Christopher Robin Kindergarten, records and pictorial material, 1934-1946; 1970; 2016

MLMSS 10189

fonds

1934-1946; 1970; 2016

Graphic Materials, Photographs, Ephemera

1009257

0.16 metres of textual material (1 box) some files contain photographs and ephemera items - manuscript; printed; gelatin silver

The Christopher Robin Kindergarten and sub primary school was founded by Phyllis Simes and Patricia Donovan in 1934. An advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald announced the opening of the kindergarten on 5 February 1935. The school was first established in Hopewood House, Darling Point and had been operating there for several years when enrolments increased necessitating a move to Denholm estate. A prospectus indicates that the school caters to “children at the various stages of development” aged from five to ten years old. The kindergarten was relocated to the property Westbank, in Emu Plains, for a short period in the early 1940s when Sydney was under threat of Japanese attack.

Source:
Library correspondence file.

By descent through Phyllis Simes.

Scrapbook of original photographs, printed ephemera and newspaper articles concerning the Christopher Robin Kindergarten and Sub-Primary School at Hopewood House, Darling Point, 1934-1939. Includes an illustrated outfit list, fee lists, blank student report cards, school prospectus pamphlet, school concert programmes for “The tales of Pooh” at Radiotorium, 19 August 1944 and “Brown Sparrow’s Nest” at Radiotorium, 17 November 1945, and Notes for National Trust of Australia (NSW) house inspection of 28 Yarranabbe Road Darling Point, 1970. The news cuttings include articles about the kindergarten’s lavish end of year and Christmas party performances showing children dressed in costumes and the innovative teaching methods employed by the directors Phyllis Simes and Patricia Donovan.

Manuscript material including letter to Phyllis Simes from Alasdair Loch regarding the documentary 'City in the Sun' 11 November 1946, song sheet of carols and Christmas songs for the 1934 Christmas party, and Christopher Robin Kindergarten and Sub-Primary School, a brief history, 2016.

13 photographs mounted on A4 paper of images of children in class-rooms and play areas of the kindergarten. Some photographs have inscriptions and names on verso that are transcribed again below the image.

Out of copyright: Photographs - created before 1955
Copyright status:: In copyright - manuscripts
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales