Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Staff and students of Surrey Hills Primary School, Empire Day celebrations, 1911
Date is approximate; early Empire Day celebrations were held in May each year between 1906 and 1911 to commemorate Queen Victoria's birthday.
Headmaster, George Bennett was later headmaster at Balwyn State School, which his son Gordon (later General Gordon Bennett) attended.
Miss Amy Wise was a teacher at Surrey Hills State School for her entire career. (There is information in filing cabinet re Amy Wise).
Note (undated) from John Reaburn states that an issue of SHNN claimed Major General Bennett was a pupil at SHPS. He stated: "I very much doubt this, as he was 19 years of age when his father was headmaster in 1906. Before that the whole family attended Balwyn State School. The statement should be substantiated or corrected".Black and white photo copied from a postcard of staff and students assembled outside Surrey Hills Primary School for Empire Day celebrations. Some children carry Union Jack flags. The cadet corps of the school stands in line on the path against the picket fence of the school carrying drums and 'rifles'. The male students are assembled in line at the edge of the road and the female students are assembled in the middle of the road. There are a number of adults in the background, presumably teachers and parents; two are identified. Centre is headmaster, Mr George Bennett and at the right is teacher, Miss Amy Wise. The photo is taken in Beatrice Avenue looking towards Canterbury Road. An Edwardian or Victorian style house can be seen on the corner of Beatrice Avenue and Canterbury Road.Within the original image: State School, Surrey Hillssurrey hills primary school, empire day celebrations, education, primary education, schools, cadets, beatrice avenue, post card, mr george bennett, miss amy wise, mr john reaburn
Canterbury History Group
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Bendigo Military Museum