HISTORY has come alive at Hurstville South Public School this year, to mark 100 years since the school gates swung open.
The school started as an infants school in June, 1915 with headmistress Miss Emily Grabham at the reins.
It became a primary school four years later, when Mr Saunders took over.
He introduced popular sporting activities including swimming lessons at Sans Souci Baths.
In celebration of the primary school's centenary in October, former pupils were invited to give children of 2015 an insight into the early days.
Gloria Marsh was one of several students who shared photographs and chatted to children about the good old days, when she started in the early 1940s.
Mrs Marsh (nee Robinson) spoke about the day the war ended.
On her way to school, a woman ran out of her house to tell children the war was over, and again at a special school assembly, when children were told they could have the day off.
"Before this, we had to wear tin hats in case there was an air raid, and a chain and disc around our necks with our name and address," Mrs Marsh said.
"But it was a happy school.
"Particularly in third class — my teacher Miss Egger was so encouraging, and helped me a lot with my schooling.
"Girls and boys were in separate playgrounds — you never came across one another, except in the infants school.
"All the desks were in rows, with a hole for the inkwell in the middle so you'd end up with a terrible mess on your finger."
Former pupils are invited to share their memorabilia with the school, especially photographs from pre-1960s.
The school will also put together an honour roll that acknowledges former pupils and teachers who served in the war.
Information collected from the community will be used to establish a mini-museum in the school library, to give pupils of 2015 and beyond an understanding of their school's history.
"It's been a lovely project to be involved with," Mrs Marsh said.
"I've spoken to the children, who were full of questions, twice this year.
"It's been a joy for me."
The school is also hosting a cocktail party at 6pm on October 16 at South Hurstville RSL. There will be classroom tours, a barbecue, food stalls, and performances by pupils at the school’s open day on October 17 from 10am to 2pm.
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