skip to content

Ryan, Margaret A

Margaret Ryan, age 20, was appointed inaugural teacher at museum.hall.act.au/school/1674/amungula.htmlWoodfield Provisional] school (known as Amungula after 1908), travelling from her Sydney home by rail and coach to commence 12 September 1888. Her expense claim shows a separate charge for the transport of her luggage, suggesting she came well provisioned for her first teaching position.

In November 1888, only two months after arriving at Margaret applied for removal closer to her home, suggesting the 'Campbelltown district, or any other district not so far in the country'. Shortly after this she reiterated her request 'owing to many difficulties I have to contend with', while describing the school parents as 'very troublesome and disagreeable'. This appeal was unsuccessful.

In early December 1888 the school was vandalised 'during the night by some unknown persons' likely adding to Margaret's desire for removal. The damage included emptying the water tank, breaking a window, and plastering the door and walls with mud. Margaret expressed concern to the Department about the 'the evil affect that such conduct must naturally have upon the pupils', as well as her suspicion that one of the students 'was implicated in the deeds'. She was advised to report the matter (and her suspicions) to the police, although there is no evidence she did this.

In December 1888 Margaret again asked for removal, suggesting the Christmas vacation as a relevant time. Her request was again declined, the Department upholding the inspector's opinion that she was not entitled to removal as her reason was 'not of sufficient importance'. Five months later Margaret asked for appointment to Gloucester which she heard required a teacher but was unsuccessful as someone had already been appointed. Two weeks later she notified the Department of her intention to resign effective 30 June 1889. Her final correspondence involved remitting £1.14.9 as partial repayment of her travel expenses. Details of Margaret Ryan's later life are unknown.

[Biography prepared by Joanne Toohey, 2023. Sources consulted include NSW school teachers' rolls 1868-1908, NSW school and related records 1876-1979, historic newspapers, NSW births, deaths and marriages index, and Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region, (1999) by Lyall Gillespie].

Schools

Teachers >

<< Early Canberra Government Schools