| Description | 31/1/1898-12/5/1898
D Anderson to Thomas Hector Esq Ferryhill Public School 25/4/1898
Letter discussing Miss Mary Crombie who was a student teacher who failed to gain admission to Training College. Suggests that there would be a role at the infant class of the school as an assistant
John C Anderson to Thomas Hector Esq Ferryhill Evening School 23/3/1898
Letter enclosing forms for the City and Guilds exam. One of the Millinery candidates is Miss Emslie who is the teacher of the class.
James Allan to Thomas Hector Esq Rosemount Public School 4/3/1898
Report on Condition of Children attending school - “I have to report that the pupils under my charge, without exception, seem to be exceedingly well cared for.”
Thomas Hector to J D Anderson Esq Ferryhill School 24/2/1898
Letter notifying the school that Miss Jeannie Reid has been appointed to the school as a candidate Pupil Teacher for trial.
J D Anderson to School Board Ferryhill Public School 1/3/1898
Letter complaining of the standard of discipline in the Infant department of the school and reporting that when he had appeared on the scene of confusion and uproar at the dismissal of the infant class, he had been met by abusive impertinence from the Infant Mistress.
Agnes Macaulay Brown to Gordon J Murray High School 16/3/1898
Letter applying for any vacancy in the High School arising from the resignation of Miss Bulloch. Includes summary of qualifications and teaching experience.
Lizzie Combe to Thomas Hector Esq High School 21/3/1898
Letter applying for promotion to the vacant post caused by the resignation of Miss Bulloch. Includes summary of teaching experience.
Helen Clarke to Thomas Hector Esq High School for Girls 26/2/1898
Letter requesting a salary increase and containing a very detailed list of duties as a teacher in this school.
John Clarke to Thomas Hector Esq Aberdeen Grammar School 5/5/1898
Letter of resignation since Mr Clarke has been appointed as a Lecturer in Education at the University. Attached is a suggested plan for leaving work which avoids any disruption to classes preparing for examinations.
C S Copland to Thomas Hector Esq Westfield Public School 23/4/1898
Letter complaining about the poor condition of their dwelling house which the Board had previously refused to repair.
C S Copland to Thomas Hector Esq Westfield Public School 20/4/1898
Letter requesting eight quarto exercise books for teachers’ use to record all work done by the class, with the results, to comply with a new article in the code.
A Cruickshank to Thomas Hector Esq Marywell St Public School 21/4/1898
Letter of recommendation for Miss Booth, a former pupil teacher at the school.
A Cruickshank to Thomas Hector Esq Marywell Street Public School 1/4/1898
Letter reporting that Miss Mary Wilson, Pupil Teacher, has left the school as she sails for South Africa soon.
A Cruickshank to Thomas Hector Esq Marywell Street Public School 19/3/1898
Letter requesting review of salary and detailing seniority and experience as well as comparing salary of this post to other schools in the area.
Duncan Clarke to Thomas Hector Esq Central Evening School 22/2/1898
Letter with suggested syllabus for Intermediate Certificate
Annabella Cumming to Mr Hector St Paul Street Public School 28/3/1898
Letter stating that she passed the certificate examination in July 1896 and enclosing the certificate.
M E Croll to Thomas Hector Esq 21/3/1898
Letter discussing the dilemma of Miss Nellie Scott of Garthdee who was teaching in a temporary role in Blairgowrie but was hoping for a permanent appointment in Aberdeen.
Duncan Clarke to Mr Hector Central Evening School 13/3/1898
Letter discussing arrangements to coordinate examinations in Evening Schools in the city.
John F Cruickshank to Thomas Hector Esq Marywell St Public School 14/3/1898
Letter discussing the use of Affleck Street Hall as a classroom for cookery
James Campbell to Thomas Hector Esq Walker Road Public School 11/2/1898
Letter raising concerns about rising pupil numbers in the Standard IV classes
James Campbell to Thomas Hector Esq Walker Road Public School 15/2/1898
Letter following communication of 12th February with supporting evidence on class sizes in Ordinary Subjects and Drawing and showing that the class sizes are not practical for the teaching staff or the accommodation.
Lizzie Duncan to Thomas Hector Esq 29/3/1898
Letter stating that she has passed her first year’s papers for the Government Certificate but was unable to take the second year’s papers due to ill health
G F Duthie to School Board Woodside Public School 13/4/1898
Letter discussing excess numbers of infants in Miss Third’s division (now 118 with room for not more than 75 so that a section are sitting on the floor).
G F Duthie to Mr R Boyd Finlayson Woodside Public School 31/3/1898
Letter regarding pay sheets and mentioning Miss Isa Troup who is at present absent under Medical Certificate.
G F Duthie to Thomas Hector Esq Woodside Public School 21/2/1898
Letter describing overcrowding in the school – gymnasium has capacity for 95 but 187 pupils using the room. Two other rooms have 149 pupils but capacity for 103.
G F Duthie to School Board Woodside Public School 1/3/1898
Letter stating that the school cannot carry out the Board’s proposals for changing in staffing – details of excessive class sizes and several of the teaching staff who have been absent through ill health which is attributed to the stress of work.
G F Duthie to School Board Woodside Public School 14/3/1898
Memorandum regarding movements of staff -Miss Reith, Miss Duthie, and Miss Fraser who is teaching in Kincardine O’Neil but who has refused a permanent appointment there so that she can return to Woodside when required.
G F Duthie to School Board Woodside Public School 14/3/1898
Memorandum seeking advice on what to do about a child who has been absent from school with ringworm and whose mother states that he is now better but Mr Duthie cannot re-admit the child without a medical certificate and the mother cannot afford the 2/6d that this would cost.
G F Duthie to Thomas Hector Esq Woodside Public School 2/2/1898
Memorandum reminding Mr Hector that the teacher of Std IV (Girls) has 98 girls in her class and no assistant.
To the School Board of the Burgh of Aberdeen 1898
Memorandum from seven graduate teachers to the School Board regarding a different pay scale which applied to graduate teachers at the time of their recruitment but which has since been changed. Signed by: David Christie MA; George Fulton BA; WB King MA; RM Littlejohn MA; Thomas Miller MA; Frank M Robb MA; Robert CG Rose MA.
Alexander Forbes to Thomas Hector Esq Skene Street Public School 3/5/1898
Letter discussing several staff absences through ill health and the effect that this is having on other staff.
James Findlay to Thomas Hector Esq St Clement St Public School 28/3/1898
Letter stating that he cannot implement the instructions from the Board without reducing the school’s roll to 421 pupils and that not implementing the instructions will lead to loss of grant.
Alexander Forbes to Thomas Hector Esq Skene St Public School 25/3/1898
Letter querying the instructions which had been received regarding overcrowding and pointing out that complying with these may lead to loss of grant.
Annie O Fraser to Mr Hector Kincardine O’Neil School 9/2/1898
Letter regarding temporary post at the school (see also letters from GF Duthie at Woodside School).
Alexander Forbes to Thomas Hector Esq Skene St Public School 3/2/1898
Memorandum enclosing a copy of a letter to Mr Thain, father of pupil James Thain who had been punished for copying and inattention in class. His father and a friend had turned up at the school, Mr Thain carrying a horsewhip and looking for the class teacher Mr Cameron. The head teacher had to forcibly remove Mr Thain from the school.
Alexander Forbes to Thomas Hector Esq Skene St Public School 2/2/1898
Letter responding to a complaint from Mr Thain about his child being severely punished at school. (see also letter of 3rd February)
Alexander Forbes to Thomas Hector Esq Skene Street Public School 4/2/1898
Note listing the objects taught to Infant classes in 1897 (e.g. A penny, Orange, Dog …)
A Green to Thomas Hector Esq Skene Square Public School 9/5/1898
Letter requesting that Miss Jeannie Gill be transferred to the school early to replace Miss Jeannie Taylor, a pupil teacher who was unwell with Scarlet Fever and so would be absent for six weeks.
Georgina P Grassick to T Hector Esq High School for Girls 18/3/1898
Letter stating “I am desirous of an increase of Salary” and goes on to detail history of employment as Second Governess on the Music Staff. Current salary was £75 and marginal note indicates that it was raised to £104.
Thomas Hector to Alexander Green Esq Skene Square School 5/5/1898
Letter requesting information on what hours and what days of the week, Musical Drill is taught in the school. Mr Green has replied on the reverse with details.
Janet Gordon to School Board Ashley Road School 22/3/1898
Letter requesting an increase of salary and detailing work for the Board since 1879
Mary C Ganson to T Hector Esq Commerce St School 3/3/1898
Letter asking for an increase in salary since she has been in post as an Infant Mistress for 17 years, paid £100 per year and this has been fixed for ten years. Although the number of pupils is at least 100 greater than the capacity of the school, her pay grade is set by the official capacity of the school.
A Green to Thomas Hector Esq Skene Square Public School 14/3/1898
Letter informing the Board of the death of a teacher – Miss Susan Dinnie and giving details of her illness.
Gustav Hein to The High Schools Committee High School for Girls 6/5/1898
Letter applying for an increase in salary and outlining his duties as a teacher of German at the High School for Girls. (Herr Hein taught in Aberdeen for many years but was later persecuted for his nationality during the Boer war and the First World War)
Thomas Hector to TC Hynd King Street School 5/5/1898
Letter requesting information on what hours and what days of the week, Musical Drill is taught in the school. Mr Hynd has replied on the same page with details.
William Hendry to Mr Finlayson Causwayend Evening School 14/3/1898
Letter requesting that they push through an order for laths because several of the boys are anxious to have a jumping competition before the end of school.
James Hector to School Board School of Design 2/3/1898
Letter with details of classes to be held on Saturdays and the fees for those classes.
William Hendry to Thomas Hector Esq Causewayend Evening School 16/2/1898
Letter requesting support for a Cinematograph Entertainment at the end of term and enclosing a quotation from Walker & Company Booksellers and Lantern Opticians who quoted three guineas for an artistic and edifying exhibition.
James Hector to School Board School of Design 11/2/1898
Letter explaining classes in Practical Plane and Solid Geometry and stating that there are 69 students on the roll.
Thomas C Hynd to Thomas Hector Esq King Street Public School 4/2/1898
Letter objecting to the transfer of Miss Milne from King Street to Central School.
Margaret J Jackson to Mr Hector Ashley Road School 28/2/1898
Letter requesting transfer from St Clement Street school to Ashley road since it would be closer to home in Ferryhill.
Jane Johnston to Mr Hector Rubislaw Public School 20/4/1898
Letter requesting increase in salary and pointing out that the current salary was based on a class size of 95 but she now has 140 pupils.
W A Keys to Members of the School Board Central School 1898
Letter requesting an increase in salary as teacher of Science at the Central School. Letter details duties of the post and mentions exam results which are significantly better than the UK average.
DB Lothian to Thomas Hector Esq King Street Evening School 18/4/1898
Letter enclosing reports on Ernest J Simpson a pupil in the school for the information of the Superintendent of Telegraphs
David B Lothian to The School Board King Street Public School 30/3/1898
Letter requesting increase in salary (from £170 to £200) and comparing his position to teachers in other, smaller schools
George Low to The Treasurer Grammar School 23/2/1898
Letter regarding nonpayment of Day School fees for William Low
James Mitchell to Thomas Hector Esq 1898
Letter requesting repayment for a model beam engine which Mr Mitchell had purchased for the “Steam and Applied Mechanics” classes.
James Mitchell to Thomas Hector Esq 4/4/1898
Letter discussing Applied Mechanics and Steam classes, the lack of permanent accommodation and the attendance of pupils are discussed.
John McBain to School Board High School for Girls 31/3/1898
Letter describing changes to the school curriculum, introducing subjects which “keep more in view the qualifications of pupils for home duties”. Document showing changes to fee structure and class sizes enclosed.
John McKenzie to School Board Holburn Street Public School 11/5/1898
Letter on behalf of Head Teachers requesting changes to the Bursaries and Free Scholarships competitions at the Grammar School. The examinations include History and not all of the Board’s schools teach history at Std V level and so some students are disadvantaged.
John McBain to School Board High School for Girls 28/4/1898
Note giving numbers of pupils in Latin classes
John McBain to Mr Murray High School for Girls 4/4/1898
Letter noting how former pupils of the school are progressing at Aberdeen University
Sarah McLeod to Mr Hector Hanover St Public School 5/5/1898
Letter requesting consideration of salary as Infant Mistress mentioning the degree of overcrowding in the school and quoting from excellent reports from the Inspectors of Schools
John McKenzie to School Board Holburn Street Public School 16/3/1898
Critical report on the work of Miss Annand (“not at all suited for Public School work”)
John McBain to School Board High School for Girls 25/4/1898
Letter discussing proposed changes in allocation of teachers to subjects taught in the school.
William D McLean to Mr Hector Hanover Street Public School 29/4/1898
Letter reporting that the attendance is down to 339 – between 130 and 140 pupils absent due to the Whooping Cough epidemic.
William D McLean to Mr Hector Hanover Street Public School 15/4/1898
Letter reporting pupils are to be dismissed at 12:45 – 115 pupils absent due to Whooping Couch epidemic and “most of those who have come are miserably wet”
George M MacKay to Thomas Hector Esq Broomhill School 10/3/1898
Letter requesting support for an increase in salary and outlining the financial situation of his family. Formal letter to the Board enclosed.
John McKenzie to Thomas Hector Esq Head Teachers Association 3/2/1898
Letter comparing the salaries paid to teachers in Aberdeen to those in other parts of the country.
John Peters to Thomas Hector Esq 28/2/1898
Letter discussing pupils attending Trade Arithmetic and Mensuration classes who cannot sit the Arithmetic exams because of a difference in syllabus.
John Peter to Thomas Hector Esq Porthill Public School 21/2/1898
Letter recommending the purchase of Circle model drawing tables
Annie Pearson to Mr Finlayson Broomhill School 12/4/1898
Letter reminding Mr Finlayson that when salaries are reviewed she is entitled to £65 rather than £60 because she possesses a first class certificate in Society of Arts English.
Helen A Pirie to School Board King Street School 18/4/1898
Letter requesting that she be allowed to remain in the Board’s employment as an ex-Pupil Teacher since she was 61st in the order of merit for applications to the Training College.
John Peter to Thomas Hector Esq Porthill Public School 18/3/1898
Letter applying for an increase of salary and comparing the school to others in Aberdeen. Also includes details of career and notes that “the majority of the children who attend this school are poorly fed, poorly clad and very irregular in their attendance”
James Cope to Mr Hector Ashley Road School 11/2/1898
Letter of complaint that Mr James Hector has been appointed to teach subjects formerly taught by Mr Cope and that he feels belittled in the eyes of the Ashley Road staff.
William Robertson to School Board Rubislaw Public School 23/3/1898
Letter discussing accommodation problems in the school and difficulties in meeting the requirements of the Inspectors (“a swarm of 50 to 55 infants have to leave the room”).
James Rose to Thomas Hector Esq Causewayend Public School 15/4/1898
Letter requesting an additional row of desks for Room 10 and detailing pupil numbers – during drawing lessons some pupils have to draw on their knees. Note added that adding ten desks would cost £3 10/-
James Rose to Thomas Hector Esq Causewayend Public School 31/3/1898
Letter discussing problems arising from Standard VI having to use the same room as used for teaching Cookery – disruption to other classes when they move between rooms, preparation going on during lessons and cooking and gas smells from the stove leading to the teacher complaining of headaches.
William Robertson to School Board Rubislaw Public School 18/3/1898
Letter applying for an increase in salary and noting that if he was still a Second Master, he would be able to earn an additional £20 to £30 from evening classes but as a Headmaster he cannot do this.
RCE Rose to the School Board 23/3/1898
Letter submitting resignation as a teacher following the finding of the committee of enquiry. Contains a plea for reconsideration and encloses letters of support from Baillie Lyon and his head teacher. He has been accused of immoral conduct and pleads for one last chance to redeem himself and continue in employment.
HF Morland Simpson to Rev Gordon Murray Aberdeen Grammar School 16/3/1898
Letter responding to a complaint from Thomas Lawrence that his 8-year-old son does not have time to walk home to Ferryhill for lunch and back to school within the one hour break.
H F Morland Simpson to Mr Hector Aberdeen Grammar School 8/2/1898
Letter laying out the arguments for an extension to the school
J S Shea to Thomas Hector Esq St Paul Street Public School 11/5/1898
Report on a candidate Pupil Teacher Mary Henderson which praises her but criticises her memory, reasoning skills and judgement. “She has a glassied, excitable style about her which simply paralyses the children”. Letter also mentions Frances Abernethy who is a “first rate girl”.
H F Morland Simpson to Mr Hector Aberdeen Grammar School 6/5/1898
Letter discussing arrangements for the Free Scholarship and the Anderson examinations and requesting that staff who have to put in additional work for these exams be given additional remuneration since the numbers of applicants has risen very considerably.
H F Morland Simpson to School Board Aberdeen Grammar School 17/4/1898
Letter discussing reallocation of teachers to classes following the appointment of Mr Clarke to a a post at the University. Discusses the qualifications, salaries, skills and weaknesses of staff members; names mentioned are Mr Philip, Mr Brownie, Mr Charles Davidson, Mr Herd and Mr Edward. Also discusses the anomalous position of the lady teachers Miss Mackie and Miss Adam and supports an increase in their salaries.
H F Morland Simpson to School Board Aberdeen Grammar School 20/4/1898
Letter in support of a salary increase for Mr C Macleod which details his work and his commitment to his job.
J S Skea to Thomas Hector Esq St Paul St Public School 25/4/1898
Letter requesting a replacement for Miss Jane Kidd who was absent due to “facial paralysis” – Miss E McKessar and Miss L Gillespie also mentioned.
H F Morland Simpson to School Board Aberdeen Grammar School 4/5/1898
Memorandum regarding reduction of fees due to frequent sickness absence for J Stewart Macconachie.
Joan Shand to Mr Hector King Street Public School 25/3/1898
Letter requesting promotion and detailing current duties and experience.
H F Morland Simpson to Mr Hector Aberdeen Grammar School 14/3/1898
Letter discussing the appointment of William Tawse as Laboratory Boy at a salary of six shillings a week.
H F Morland Simpson to School Board Aberdeen Grammar School 23/4/1898
Memorandum regarding reduction of fees for Douglas Porter in IIB who was absent for seven weeks due to scarlet fever.
H F Morland Simpson to Mr Hector Aberdeen Grammar School 27/4/1898
Letter regarding fees for James Davidson who was absent through sickness for six weeks
J B Spalding to Thomas Hector Esq York Street Public School 28/4/1898
“The morning being so wet, the children are in a pitiable condition and as many of them have been suffering with colds I intend to dismiss with one attendance.”
J S Shea to Thomas Hector Esq St Paul Street Public School 2/3/1898
Letter requesting that the salaries committee reconsider salaries of teachers in the school since they are lower than other schools of similar size. Goes on to state that attendance has risen from 714 in October to 935 and she expects that the school will soon be full.
J B Spalding to Thomas Hector Esq York Street Public School 26/2/1898
Letter supporting the promotion of Miss Watson teacher of Standard V class.
J S Skea to Thomas Hector Esq St Paul Street Public School 18/3/1898
Letter regarding Miss Dickson who it had been proposed to move elsewhere. Miss Skea cannot spare her at all since she is “in charge of our baby room which is filling up every week and to let her go now would cause such a disarrangement”
H F Morland Simpson to School Board Aberdeen Grammar School 4/3/1898
Note of the numbers of pupils of ages 13 to 19 and over divided by year – 254 total
J B Spalding to Thomas Hector Esq York Street Public School 21/2/1898
Letter praising Miss Russell who was sent as a temporary assistant but who he requests be put on the permanent staff.
P Smart to Thomas Hector Esq Frederick Street Public School 28/2/1898
Letter requesting that Cecilia Sinclair and Hannah Bruce be appointed as probationary Pupil Teachers at once.
P Smart to T Hector Esq Frederick Street Public School 2/2/1898
Letter regarding overcrowding in the school and the use of additional rooms in other buildings.
H F Morland Simpson to Thomas Hector Aberdeen Grammar School 7/2/1898
Memorandum about Free Scholars –
William Grant is present in IIIA, not a free scholar
Ernest Watt left without notice June 1896 for Engineering as I heard
Alexander Allan left April 28th, 1897, removed by his parents for dishonesty at home.
H F Morland Simpson to Mr Hector Aberdeen Grammar School 7/2/1898
Letter requesting that Illustriente Welt, a weekly German paper be ordered for the school
Alexnia B Wilson to Thomas Hector Esq Girls High School 23/3/1898
Application for vacant teaching post includes details of work experience and qualifications.
A G Wallace to T Hector Esq Central Public School 4/4/1898
Letter with details of 1897 Scholarship results for the school.
R W Watson to Thomas Hector Esq Broomhill Public School 25/2/1898
Letter with enclosure indicating that classrooms for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Standard classes are full. Also contains unrelated statement “I am sorry that the Committee should have any doubts as to the truth of my statement about the girl Sophia Rose. I have no other reason to give.”
Mary Wilson to Thomas Hector Esq Marywell Street School 28/2/1898
Letter requesting to be relieved of duty since she will be leaving for South Africa in April.
A G Wallace to Thomas Hector Esq Central Public School 3/2/1898
Letter discussing the shortage of teachers at the school whose pupil numbers have risen from 349 to 456. Roles of several teachers is discussed and he praises the French teacher M. Christen and suggests that he be given additional hours. |