Wayne Connelly continues his family’s service to public education in NSW. Between him, his dad Hilary (top right) and grandfather Maurice (bottom right) they have 100 years continuous service.

100 years continuous service

By Kerri Carr

September 11 marked 100 years continuous service to public education by the Connelly family.

Hilary Connelly said his father, Maurice Connelly, started teaching on September 11, 1907 at Dry Lake and Grass Hut schools on £85 a year.

Hilary explained these were half-time schools where his dad would teach at one school for a week or two, close it and go on to the other for the next week or so and so on.

"He taught in small schools all his career," Hilary said.

In fact, Maurice taught Hilary all through primary school.

Maurice Connelly retired from teaching in December 1948, the same year Hilary started teaching at Merriwa Primary School.

"In those times, in the country, jobs were not plentiful and there wasn't a lot of variety.

"Becoming a school teacher was secure. Once you start teaching you just get hooked," Hilary said.

"It's an experience, an adventure and satisfying."

"You won't get rich," he added.

Hilary retired from teaching in 1989 from Cundletown Primary School in Taree.

Hilary's son Wayne Connelly started teaching at Jerilderie Public School in 1976.

"I was around schools all my life. It was a natural progression [to become a teacher]," Wayne said.

He is now principal at Gunnedah South Public School.

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September 2007 contents