Wyndham School

Record Group

Identifier: A0481

Staff Only

Dates

1883 - c.1990
Majority of material found within 1883 - 1923
1931
c.1990

Biographical / Historical

Formal schooling in Wyndham began in 1875 when Rev. James Henry started a private school in a cottage in Inkerman Street. It consisted of a schoolroom and teacher accommodation. Mrs Hamilton was the teacher and fees were 1/- per child per week, plus extra for pens, pencils, slates and paper.

In September 1876 the Government agreed to grant 185 pounds ($370) for the erection of school buildings on the School Reserve. The first public school opened in Scutari Street with a roll of 34 pupils in 1877. Andrew Murray became the School Master.

In 1878 jurisdiction of the school passed from the Otago Education Board to the Southland Education Board. A Teacher residence was erected on the corner of Scutari and Alma Streets and remained in use until 1973.

By 1885 a new two-roomed school was erected on the corner of Florence and Alma Streets, with a third room added in 1910.

Wyndham District High School was established when the Secondary Department opened in May 1924 with a roll of 26 students. Further development continued two years later when an additional two rooms, science fittings, furniture and a furnished office for the Head Master were added to the existing primary school. A year later a third new room was added for Typing, Sewing and General Use.

During the 1920s - 1930s the primary roll declined from 242 to 119, and the secondary roll varied from 30 to 40 students. By 1934 the Head Master, along with three primary teachers and two secondary teachers, were teaching 151 primary and 35 secondary students.

The school was ravaged by fire in 1951. The community rallied to save as much of the teaching resources as possible. By 1952 a new primary block of four rooms and an administration area was ready for use. A year later three new secondary classrooms were also ready for use.

Wyndham School would continue to develop with student numbers exceeding 200 in the primary area and 80 in the secondary by the beginning of the 1960s. By 1968 tenders for a four classroom building with administration block were sought for land purchased three years earlier to the West of the current school. This would be the beginnings of the new Primary School.

In 1962 the feasibility of a full High School was being explored. By 1969, with the establishment of new primary school buildings and a record high roll of 218 secondary students, efforts to have the Secondary Department recognised as a Form 1 to 7 High School intensified. In 1970 Mr. J.C. Whitworth was appointed Principal of the first Form 1 to 7 school in Southland. A committee was formed and voted in their inaugural meeting in September 1970 to name the new school Menzies College.

- Notes by E. Easton -

See Bibliography for References

Extent

1 box(es) (Box 1)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Bibliography

'The Wyndham Story 1854 - 2000: life between the three rivers' by Agnes M. Thwaites (published 2003)
Reference: LC 993.96 THW

This book comprehensively describes the history of Wyndham, its schools and the development of the district. Readers may find the Glossary on p.8. useful. Photographs, some in colour, of individuals, family and community groups, places buildings and activities, enliven the text.
Of special interest to local historians may be the chapters on Pioneers, Patriotic and Military Activities, Churches, Fires and Floods, Hobby Clubs and Classes (Writers and Artists), Social Life, Recreations and Equestrian Sports.
Other chapters deal with the commercial life of the town; development of farming and related trades and services; local administration and amenities; health services and communications (Mail, Post Offices, Telephones, Railways, roads and bridges).
Inside the front cover is a map of the Wyndham district; at the back, an expanded map of the town and its surrounding farms. In summary, a well-researched book that makes for rewarding reading.