Information Booklet

Principal’s Message

At Meadowbank students thrive in a caring environment that focuses on their individual needs and the skills required for lifelong learning.

There is a clear focus of teaching and learning, in particular in the areas of literacy, numeracy and student welfare. From youngest to eldest, all Meadowbank students are given opportunities to develop their leadership qualities. This is done through our student representative council, leadership program, buddy classes and peer support groups.

Our students participate in a range of activities that enable them to develop confidence as well as diverse interests and skills. Our well resourced school with computers and SMART Boards in every classroom ensures that all students are catered for in a rewarding and quality learning environment.

A unique feature of Meadowbank is its Friendship Tree. This beautiful, shady tree is a place where students are encouraged to meet, talk and develop friendships.

Our hard working and highly committed staff is focused on providing a happy, safe and secure environment where students are encouraged to achieve quality educational outcomes and theirfull individual potential.

There is a strong collaborative partnership that exists between home and school. Parents participate in a wide range of activities both inside and outside classrooms. There is a high level of parent and community support and participation in the school. A band of hard working parents enhance the opportunities in programs such as orchestra, music lessons and class assistance.

This shared responsibility ensures a dynamic learning community for our students.

We welcome your involvement within our school community. I look forward to working with you, and hope that every year at Meadowbank is happy and productive for your child.

Jenni Cope

Principal

Purpose

At Meadowbank we:

· strive for quality education

· nurture the development of each student

· provide a stimulating environment which motivates and challenges students to develop intellectually, creatively, emotionally and physically

· promote a strong sense of community where students, staff and parents share

· provide a happy and safe environment built on mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation where students feel confident and secure

· assist students to experience a sense of self worth and personal achievement

· foster a culture of learning and a commitment to life-long learning

We encourage students to “seek the truth” in all their educational experiences.

General Information

All general enquires can be made at the school office in the Administration Building in Thistle Street.

Address: Thistle Street

Ryde NSW 2112

Phone: 9809 3648

Fax: 9807 2121

Website: www.meadowbank-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Email: Meadowbank-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Principal: Jenni Cope

Assistant Principals: Vanessa Roach

Sitinder Bahia

School Administration: Dianne Erickson

LeeAnne Sironen

School Times:

Hours: 9.00am – 3.00pm

Recess: 11.00am – 11.30am

Lunch: 1.00pm – 1.45pm

Our school is officially open from 8.30 am each morning. Students should not be at school before this time unless taking part in supervised activities.

Before and After Care

Meadowbank Multipurpose Learning Centre provides Before, After and Vacation Care on site. It also runs a pre-school. For bookings and enquires please contact:

Meadowbank Multipurpose Learning Centre on 9808 2692.

Before and After School Care, is provided at Meadowbank School, for Meadowbank students between the hours: 7am - 9am and 3.15pm – 6pm.

Holiday Care is available on an occasional or full-time basis, from 7am – 6pm

Preschool

The preschool (Early Childhood Learning Centre) in Meadowbank School grounds provides excellent programs for 2-5 year olds.

Uniform

Uniform shop (at the canteen) is open Thursday mornings 8.45 am – 9.15 am.

At Meadowbank we encourage all students to proudly wear their uniform. The school hat is to be worn all year.

School uniforms, including hats and bags, are available for purchase from the school uniform shop. The uniform shop is run by volunteers from our P and C and is open Thursday mornings 8.45 am – 9.15 am. Orders can also be left at our office and will be filled when the volunteer parents come in on the Thursday. (Please note no Eftpos is available for uniform orders).

Summer Uniform

Boys: Grey shorts, grey polo shirt (school emblem), grey socks, black shoes

Girls: Meadowbank - green check school dress, white socks, black shoes

Both: Bottle green: jumper, cardigan, sloppy joe or jacket, school hat

Winter Uniform

Boys: Long grey trousers, grey polo shirt, skivvy: grey, socks, black shoes

Girls: Meadowbank green tartan pinafore dress or bottle green slacks, blouse or

skivvy: white or bottle green. Tights: black or bottle green or white socks, black shoes

Both: Bottle green tracksuits may be worn at any time by both boys and girls.

White or bottle green skivvy, blouse or shirt

Bottle green: fleecy jacket/jumper

Sports Uniform

Boys: Summer: bottle green shorts.

Winter: bottle green tracksuit

Girls: Summer: bottle green pleated skirt or bottle green shorts

Winter: bottle green tracksuit

Both: Meadowbank sports shirt with school

Emblem, white socks, white or black sneakers.

Hats: Bucket, wide brimmed or legionnaire

Preloved items are also available at very reasonable prices.

Parents are encouraged to help in the uniform shop to continue this very important service for the students and parents/carers. All uniform shop workers are volunteers.

Communication

High quality communication is vital in ensuring that we provide a quality learning environment for your child. We seek to keep you informed in the following ways:

· Weekly Newsletters

· Parent Teacher Meetings and interviews

· P and C Meetings

· School committees

· Parent helpers

· School functions

· Our school web page:

www.meadowbank-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Newsletter

Each Tuesday Meadowbank Matters, our newsletter, is distributed. The newsletter is an essential communication as it keeps you informed about upcoming school events, parent committee reports, P & C information, community news, excursion information and permission notes. Please read it carefully and support those activities advertised in it. If this newsletter does not arrive home on a Tuesday a copy can be collected from the school office or newsletters are also posted on our website. You can also ask our office to email the newsletter to you.

Emergency Information Form

A School Emergency Information Form is issued at the commencement of each year or at the time of enrolment. These forms are essential for effective administration and speedy parent contact in case of emergency. Parents are asked to complete all sections of the form. Please notify the school office at any time when address or phone numbers change.

Court Orders

Parents are obliged to notify the Principal of any court order concerning a child enrolled at Meadowbank. This information is treated in strict confidence.

Parent/ teacher Communication

Early in Term 1, a Parent/Teacher evening is held. During this evening the classroom teachers outline their expectations for the year, explain routines and make initial contact with parents.

Each term class teachers distribute a class information sheet that outlines teaching focuses for that term. These are also included on our school website.

Half Yearly and Yearly Reports

Written reports outlining your child's progress are sent home at the end of Term 2 and Term 4.

Parent / teacher Interviews

Interviews are held in conjunction with the half yearly report with the class teacher, parent and child.

From time to time you may wish to:

· Discuss the progress or welfare your child

· Express concern about actions of other students

· Enquire about school policy or practice

· Express general concerns

If you wish to meet with classroom teachers, Assistant Principals, Support Teachers, School Counsellor or Principal it is best to make an appointment through our office.

Please note that Staff Meetings are held on Tuesday mornings 8.15 – 9 am and every second Friday so teachers are not usually available during these times.

The following procedures may assist you.

Concern	Appropriate Action
The academic progress of your child	Make an appointment with your child’s teacher either by note, by phone, or in person to arrange a suitable time to discuss any issues.
The welfare of your child	For minor issues directly contact your child’s teacher to clarify information. For more serious concerns, contact the office, state nature of concern and arrange a suitable time to talk with class teacher or appropriate staff member.
Actions of other students	Contact the class teacher for a classroom concern. Contact Assistant Principal or Principal for playground matters.
School policy or practice	Contact the office. State the nature of concern and make an appointment to see the Principal or appropriate member of staff.
Actions of a staff member	Contact the office and state concerns to the Principal. Arrange to meet directly with the Principal and staff member concerned.

School Office

Money Collections

All money brought to school for payment of school fees, excursions, book club, etc. should be sealed in an envelope with child's name, class and purpose clearly written on the front and returned to the post box by the staff room door.

Cheques, payable to Meadowbank Public School, are the most secure way to send money. One cheque can be sent for all family members and combined on one note, saving time both for the parent and office staff. Eftpos is also available. Receipts are issued for all payments. Please check your child’s bags as these are usually returned on a Tuesday.

Invoices

Early in Term 1 parents receive a letter requesting payment for workbooks that students will use for the year. The voluntary contribution is also requested at this time. It is requested that these are paid not later than the end of Term 1.

Voluntary contribution

At the start of the year, to help enhance educational and sporting programs for our students, we seek the payment of a voluntary contribution. Currently our Voluntary School Contributions are: $40.00 per student or $80.00 a family.

Excursions

We organise excursions throughout the year to enhance what the children are learning in the classroom.

There is a cost for these. Incursions are events that happen in the school, such as a performance that also enhance student learning. Both excursions and incursions are carefully planned and they support classroom learning.

Additional activities

There may be additional costs if your child is involved in extra activities, such as excursions, sporting activities that require travel to other schools, or instrument hire if playing in the school band.

Financial assistance

If you are having any difficulty with the costs of schooling, please ring the school to make an appointment with the principal to discuss your situation.

All financial discussions and details will be kept strictly confidential by your school. The Student Assistance Scheme can help eligible families.

Education Tax Refund

The Education Tax Refund was introduced in 2008 by the Federal Government. If you receive the Family Tax Benefit you may be entitled to claim a tax refund of up to 50% off eligible expenses for your child’s education during the income year for things such as stationery, computers, printers, internet and educational software, etc. For further information see www.ato.gov.au.

Lost Property

Please label ALL property including clothing, so that lost items can be returned to your child. Cloth labels are superior as pen markings wear off after regular washing.

All unnamed lost property is placed in the basket at the bottom of the stairs in the main building. Lost property will be displayed at regular intervals and is given to Stewart House at the end of each term.

Change of Address/ contact details

Please notify our office in writing of any change of address or home, work or mobile telephone number. Please also remember to notify us of any changes to your contact details or to the contact details of other people nominated as emergency contacts.

Visitors to the School

All visitors to the school who are either contracted or volunteering should report first to the front office where they are to sign the visitor’s book. This precaution ensures the security of school and personal property as well as the safety of students and staff.

Medical

We welcome information from parents about your child's health, even if you are not requesting specific support from our school. Our school asks for medical information when you enrol your child.

It is also important that you let us know if your child’s health care needs change or if a new health condition develops.

Information about allergies, medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes and other health care related issues (including prior conditions such as medical procedures in the last 12 months) should be provided to the school by parents.

Please provide this information in writing to the principal. This will greatly assist us to support your child’s health and wellbeing.

Please DO NOT send your child to school if sick or not fully recovered from an illness.

Medications

Parents are encouraged to request G.P. prescription medication that can be taken out of school hours. However, if it is necessary for students to take medication at school a note must be sent outlining dosage and time the medication is to be taken. An indemnity form (available from our office or website) must also be provided if medications are to be given at school. Medications should be handed at the office with the correct documentation. No medications are to be left in school bags.

Accident /Illness

The teachers on duty will make an initial assessment of illness or injury. In case of serious injury, when medical attention is considered necessary, parents will be notified immediately. If parents are unavailable, the Principal will ensure that medical attention is secured according to parental instructions as recorded in school files.

Immunisation

Children should be immunised before coming to school. Immunisation is available from your family doctor or from the local council. Parents are required to provide documented evidence of a child’s immunisation status on enrolment in schools. Parents have the right of not having their children immunised. However, under the

Public Health (Amendment) Act 1992, in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease, unimmunised children will be required to remain at home for the duration of the outbreak.

Head Lice

Most parents of school-age children should be aware that head lice have become an increasing problem in Australia. The constant itching and scratching that head lice cause, unsettle children and interrupt their concentration. Parents are asked to attend to an outbreak of head lice immediately by checking and treating your child’s hair, hats and bed clothes.

Advice from NSW Health indicates that there is no need for students to be sent home or excluded from school because of head lice. We therefore rely on parental vigilance to assist with this problem. Notes are sent home when an outbreak occurs.

Infectious Common Childhood Diseases

Parents are reminded that students with infectious diseases should not be sent to school until the required number of days has elapsed.

Disease	Exclusion from school	Contacts
Measles	5 days from appearance of rash.	Not excluded
German Measles (Rubella)	7 days from appearance of rash.	Not excluded
Mumps	14 days from onset of swelling.	Not excluded
Chickenpox	Until all lesions are dry.	Not excluded
Head Lice (Pediculosis)	Must have received treatment.
Conjunctivitis	Until discharge from eyes ceases.
Whooping Cough	Until all evidence of disease disappears, no whoop and medical certificate produced.
Infectious Hepatitis	On subsidence of symptoms or on medical certificate of recovery.
Scarlet Fever	7 days after symptoms subside.	Not excluded
Ringworm	When all evidence of disease disappears or with medical certificate stating that lesions are inactive. Ringworm of scalp after 7 days if hat/cap with washable lining is worn constantly. Ringworm of body after 7 days treatment if patches covered with clean bandage.
Impetigo	Allowed to return if all sores are covered with clean dressing.

School Organisation

Attendance

·Regular and prompt attendance is required by law for all children 6 years and over.

· Children are expected to arrive at school by 9 am to commence lessons each day.

· The school playground is supervised by teachers from 8.30 am only. Therefore students should not be at school before 8.30 am. Before and After School Care Centre is available outside school hours if supervision is required.

· Children who arrive late for school or leave school early are to report to the administration office with a parent/guardian to obtain a late note fromthe office which is to be presented to the class teacher. Parents seeking to take their children from school before 3.00pm must obtain a note from the office prior to collecting their child from the classroom or playground.

Absences

Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure the regular school attendance of their children aged between 6 and 15 years. Attendance is monitored by Home School Liaison Officers of the Department of Education and Training.

Whenever students are absent from school, a written explanation upon the child's return is required. When more than one family member is involved one note for all family members is sufficient, stating the children’s names and classes and reason for absence. This explanation is recorded in the class roll/s and the letter is filed.

Doctor’s certificates are not mandatory but may be submitted for any absence.

Should children be absent from school for a lengthy period of time with a severe illness the school should be notified immediately. If the child is to participate in an extended holiday, where possible this should be advised in advance.

Dismissal

All children are dismissed at 3.00pm each afternoon. Once dismissed in the afternoon students are required to go straight to waiting parents. No playing anywhere in the playground is permitted at this time. If walking home independently it is expected each child will then follow the most direct route home.

Religious Instruction (Scripture)

Scripture is taught every Tuesday by visiting Religious Instructors (Catholic and Protestant).

Sun Protection

All students are expected to wear a school hat. Students without hats will be directed to play in shaded areas. School Policy is: NO HAT , STUDENTS PLAY IN THE SHADE.

Parent Involvement

Volunteer assistance in school learning programs such as reading, maths programs, library or canteen are always in demand. Not only is this help invaluable to the school, but also it is a great source of pride to the children of the parents/ carers concerned. Parents/carers who are doing volunteer work in our school will be asked to complete a Child Protection Declaration form which is available from the office.

School Development Days

A School Development Day is generally held the first day of Terms: 1, 2 and 3. Topics relate to pupil welfare, curriculum implementation or the professional development of staff. Parents are encouraged to find alternate supervisory/care arrangements for their child for these days during the year.

Student Welfare

Student Welfare embraces all aspects of schooling for every student at Meadowbank Public School.

We aim to promote positive interactions between students, teachers and parents to ensure that all students thrive in a safe and happy school environment.

Our school rules are simple and easy to remember. Students are encouraged to:

· Make Meadowbank Matter:

· Be safe

· Be respectful

· Be responsible

Our Friendship Tree is a place where students can go to and a friend will come and play and talk with them if they are feeling lonely.

Good Effort Cards

Good Effort Cards are given to students for positive behaviour, good work and improvement. When a child receives 5 Good Effort Cards they then receive a Gold Star Certificate.

Principal’s Morning Tea

Once a child has three Gold Certificates they are eligible to attend a Principal’s Morning Tea, held once per term. Parents are also invited to attend Principal’s Morning Tea with their child.

Awards

Awards commending children's attainment and effort for academic, sporting, creative and citizenship areas are presented at each weekly assembly.

Discipline

Disciplinary measures include a range of actions appropriate to the age and stage of development of the student and the context and severity of the offence. These measures need to be seen by students as reasonable consequences of irresponsible behaviour.

Students are encouraged to develop self-discipline by accepting responsibility for their own behaviour. Disciplinary measures can include:

· child separated from peers whilst still under direct supervision

· child required to carry out a task / instruction

in the desired manner

· withdrawal of privileges / free time

· child given a yellow card/ detention

· writing a letter of apology to the person concerned

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Each semester, two representatives from each class; Years 2-6 are elected to form the Student Representative Council. School Captains and Vice Captains are members of the council for the whole year. The council meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on such matters as school policy, rules, special events etc.

School Counsellor

School counsellors are experienced teachers who have a degree in psychology and post-graduate qualifications in school counselling. They work with students of all ages, and their families. School counsellors work with students, parents or carers and teachers in a variety of ways.
Their work includes:

· counselling students

· assisting parents or carers to make informed decisions about their child's education

· assessing students' learning and behaviour

· assisting schools to identify and address disabilities that affect students' learning

· liaising with other agencies concerned with the well-being of students.

The School Counsellor attends Meadowbank one day a fortnight. Parents may make an appointment with the School Counsellor through the school office.

The School Curriculum

Key Learning Areas (KLAs)

Children at Meadowbank are provided with learning opportunities in the following Key Learning areas:

English

The aim of the English K-6 Syllabus is to encourage positive attitudes towards learning English, to develop students' ability in Talking, Listening, Reading, Writing, Spelling, Handwriting, Literature,Grammar so that they can use language effectively.

Mathematics

Mathematics in Years K-6 is aimed at developing students' mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in applying mathematics in problem-solving situations and to promote their enjoyment and appreciation of mathematics.

Science and Technology

Science and Technology involves investigating, designing and making and is aimed at developing students' competence, confidence and responsibility in their interactions with science and technology leading to an enriched view of themselves, society, the environment and the future;

Human Society and It’s Environment

The aim of Human Society and Its Environment in Years K-6 is to develop in students the values and attitudes, skills, and knowledge and understanding that:

· enhance their sense of personal, community, national and global identity;

· enable them to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment.

Creative and Practical Arts

Creative Arts in Years K-6 is designed to enable students to gain increasing understanding and accomplishment in the visual arts, music, drama and dance and for students to appreciate the meanings and values that each of the art forms offer personally, culturally and as forms of communication.

Health, Physical Education and Personal Development

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Syllabus develops in each student the knowledge and understanding, skills and values and attitudes needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives.

Computer Technology

A fully equipped computer room and interactive whiteboards in all classrooms provide students with the opportunity to develop skills to succeed in technology.

Sport

All students are placed into sport houses named after prominent sports people.

Thorpe -Blue

Freeman - Red

Sauvage -Yellow

Students have PE sessions that focus on skill development and fundamental movement skills once a week. K-2 have sport once a week. Year 3 -6 have sport on Friday and can elect to try out for PSSA (Primary Schools Sports Association) sport. The students in these teams represent Meadowbank in an interschool competition.

Our annual Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals are held during the year.

An Intensive swimming program is offered in Term 1 for students in Years 2 – 6. One term each year student participate in Gymnastics or dance lessons.

Students wear sports uniform on their dedicated sports/fitness/PE days.

Enrichment Programs

Choir

Students from Years 3 – 6 are invited to join our school choir. Students can audition to become a member of the school choir. The choir performs at a variety of venues both within the school and the wider community. This includes official school and community functions as well as major concerts for example the Ryde Spectacular held at the Sydney Opera House.

Orchestra

An orchestra has been established for interested students in Years K-6. Students participate in both individual and group lessons during school hours and rehearsals are held before school. Our Orchestra performs at school functions and at various external events throughout the year including performing at the Opera House.

E.S.L. (English as a Second Language)

Children who regularly speak a language other than English may require extra lessons in English. A specialist teacher conducts these lessons during class time or works alongside the classroom teacher in the regular classroom.

Learning Support

The Support Teacher Learning (STL) assists teachers in catering for those students in regular classes who are experiencing difficulties in literacy/numeracy. The support teacher assists in identification of specific needs of students and designing appropriate programs to assist with improving learning outcomes. It is funded jointly by the Department of Education and Training, the P&C and the school.

Life Education

All children at Meadowbank attend Life Education classes, about healthy lifestyles. Lessons are conducted in the Life Education Van by a trained educational presenter.

Excursions

Excursions suited to the age group and learning program are arranged by classroom teachers as enrichment to the core curriculum. All excursions have the prior knowledge and approval of the Principal.

Permission notes requiring a parent/carer signature are sent home in advance. Payment for excursions should be sent to the office in a sealed envelope with the appropriate consent form fully completed by the due date. Students are encouraged to accept responsibility by returning money envelopes to the posting box by the staff room door.

Library

The library is seen as the central resource of the school. Library lessons are held each Monday and Tuesday. All classes have allocated library times. Fiction and non-fiction books are available.

Children are encouraged to borrow and return books on their allocated days. A library bag must be used to borrow books. Library bags are presented to new students as a welcome on arrival to Meadowbank and can also be purchased from the office.

Keyboard Music Classes

Keyboard classes are held in the Library after school on Tuesdays. Classes are conducted by Aria Music. Keyboards are provided for the session. Please contact Aria Music on 8006-4377.

Scripture

Religious Education classes are timetabled for Tuesdays at 9.30am. Parents are asked to indicate which Scripture class they would prefer their child to attend. Religious Education classes are provided for Protestant, Catholic or non scripture.

Parent and Community Involvement

Education is most effective when it is seen as a responsibility shared between the home and the school. Research shows that student achievement in all areas is greatly enhanced by parent participation. Parents are encouraged to participate where possible.

At Meadowbank we aim to:

·maintain effective communication between home and school

· involve all parents in the planning and operation of the school

· build a positive image of the school in the community

· enrich the resources available to the school by drawing upon those of the community

Meadowbank welcomes and provides opportunities for parents to help and participate in classroom activities.

Parents’ and Citizens’ Association (P & C)

Our P and C meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Library or Staffroom.

Our P and C:

· Provides a medium for communication

· Raises funds for the school

· Supports the school by providing better facilities and services for all students

· Provides avenues for parents to become involved in shared decision making

To be a financial member of the P&C, be eligible to vote at meetings and to elect the members of the executive an annual fee of $2.00 per parent is payable. This fee is due before the first P&C meeting at the beginning of the school year.

Canteen

OurCanteen is open five days a week for lunch The P and C employs a canteen manager who is assisted by parents who work on voluntary basis. The purpose of our Canteen is to provide the students with a fresh, healthy lunch at a reasonable price. A price list and menu is sent home at the beginning during each term and is also posted on our website.

To Order: On a brown paper bag list: (1) student's name, (2) class, (3) lunch order. Money is put in the bag which is placed in the basket at the canteen by 9.00 am. Parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer and work in our canteen. If you are interested contact Maree Forrest Canteen Manager.

Starting Kindergarten

· What to bring: Lunch should be placed in a plastic lunch box and recess / morning tea in a paper bag. Both should be clearly marked with your child’s name. Please provide only a piece of fruit or a few biscuits or cheese stick etc for morning tea, as time is limited.

· School Bag: In many instances in the first few days of getting used to school, this bag becomes a security blanket, so should be easily identifiable. You can attach a sticker, ribbon, or small toy to the bag to help your child identify it.

· School Shoes: Shoes should be bought a few weeks before school starts to get your child used to them. Make sure that both shoes are clearly named, as shoes are occasionally taken off at school.

· Raincoats: It is preferable that children have a raincoat with a hood attached. Umbrellas are very dangerous for small children to use at school and are therefore discouraged.

· Your teacher will let you know of any other materials that are needed in the first week of school.

· In the first few months of school your child has many adjustments to make, such as making new friends, learning new routines and being away from mum and dad or carers. Children take varying degrees of time to settle in, so please be patient but always speak to the teacher if you have any questions or concerns about your child.

A History of our school

Meadowbank School is in the Ryde District. The original school was officially opened as an Infants School in 1950, and increased to a Primary School in 1952. The brick buildings which now comprise the school were officially opened by the Minister for Education, The Hon. E.A. Willis, B.A.,M.L.A., on 26th April, 1974. Our classes are named after notable people in Ryde’s early history.

BIDGEE:An Aboriginal man from Kissing Point. Bidgee was one of three Aboriginal guides who accompanied a European punitive expedition to the Hawkesbury. Bidgee was also described as the “Chief” of the “Kissing Point Tribe”.

BOWDEN:Thomas Bowden had been master of the Great Queen Street Charity School in London, and was recommended to take charge of a charity school in Sydney. He accepted the offer of an annual salary of one hundred pounds and took charge of the school at Ryde in 1812. He was the highest paid teacher in the colony, and also developed various business interests. As well as his extensive educational work, Bowden also crusaded for Methodism. He lived at “Addington”.

BRADLEY:James Bradley was born circa 1765. He was charged with stealing a “white handkerchief with a purple border of the value of two shillings” and was tried on 29th June 1785 at the Old Bailey and sentenced to seven years transportation. He was on the Scarborough with the First Fleet. Following arrival in Sydney Cove James Bradley suffered 25 lashes for insolence on 23rd February 1789. At Parramatta on 12th August 1792, he married Sarah Barnes a third fleet convict. He became a successful farmer, able by 1806 to support his wife, six children and one convict. He died on 16th February 1838 aged 73 years and is buried at St Anne’s Ryde.

SHEPHERD:James Shepherd arrived in 1795, and married one of the first women pioneers, Ann Thorn, and built up a prosperous orchard area, stretching from Parkes St. to the Parramatta River. James Shepherd’s family became one of the prominent families in the life of the settlement. He was a devout churchman, and the Methodist SS was founded by his son, James, in 1822. “Thorn Cottage” was one of the early homes of the area. Isaac was a son of James Shepherd, and was one of Ryde’s leading citizens. He was a leader in trying to set progress in motion in the area, and was a member of parliament for the area from 1860-1864. Shepherd played a leading role in the establishment of the first Ryde Public School, and gave land for the first police station (Watch House). Shepherd was a wealthy man, who built a large home at Meadowbank, called “Hellenie”. In 1870, he laid the foundation stone of the Methodist Church.

SQUIRE:James Squire was transported in the first fleet as a convict, but was given a conditional pardon and a 30acre grant of land at Kissing Point, where he arrived in 1795. He acquired the farms of fifteen other people, to become the largest landholder in Ryde. He was a prominent, enterprising farmer and businessman, and prospered from the sale of ale, which he made at his brewery. He was friendly towards the natives and befriended the Aboriginal, Bennelong, who had been trained by Governor Phillip. Squire gave Bennelong work, and when he died, Bennelong was buried in Squire’s orchard. James Squire Farnell, Squire’s grandson became a Premier of N.S.W.

THORN:Ann Thorn came to Eastern Farms in 1794. She had survived a gruelling passage to Sydney aboard the Surprise, and was given a 20 acre land grant. Her property, Thorn Farm was to the east of what is now Bowden Street. In 1795, she married James Shepherd, and that union produced many notable descendants within the district. She died in 1861.

WHITTON:John Whitton was the chief engineer of the NSW Railway 1857 – 1890. The railway bridge over the Parramatta River at Ryde was named after him as he organised the construction. John Whitton was known as the Father of the N.S.W. railways. There is a bust of him at Central Railway Station, Sydney.