Hill, Elizabeth
Background
Elizabeth Hill, born c1862, was educated at Grenfell Public School, staying on as teaching assistant for two years then applying for employment with the Council of Education in 1879, age 18. She had one month's training at Yass Public School, after which the district inspector recommended her for a small school, stating that 'Miss Hill ... will make a very fair teacher'.
Majura Provisional School
In late February 1879 Elizabeth was appointed to Majura, which then had an average attendance of close to 20 pupils, who were taught in very basic conditions. Shortly after her arrival, the school board revived a request for funding to install fencing and water closets, but the Council of Education was unwilling to pay for improvements to provisional schools. The board's request was repeated in 1880, linking falling attendance at Majura to the lack of a secure horse enclosure, which compelled children to walk rather than ride to school, passing 'through long grass and over creeks' then 'sitting in damp clothes to the injury of their health'. While the board's appeal went unfulfilled, Elizabeth was more fortunate in procuring basic school materials, her request expedited after the local inspector confirmed the resources were 'badly wanted'. After two years of keeping the Majura school in 'a tolerable state of efficiency', Elizabeth requested removal. In October 1881 she was selected to take charge of a new school, being now 'a teacher with some experience', though still unclassified.
Black Creek Provisional School
In late November 1881, Elizabeth commenced as inaugural teacher at Black Creek 'on the Molonglo Road', with an expected enrolment of 22 children drawn from seven families. Despite being well regarded by residents, after two months she requested a move to Grenfell Public School to be nearer her parents, her mother being in 'delicate health', but her unclassified status made her ineligible for such a position. A few months later, however, she was nominated for a small school opening in the Forbes District which brought her somewhat closer to Grenfell.
Marsden Provisional School
In June 1882, Elizabeth commenced duty as inaugural teacher at Marsden, a township of nine houses, where she had an 18-month tenure, her subsequent departure 'regretted, for the young lady had made many friends while here, being held in great esteem and regard by both parents and children', ['Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser', 2 February 1884, p. 2].
Bogolong Provisional School
Elizabeth's next appointment was to Bogolong, only a few miles north-west of Grenfell, where she taught for a year before promotion, having by then passed a classification examination.
Quandong Public School
Elizabeth's next appointment was to Quandong, a few miles south-east of Grenfell. Her position was temporary – replacing a teacher on sick leave – but she was eventually appointed as the incumbent moved to a smaller school. Quandong school at the time was conducted in a former Methodist church that lacked a fireplace. As the 1886 winter approached, Elizabeth requested a stove be installed for heating, pointing out that while the school had a fuel allowance, it was 'useless unless a stove be sent'. At the year's end, she gave notice of her intention to resign due to 'ill health & impending marriage', and finished teaching on 31 January 1887. Elizabeth's later life is unknown.
[Biography prepared by Joanne Toohey, 2024. Sources include NSW school teachers' rolls 1868-1908, NSW school and related records 1876-1979, historic newspapers, and 'Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region', (1999) by Lyall Gillespie.]
"Miss Hill of Grenfell, late a pupil teacher at Yass, is about to take charge of the provisional school at Majura near Queanbeyan". [Queanbeyan Age 8.3.1879]
Schools
- Majura School
02/1879 - 11/1881