| Administrative History | Ellon Parish and Savoch School Board, Aberdeenshire. Opened 10 Nov 1879 for 80 pupils
Head Teachers:
William Ferguson (from Newbattle Public School, Dalkeith) 10 Nov 1879 - 15 Aug 1890
James Clark, M.A. 2 Oct 1890 - 7 Aug 1896 (dismissed)
Mystery surrounds dismissal of Mr. Clark, head from July 1890 to April 1896.In March 1896 a Magic Lantern and Microscope were bought. In April 1896 he was informed he could not have a piano, his salary was forthwith decreased and he was dismissed! May, 1896 saw the start of protracted legal battles over his dismissal and salary. On 21st July he locked the school doors and would not let anyone in. The new head was appointed in the same month. On 21 Oct the Sheriff dismissed Mr Clark's case and it was reported that the Magic lantern and Microscope had gone missing. Clark did not pay his legal fees and was still haggling with the Board over salary payments in July 1897.
James Ironside, M.A. (to Tongue Public School) 2 Oct 1896 - 25 Oct 1901
Robert Cruickshank 23 Dec 1901 - 1 July 1921
Ian J. Simpson, M.A. (Interim) 23 Aug 1921 - 14 Oct 1921
John A. King (Interim) 17 Oct 1921 - 14 Feb 1922
Peter Calder Meek 15 Feb 1922 - 26 Apr 1926
J.W.S. Bews, M.A. 20 Aug 1926 - 29 Nov 1929
Alexander M. Graham, M.A. (to Udny Green School) 5 Dec 1929 - 30 June 1933
David D. Todd (to Laurencekirk J.S.School) 11 Sept 1933 - 18 Apr 1941
James Angus, M.A., A.T.S.C. (death - wife took over as interim) 21 Apr 1941 - 17 Sept 1943
Mrs. Angus 25 June 1943 -18 Feb 1944
Robert Leithead 21 Feb 1944 - 28 June 1946
Duncan Nicol, M.A. 26 Aug 1946 -
Extracts from Log Books:
1 April 1881 "Attendance very irregular for the last four month chiefly owing to the severity of the weather and in the inablilty of many parents to provide clothing sufficient to resist it"
17 June 1887 " Children photographed on Thursday during interval"
12 June 1896 "Fair work being done but "espirit de corps" awanting as all interest has been taken out of the Headmaster's work by the action of the School Board in dismissing him without assigning any reason. The quality of the work therefore is not as good as it otherwise might be owing to the mental anxiety of the Headmaster".
3 May 1904 " Several cases of absenteeism have occured within the past day or two, potato planting being the excuse given"
19 February 1907 "A school library of 200 volumes with handsome book-case has been presented to the school by Mr. J. Coats Jnr., Paisley. Maps of Scotland and also of Orkney and Shetland Islands - with a pointer have also been received from Mr. Coates."
3 September 1895 " School re-opened 43 present 63 absent"
30 June 1902 "Year ends today with 59 scholars on Roll".
25 April 1913 "The cause of sickness in Measles. Yesterday (Fast day) the Board advised the closing of School for three weeks...the epidemic has appeared in practically every household throughout the School district"
11 April 1922 Extract from memo from Director of Education dated 6 April 1922:
"I am to inform you that, in the interests of economy and the nation's finances, the authority have resolved to drop for one year meantime their Schemes for the supply of school prizes and School Library Books etc"
4 March 1938 Copy of H.M.Iinspector's Report:
"The new additions to the school were completed last November. These included a new classroom, which is equipped for instruction in domestic subjects, new cloakrooms, a staff room, shelter sheds and a central heating installation. The old classrooms...were redecorated and new and suitable furniture has been provided....The playground too has been resurfaced."
1 September 1939 "School closed. (Germay invades Poland)"
3 September 1939 "Britain declares war on Germany"
8 September 1939 "school closed this week - children being evacuated and billeted"
12 September 1939 "school reopens: Roll 61 Arnage Children (includes 3 privately billeted) and 28 Glasgow children from Balornock and Albert Schools"
6 October 1939 "The problem of finding clothes and boots for the Glasgow evacuees is still acute"
22 March 1940 "We are digging a piece of the grass sown down some years ago. This is in addition to the plots "Dig for Victory" "Grow more Food". These are the slogans for gardeners at present"
4 October 1940 "Windows were covered recently with lace treated with glue; this is to prevent glass splinters from flying"
26 October 1955 "Electrical supply switched on in this area and available for school. Premises not yet begun to be wired"
15 November 1955 "Electricians made a start today to wire the school and schoolhouses for electricity: this after the Grid has been at the door since 1938"
17 January 1956 "Electricity switched on in the School"
Oct 1912 - Alterations to school
Dec 1913 -School let for Cinematograph showing
Feb 1914 -Warning signs placed outside gates for motorists. |