Port Adelaide district schools

Plaque acknowledging amalgamation of Port Adelaide & Alberton Primary Schools Jan 2005.

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Port Adelaide Grammar School opened 1862 with Rev Frank Garrett as master, closed 1868, re-opened by Allen Martin 1870. It was one of several private schools in area taken over 1876 by the government. Then named Port Adelaide Public School, later renamed Port Adelaide Primary School, closed Dec 2004. The Alberton school opened 1892 to relieve crowding in the Port district. And so the Wheel of Fortune turns. . . these 2 schools amalgamated Jan 2005. There were several private schools in Port Adelaide in 1860s; Mr Leslie’s was one (see below).

 

“Port Adelaide Grammar School. . . may now be considered established. . . the sum of £350 having been guaranteed for three years, they should commence operations. A Committee, consisting of Messrs. Hart, Gliddon, Marryat, Duncan, and Dempster, was appointed to write home at once respecting a master. . . to be a graduate of one of the English Universities, and in holy orders. At the same time the following regulations were agreed to for his general guidance:— That he is not to hold a cure of souls; but may engage in such occasional ministerial work as will not interfere with his scholastic engagements. The school hours, holidays, &c, to be the same as those of St. Peters College.” [Register 25 Mar 1862]

 

“Port Adelaide Grammar School.— The Rev. Frank Garrett, M.A., Worcester College, Oxford, who was selected by the London Committee as Head Master of this school, arrived on the 19th instant, by the Venilia. . . The subscribers have secured a house at Queenstown as a residence, and have obtained the temporary use of rooms at Port Adelaide until a schoolroom is built. It is expected that the school will open on Monday, the 2nd February, with about 30 scholars, the children of the subscribers.” [Register 27 Jan 1863]

 

“Port Adelaide Grammar School opens on Monday, February 2, 1863, at 9 o'clock a.m., for the present in rooms attached to the Marine Board. . . Terms for Tuition (payable in advance) £3 3s. per quarter.” [Advertiser 28 Jan 1863 advert]

 

“the Port Adelaide Grammar School, which has been in operation experimentally for three years, has now been permanently founded, and is about to be incorporated as one of the first endowed schools in this colony. . . to provide the elements of a liberal education by instruction in Latin, Greek, English, arithmetic, and mathematics. . . the desire of its founders is not to advance information, but education. It does not seek to teach trades or practical arts; it doubts whether such specialities can he taught to children. It believes that, if they can be, the children themselves are left as they were found, as nature made them, in the strictest sense uneducated, however much informed. It hopes to give that general training which fits a boy for all pursuits in good time.” [Adelaide Observer 6 Jan 1866]

 

“This valuable Property comprises a Block of Land; portion of Section 212, having a frontage to the Grand Junction Road. . . on which are erected those substantial Buildings known as the Port Adelaide Grammar School, built of Stone and Brick, and situated only a short distance from the Railway Terminus. The above is admirably adapted for a School or Public Building.” [Register 22 Oct 1868 advert]

 

“The Rev. Frank Garratt, M.A., Incumbent of All Saint's Church, Hindmarsh, and head master of the Port Adelaide Grammar School, who left the colony for England in the Darra, in the hope of improving his health, prior to leaving was presented with an address and purse containing more than £80.” [Express & Telegraph 4 Jan 1869]

 

“Port Adelaide Grammar School.—Mr. A. Martin will Open the above School on Wednesday, January 12, as a Boys' Day School, where a good English education will be taught, including algebra, geometry, and plane trigonometry. An Evening Class will be in attendance three evenings of the week, from 7 to 9. Navigation, &c., also taught. For terms apply to Mr. Martin, at the above school.” [Express & Telegraph 12 Jan 1870]

 

“Port Adelaide Grammar School. . . was originally conducted by the Rev. F. Garrett, under the auspices of a Committee, was closed about two years ago, but at the commencement of the present year was reopened as a private school by Mr. A. Martin, who has now about 50 pupils. . . The first examination took place on Thursday, December 8. . . The classes were carefully examined by the Principal in English history, geography, Scripture history, grammar, and geometry. . . reading and recitations. . . writing. . . [The Chairman] counselled them to be submissive to their teacher.” [Evening Journal 9 Dec 1870]

 

“the Council of Education have agreed to purchase the building known as the Port Adelaide Grammar School with the house adjoining for £1,300, for the purposes of a public school for the town.” [Register 13 Apr 1876]

 

Alberton Primary School

“Owing to the overcrowded condition of the Port Adelaide and Lefevre's Peninsula public schools the Government were compelled a few months ago to provide additional accommodation and money was voted for a building in the Alberton district. . . The contractors for the Alberton school, Messrs. Mattinson & Cleave, are making good progress with their work. The contract time will be up next month, but as the ground had to be raised 3 ft. extra precautions had to be taken with the foundations on account of the treacherous nature of the soil, and difficulty was experienced in obtaining freestone the contractors will exceed their time by a few weeks. The building is of brick with freestone dressings. The inside will be colored and divided into seven classrooms. The roof of the building is now on, and the carpenters are working at the inside fixtures. Part of the ground will be asphalted and the rest will be covered with ashes. The school is situated at Long-street, Queenstown, and when completed will accommodate 500 children.” [Advertiser 23 Jun 1892]

 

“The Alberton school will be opened for work on Monday next under the charge of Mr. Alfred Hardy, late headmaster of the Terowie school.” [Express & Telegraph 29 Sep 1892]

 

“Two new schools were authorized to be built, and one at Alberton was opened for the admission of scholars on Monday. The morning was a busy one for the teachers, and the work of getting the children into order occupied the greater part of the forenoon. When the scholars were classified the roll was taken, with the following result:— Infants, 50; 1st Class, 80; 2nd Class, 64; 3rd Class, 40; 4th Class, 42; 5th Class, 27; total, 303. About one-third of this number came from private schools in the district, while the others were drawn from tho Port and Woodville Public Schools.” [Register4 Oct 1892]

 

“in reference to the new school at Alberton. Evidently the school was needed, and with you I congratulate the headmaster on the favorable commencement. But why call it Alberton School when it is in the township of Queenstown? It seems to me to be misleading. There is the same misnomer in regard to the post-office here.” [Express & Telegraph 6 Oct 1892]

 

Leslie Schoolroom

Built 1856 on (the now) Port Rd, Queenstown by William Wood Leslie, who ran the school until he retired 1880. Used 1860s by Baptist & Church of England until their own churches built and for various meetings in district.

 

“the new schoolroom lately erected by Mr. W. W. Leslie, Queenstown.” [Register 26 May 1856]

 

“The Chief Inspector handed in his report of schools visited. . . Mr. Leslie, Queenstown— Pupils present when inspected, 53; pupils attending school, 60; state of schoolroom, very good; supply of school requisites, good; quality of instruction, good; general discipline, good.” [Register 17 Jun 1857]

 

“A meeting of the residents of Alberton and Queenstown was held on Thursday evening, at Leslie's schoolroom, Queenstown, to take into consideration the expediency of petitioning Parliament now assembled to erect forthwith a Lock-up, and also to appoint four policemen to protect the properties and persons of the inhabitants in that district.” [Register 8 Aug 1857]

 

“Northern Star Tent — On Good Friday the Members of this Order will attend Divine Service in the Congregational Chapel, Port. . . a sumptuous repast will be served in Mr. Leslie's School room, Queenstown ; and at a quarter past 7 a Public Meeting will be held.” [Register 1 Apr 1858]

 

“Alberton and Queenstown School. —The first public examination of this seminary, under the management of Mr. W. W. Leslie, took place on Friday, 24th instant, in the large building erected by Mr. Leslie at his own expense, for this purpose. The school-house situated in Queenstown is large and commodious, the front room measuring 40 feet in length by about 20 feet in breadth, and 11 feet in height. The number of pupils during the last three months has averaged about 70 scholars,” [Advertiser 28 Dec 1858]

 

“Alberton and Queenstown School, Conducted by Mr. W. W. Leslie. Mr. Leslie begs to inform the inhabitants of Alberton and Queenstown that the duties of his School will be Resumed on Monday, January 3, 1859, when he hopes to see a full attendance of his former pupils,' with such others as may be placed under his care.” [Register 1 Jan 1859]

 

“Alberton and Queenstown School. The first public examination of this seminary, under the management of Mr. W. W. Leslie, took place on Friday, 24th instant, in the large building erected by Mr. Leslie at his own expense, for this purpose. The school-house situated in Queenstown is large and commodious, the front room measuring 40 feet in length by about 20 feet in breadth, and 11 feet in height. The number of pupils during the last three months has averaged about 70 scholars, and the attendance has been very regular. . . The children were very clean, orderly and attentive, and their progress in the various branches of education was watched throughout the examination with much interest. The classes were examined in scriptural knowledge and history, reading, grammar, etymology, geography, writing, arithmetic, and singing.” [Advertiser 26 Jan 1859]

 

“Rechabite Festival. . . members assembled at Queenstown, and proceeded to the Wesleyan Chapel. . . then marched in procession to the Port, headed by the band of the Band of Hope. On returning to Queenstown. . . sat down to a dinner provided in Mr. Leslie's schoolroom. A public meeting was afterwards held.” [Register 2 Apr 1861]

 

“The pupils attending the Alberton and Queenstown Commercial School were publicly examined. . . the attendance has not been so regular as could be desired. . . The school has been open 239 days during the year; 130 pupils have been in attendance, of whom 75 are now on the books. . . prizes were distributed by the Chairman at the conclusion of the proceedings. The pupils then gave three cheers for Mr. Leslie and for his assistant, Miss Nell.” [Register 21 Dec 1861]

 

“Baptist Chapel near Alberton. . . at present worshipping in Mr. Leslie's schoolroom, Queenstown.” [Register 1 Sep 1863]

 

“District Council. . . Queenstown and Alberton. . . Clerk, Wm. Wood Leslie, Queenstown.” [Register 26 Mar 1868 advert]

 

“a meeting was held in Mr. Leslie's schoolroom, Alberton, for the purpose of considering the best means of carrying out a plan for a proposed Church of England in the District of Queenstown and Alberton. . . it was resolved to request the use of the schoolroom for the above purpose, and the Chairman was desired to communicate with the Lord Bishop.” [Advertiser 21 May 1869]

 

“A pleasing and successful entertainment was given on Monday evening at Queenstown, in Mr. Leslie's schoolroom, by former pupils, who have formed themselves into an Old Scholars' Association. The proceeds were in aid of a prize fund for the school.” [Register 25 Aug 1869]

 

“A lengthy communication was received from W. W. Leslie. With reference to the discontinuance of Mr. Leslie's licence, he mentioned for the consideration of the Board— That soon after the commencement of his school in 1855, he found it necessary to draft off the younger children into a room built for the purpose at considerable expense to himself. The room had been worn out in the service, and replaced by another room and gallery at a further cost. Without such an auxiliary it was impossible to convey that amount of instruction and learning to the number of children they had that the children are capable of receiving. He had long previous to the proclamation of a District Council in the neighbourhood, and in the absence of any local organization for the promotion of education there expended m the erection of schoolrooms more money than was usually expended by a District Council and the Board jointly. He also gave other reasons for the continuance of the licence. Tho Board wore aware of the satisfactory way in which the school had been conducted, and expressed their regret at having to reduce the number of licences in Queenstown.” [Register 22 Feb 1870]

 

“Queenstown Commercial School. At the annual examination on December 23 the schoolroom, though spacious and airy, presented a crowded appearance from the number of pupils and the large attendance of parents and friends. . . The examination was conducted by Mr. King in mental arithmetic, geography, astronomy, and the use of the globes; German, by Mr. Burgan; and English, &c, by the Chairman. The result showed that a good system is being wrought out, and that much care is bestowed by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie in training to habits of application and diligence. . . It was also noted that children of parents in reduced circumstances, or of those who had died, had been educated free of charge.” [Register 3 Jan 1871]

 

“Alberton and Queenstown Building Society.— The first half-yearly meeting of this Building Society was recently held at Mr. Leslie's Schoolroom, Queenstown.” [Adelaide Observer 16 Sep 1876]

 

“Pupil Teachers.— Wanted at the Queenstown Public School (within ten minutes' walk from Alberton Railway Station), two Pupil Teachers holding certificates under the Council of Education. Duties to commence on 15th inst. W. W. Leslie, Queenstown,” [Express & Telegraph 8 Jan 1877 advert]

 

“Another instance of the good feeling existing between teachers and scholars was exhibited at the Queenstown Public School on Friday, December 21. It being the eve of the breaking up for the holidays, Messrs. Cooper and Edwards, pupil teachers, on behalf of themselves and the scholars, presented Mr. W. W. Leslie, the master, with a handsomely ornamented cigar and cigarette stand, and at the same time wished him the compliments of the season.” [Express & Telegraph 26 Dec 1877]

 

“Queenstown Public School.— Evening School will Re-open on Tuesday, 14th May, at 7 o'clock. W. W. Leslie.” [Register 13 May 1878 advert]

 

“Mr. Leslie terminated his work as a public school teacher on the 3rd.September, 1880, after laboring in that vocation since 3rd September, 1855.” [Port Adelaide News 11 Sep 1880]

 

“Mr. W. W. Leslie intimates that his school will be re-opened on Monday, January 16.” [Port Adelaide News 13 Jan 1882]

 

“Mr. W. W. Leslie applied for an auctioneers licence. Granted.” [Register 8 Jul 1882]

 

“The Queenstown and Alberton District Council have recently been directing their attention to the question of the necessity of re-opening the school formerly kept by Mr. Leslie, and closed four or five years ago. The Council are unanimously of opinion that necessity exists for re-opening the school, as the distance to the Woodville and Port Adelaide schools is too great for children residing in newly-formed intermediate townships in the summer, and the roads utterly unfit for young children to walk over in the winter. . . a report from the Inspector General of Schools, to the effect that there is ample accommodation for additional children at the Port Adelaide School. Under these circumstances the Council's request cannot be acceded to.” [Port Adelaide News 8 Jun 1883]

 

“A meeting of ratepayers of the district of Queenstown and Alberton, convened by requisition, was held in Mr. W. W. Leslie's schoolroom, at Queenstown, on Thursday evening, for the purpose of considering the advisability of annexing the district with the Corporation of Port Adelaide.” [Advertiser 13 Aug 1886]

 

“The Queenstown and Alberton District Council have recently been directing their attention to the question of the necessity of re-opening the school formerly kept by Mr. Leslie, and closed four or five years ago.” [Port Adelaide News 8 Jun 1883]

 

“In May 26, 1856 Mr. W. W. Leslie erected a schoolroom in Queenistown. He was the only schoolmaster my brother and I had. For about 25 years he continued his work. The building still stands.” [News 22 Feb 1929]

 

“A meeting of old scholars of Mr. W. W. Leslie will be held at the Commercial Hotel, Port Adelaide, this evening, to consider what steps should be taken to recognise Mr. Leslie's long and faithful service in the cause of education in the Port Adelaide district. Mr. Leslie recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of his birthday and a number of leading citizens of the seaport, who owe their present positions in life in a large measure to the instruction imparted by him are expected to attend the meeting.” [Advertiser 29 May 1914]

 

“A social to Mr. W. W. Leslie, one of Port Adelaide's earliest educationists, and Mrs. Leslie was tendered at the Foresters' Hall, Port Adelaide, on Wednesday evening by their old scholars. There was an attendance of over 200 ladies and gentlemen. . . As a teacher he had won the respect of all with whom he had, been associated. . . Mr. W. Copley handed to Mr. Leslie a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by old scholars and sympathisers.” [Advertiser 6 Aug 1914]

 

WILLIAM WOOD LESLIE

“LESLIE—NELL.— [Married] On the 27th June, at St. Paul's Church, Port Adelaide, by the Rev. C. Marryat, Mr. W. W. Leslie, of Queenstown, to Miss Emma Nell, of Lefevre's Peninsula.” [Register29 Jun 1863]

 

“LESLIE.— [Died] On the 18th September, at his residence, High street, Queenstown, William Wood Leslie (late schoolmaster), beloved husband of Emma Leslie, aged 91 years.” [Register 20 Sep 1915]

 

“Mr. William Wood Leslie, an old and highly-respected resident of Port Adelaide. . . For 38 years he conducted a school at Alberton, and. several wellknown Portonians owe their earlier education to his teaching. . . When he relinquished teaching he began business in a general store which, he managed in connection with the Alberton post office. He was born in the Isle of Sanday (one of the Orkney Isles) and had resided in this State 63 years. His widow, five sons, and two daughters survive him.” [Port Adelaide News 24 Sep 1915]

 

“William Wood Leslie, of Queenstown. . . was a sound Scotsman, who had the gift of imparting what he knew, and of making tbe matter interesting to the boys and girls, the latter being taught by Miss Nell, her surname, who became Mrs. W. W. Leslie.” [Observer 29 Mar 1924]

 

“LESLIE (nee Emma Nell). — [Died] On the 12th August, the wife of late W. W. Leslie, High street, Queenstown, and loving mother of Mrs. W.E. Gordon, Aldgate, and Mrs. T. Aveling, Main Ridge, Redfield, Victoria, aged 85 years.” [Register 26 Aug 1926]

 

Done