Fields of Learning
by Helen Montague

The beginning of the 1951 school year saw a sea change in the lives of over 200 students from seven little rural schools in the Maffra Shire. Instead ofattending their familiar, one teacher schools at Boisdale, Boisdale Estate, Lowalong, Newry, Tinamba, Upper Maffra and Valencia Creek, they travelledby bus to a new Consolidated School that had been built at Boisdale. For many, it was their first ride in a bus. And, to children whose world had beentheir local school, the sheer size of Boisdale Consolidated School was overwhelming. "I never knew that the world was so big." was one comment. One young lad was so overcome by it all that he hid in the long grass behind the school until found by a sympathetic teacher and taken to his new classroom.

These bush children settled in quickly, made new friends and soon adjusted to having a class teacher to themselves whom they did not have to share with other classes in the same school room. They were enterprising kids too. When the newly opened tuck shop was declared "dry" one lad who went home for lunch every day via the local shops wasted no time in operating a thriving black market among his lolly starved school mates. Where is he today, we wonder?

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Boisdale Consolidated School in March 2001, a former pupil Helen Montague, a descendant of the Pettigrew family who settled in the district in 1912 researched and wrote Fields of Learning. This delightful book is a history of the nine small rural schools that had been established in the area and of the formation and achievements of the Boisdale Consolidated School during its first ten years. The author does not impose her own interpretation of history on the reader. Instead, she has tapped into the rich store of stories from local residents, whose memories went back to the 1920's and combined them with meticulous research into the history of the small rural schools from their beginnings in the nineteenth century to produce a read that is a sheer delight.

The early settlers had first petitioned the government of the day to establish schools in their areas in the 1860s. Fields of Learning does not descend into a tedious recital of the bureaucratic battles that these far sighted settlers fought. Instead it pays tribute to their efforts in establishing and supporting the first schools and of the dedication of the early teachers who, with meagre resources gave their pupils an opportunity to achieve their potential. We learn from the stories told by the early pupils that even in the days before TV, adventure playgrounds and sporting equipment became commonplace, that they knew how to get into mischief and how to have fun.

The Maffra Agricultural Society was the driving force behind the establishment of the Boisdale Consolidated School. Its members recognised the value of a new and improved form of education tailored to meet the needs of children with agricultural backgrounds intending to pursue a farming career. They lobbied extensively for the establishment of an area school tailored to meet these needs. The concept of consolidating small rural schools had been discussed for years, but two wars and the Great Depression meant that nothing could be done until the 1940s. So the Boisdale Consolidated School came into being in 1951.

The reader now gains an insight into the feelings and reactions of the first students as they were assimilated into a new school community with its agricultural science program. a fitting recognition is given to the magnificent efforts of the founding teaching staff and supporting parents. Under the inspiring leadership of Mr John Roberts, who was headmaster for sixteen years, they restored order out of chaos and worked together to establish the school that we know today. Anyone who is interested in the social history of our small rural communities will find this book a fascinating read. In addition, the descendants of the early settlers who are attending the school today will not fail to be inspired by the deeds of their forefathers.

Noel Tregoning

“Fields of Learning”by Helen Montague can be purchased from the school a cost of $33.20 including postage, or $30.00 if collected.

Also available is the enrolment booklet of past and present students of all of the seven schools for $6.50, postage included.

A video of the 50th Anniversary and Reunion weekend is also available for $26.00 (posted)

Phone the school on (03)5145 4391 if you would like to place an order for the book or video. Other memorabilia including glasses, mugs and "Onward, Upward, Boisdale Consolidated" badges can also be purchased.