with staff, congregations and community volunteers pitching in to see the burgeoning school flourish. Policies were created (and loaded onto computer disk – very advanced at the time!), buildings were painted, brochures were distributed, working bees were held and the school bus was driven by willing volunteers. The school consisted of a modular building containing two classrooms and an administration area, as well as a toilet block, shed, sandpit and basketball ring. A call out to the school community and supporting congregations in 1996 underscores the challenge of starting a new school from scratch: “Can you help? The school needs the following items, you may be able to help in some way e.g. Do you or someone you know have any of the following items or are you aware of a place where we could get them at a very reasonable price? Ȩ Reception desk and visitor chairs Ȩ Folding bed, pillow, blankets Ȩ Filing cabinets, lockers, storage cupboards Ȩ Urn, tea towels Ȩ Outside seats and benches Ȩ Feather dusters Ȩ Shelving – library & classroom Ȩ Principal’s and secretary’s chair Ȩ Overhead projector, staffroom table Ȩ Vacuum, dustpan, broom Ȩ Cutlery and crockery Ȩ Rubbish bins
“Special day. Today we celebrate and praise God that Good News Primary School has opened with an enrolment of 26 students. This event could not have occurred without the support and prayers of many people. There have been hitches along the way and there are, no doubt, some teething difficulties to come. However, we are open, and we are looking forward to working with your children and you, to provide, a Christ-centred education for your child. We congratulate you on being the founding students and parents of the school.” Roger Schwarz, Good News newsletter, 28 January 1997
This recollection from Foundation Associate, Brenton Schier, highlights the enormous number of projects that were underway in the school’s earliest years, as well as the incredible contribution of volunteers – who were families and congregation members – to progress works:
• Painting the first permanent building • Planting and watering the trees around the boundary using the water cart • Moving the flagpole three times due to building works • Many working bees including (1) laying paving for paths, (2) moving bricks from Melton to be laid down for play area for games and basketball ring, (3) building sandpit • Levelling an area using a pallet with rocks, being towed behind a car, to allow cricket to be played
• Sealing area behind the Admin building to provide a hard play area • Moving and re-erecting a wooden playground • Marking out an oval down the back of the block • Our sons mowing the area and being covered in dust from head to foot • Installing a hit wall for children to use • Installing a shelter shed
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