Smith, Fannie
Coolagolite Provisional School
In September 1883, nineteen-year-old Fannie Smith was assigned to Coolagolite Provisional School between Cobargo and Bermagui, but was transferred after only four months as low enrolments forced the school's conversion to half time.
Noorooma Public School
In January 1884 Fannie was appointed to Noorooma (as it was spelt), which was raised to Public School status a few months later. Fannie, who was untrained, was allowed to remain at Noorooma on the understanding she would pass a classification exam as soon as possible. She was granted £1 by the Department - half the cost of the books she required to study for the exam - to be refunded if she terminated her service in under three years. Her first attempt in December 1884 was unsuccessful, but she was retained at Noorooma with the expectation she would sit the examination again in twelve months. In September 1885 however, she tendered her resignation in order to travel to England and visit her parents, refunding the £1 textbook subsidy as required.
Kowen Public School
By early 1887 Fannie had returned to NSW and applied for reemployment as a teacher. In July she was given temporary charge of Kowen Public, being paid at Provisional rates until a year later when she gained a classification. Over the next two years, her teaching, organisational, and disciplinary skills were assessed as 'Moderate to Tolerable', prompting an official caution to improve her performance. In response, she asked to be moved to a larger school, explaining that Kowen's small attendance was the reason she could not obtain better results. Unsurprisingly, she was informed that until she could successfully teach a small school, she would not be promoted. Although denied a move, Fannie gained some recompense shortly after when she was compensated for five months of underpaid salary.
Anarel Public School
In May 1890, as low attendances prompted consideration of closing Kowen school, Fannie was appointed to Anarel Public (near Tarana) where her next school inspection reflected favourably on her teaching skills. She then applied for leave to visit her parents but was advised to resign her position and apply for reemployment when she returned. She continued at Anarel until 31 January 1892, delaying her departure to 'avoid the English winter'. Her 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.]
Schools
- Kowen School
07/1887 - 05/1890