The recent reminiscences regarding beloved Globite suitcases and school experiences have struck a nostalgic chord among Australians. Readers have shared their memories of both cherished possessions and unique school anecdotes, bringing to life a time filled with creativity and discipline.
Globite Suitcases: Treasured Memories
Daniel Low of Pymble highlighted the sentimental value of the Globite suitcase in his family, stating, “My wife, as a child in kindergarten in 1951, rescued her older brother from bullies on the way home at Kirribilli, by beating them off with her trusty Globite. Bob is still grateful.”
Sue Casiglia from North Ryde echoed this sentiment, urging others to search local garage sales for these iconic suitcases. “I purchased one years ago in almost perfect condition for a few dollars, and it sits nostalgically among all my memorabilia. Priceless,” she noted, showcasing how these items have become cherished artifacts of childhood.
School Experiences: Punishments and Rewards
As the conversation shifted towards school experiences, Janita Rankin of North Dandalup, Western Australia, shared an amusing yet embarrassing memory from the late 1960s. She reminisced about the strict enforcement of uniform regulations, stating, “Our school uniforms could be no more than three inches above the knee. This was strictly enforced by the deputy head, who carried a ruler with her.” The consequences for infractions were memorable; she was sent to the sewing room to let the hem down, leaving her to wear an almost ankle-length uniform home on public transport.
Nola Tucker from Kiama recounted her experiences at a small primary school run by an elderly couple in the post-war era. “Mr. MacDonald taught 4th, 5th, and 6th classes in one room. Should a boy misbehave, he was lifted bodily from his seat and dragged to the girls’ side, made to sit between two girls, who then regarded the sobbing miscreant with disdain,” she recalled, illustrating the creative methods used to discipline students.
Not all memories were filled with strict discipline. Alex Springall from Westleigh shared a lighter experience from Miss McAuley’s kindergarten in the First Fairlight scout hall. “The only punishment I remember was being made to ‘sit on the box’ in the corner,” he said, highlighting the gentler side of school life. He noted that the location still operates as a pre-school today, prompting him to wonder if it holds the record for the longest continuously operating childcare centre on the same site.
Barry Lamb from Eastwood concluded the nostalgic reflections by focusing on the positive aspects of school life. He mentioned the simple joys of being rewarded for good behaviour, such as the honour of cleaning the board or receiving a Freddo Frog as a surprise prize from a teacher. “There was the honour of cleaning the board as a reward for an excellent answer, or ‘first finished’ or such,” he shared, demonstrating how small incentives left a lasting impact on students.
The memories shared by these individuals not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also highlight the diverse experiences that shaped their school days. These anecdotes serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of beloved possessions like the Globite suitcase and the unique ways schools addressed discipline and encouragement.
Readers are encouraged to send in their own stories and memories for future features. Contributions can be sent to [email protected], including name, suburb, and daytime phone number.
