General News
20 May, 2024
Daisy Davies: “Good manners and respect for others are society’s backbone” — by Brian Lennen
Daisy was a formidable presence at PS 404 (Maryborough Primary School). She worked alongside colleagues such as Mavis Peck, Bill Richardson, Enid Bell, Lyal Ford, Beattie Main and the “indomitable” principal Harry Gibbs. All these teachers were...
Daisy was a formidable presence at PS 404 (Maryborough Primary School).
She worked alongside colleagues such as Mavis Peck, Bill Richardson, Enid Bell, Lyal Ford, Beattie Main and the “indomitable” principal Harry Gibbs.
All these teachers were a fixture at the school for decades.
Daisy’s career commenced at Birregurra (a one teacher school in the Beech Forest, just out of Colac).
She survived mid-winter, unprepared for the blizzard-like conditions that prevailed in the dilapidated residence attached to the school.
Being a young woman wasn’t what the timber-cutting community wanted (they hoped for a footballer to boost the local team Birregurra).
The students weren’t interested in academia, but would play “touchy”, a tag game involving wrestling the nearest gullible student to the ground, usually ending in a roll in the mud. The loser was the first to complain (which never happened). On returning to the classroom they milled around the long filled open fire (which baked the mud).
Daisy’s salvation was the discovery of a leather-bound copy of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit discarded by a previous teacher.
From the opening paragraph the nine students were enthralled and Daisy’s maternal instincts were fulfilled.
At the end of year concert (the town’s major social event), Daisy was inundated with hugs and warmth from all and sundry.
Looking back from the gig on her way to Colac she could only remember the good times.
After a brief stint in the Wimmera, she was off to Maryborough.
Maryborough’s school presented a different environment. It was a large building in the town centre with little outdoor space. It was a working class city with most citizens in the factories or service industries.
Most of its children were educated, grew up, worked and lived out their lives in the city.
Daisy believed that good manners and respect for others are the backbone of society.
During her career she worked in a male-dominated system where women were paid considerably less than their male colleagues.
Unbelievably, women didn’t receive superannuation and had to resign if they married.
Incidentally at that time, 60 percent of primary teachers were women.
Daisy also played a prominent role in the local art society.
Daisy was a traditional teacher with a strong emphasis on the three Rs.
Regular drills reciting the times tables were part of her daily routine.
Oral grammatical misuses were immediately corrected as was spelling. First Aid in English was an essential text.
She was a no nonsense person who respected her students and expected respect in return.
Daisy was a major participant in the 404 flower show driving the students and parents. The flower show, featuring floral decorations, was on Melbourne Cup week and operated for over 20 years.
Disobedience wasn’t tolerated by teachers and parents. As was the custom corporal punishment was considered acceptable.
Daisy administered hers with a wooden ruler. Most recipients didn’t come back for seconds.
Daisy lived to a big age celebrating her century in a nursing home in Stawell.
Many of her former students will always remember her fondly.
One of her proudest moments was assisting Governor Rohan Dellacombe in planting a tree commemorating the school’s 125th anniversary. Unfortunately both the tree and the plaque are gone.
In her day teachers had to dress formally, the men with suits or jackets with ties.
On particularly hot days the principal may announce a “coats off” call or on especially hot days a “ties off” call.
The women had to wear skirts at least three inches below the knee and not in bright colours (brown and fawn were all the go).
As with her female colleagues twin sets were most popular. Slacks and open toe shoes were not allowed. Staff photos usually presented a very sombre group.
Daisy was born and raised in Stawell and passed away peacefully in Stawell.
Geraldine O’Connor was a great friend in her latter years.