100 years ago in December 1924, children of the Infants’ Department of Penrith’s District School had a very enjoyable time at the Nepean Picture Theatre when the annual Christmas Tree was held. A large number of children under the care of Miss Smith the mistress of the department had assembled at the theatre at 2pm with many adults who were interested spectators of the proceedings. Mr T Jones President of the Parents and Citizens’ Association presided. Principal of the school Mr J Kendall gave a nice address to the children and wished them the compliments of the season. The children rendered the song “Merry Christmas” and the carol “Away in a Manger” and then they danced around the tree after which Santa Clause entered and addressed them. The song “Jingle Bells” was rendered and gifts were distributed all to the delight of the children. Break up at the St Marys public school was celebrated by the holding of a Christmas Tree in the Protestant Hall. There was a good attendance of parents and children. The children were seated around the tree and rendered some items. Santa Clause, who perhaps knew something about the duties of Mayor, presented the gifts. To the Headmaster Mr Pye he handed a dressing case from the boys and girls who passed the Permit-to-Enrol Examination. Mr Pye returned thanks and said that the presentation was a great surprise as he did not expect anything of the kind as he had only been with them for twelve months. He hoped to re-visit St Marys and hoped to find that the boys and girls had made good progress. The children were regaled with ginger beer, cakes etc made by the parents who were treated to an afternoon tea.  Also a School Concert was given by the public-school children of St Marys in aid of the Christmas Tree fund and was a great success. There was a large attendance and a very enjoyable programme was rendered. The following were the items: Pianoforte duet from Olga Dollin and Jean Morrison, chorus “Oft in the Stilly Night” from the Bonior girls, Maypole dances from infant girls, dialogue “A Teacher’s Trials” Melva Moore and Will Timmins, action songs “The Old Clock” and “Mr Bee”, junior girls recitation “Mother”, Minnie Halle’s action song “The Golden  Boat”, 4th class girls flower dialogue and dance, 3rd class girls action songs “Dainty Lady Snowdrop” and “Good night”, infants instrumental trio of Olga, Max and Jack action song “Mr. Baggy Breeches “(encored),  junior girls dialogue “After the  Circus”, Wilson and Viney skipping rope dance, Lorna Matthews, Grace Joiner and Clarice Luke solo “Lambie Love” (encored), Jean Morrison’s laughing song “The Chinaman”, Seniors recitation “Aunt Tabitha”, Melva Moore’s folk dances “Jump Jim Crow” and “Clap Dance”, senior girls character chorus “The Road to Anywhere” (encored), senior boys chorus “Evening Song” (encored), Mr Haydon played the accompaniment. The decoration of the hall was well carried out by Miss Beacroft and Miss Parkin. The Mayor Alderman T W Brooker presided and during the interval referred to the fact that headmaster Mr Pye was leaving St Marys and on behalf of the citizens he expressed regret at Mr Pye’s departure and paid a tribute to the success of his pupils at the Permit-to-Enrol Examination. He thanked the accompanist and decorators and Mr Haining for loading the maypole for the children’s dance. Mr Pye in responding said that he had been helped considerably by one of the best staffs in NSW and by the Parents and Citizens’ Association. The company sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Follow” then sweets were sold during the interval and with the sale of tickets etc., brought the receipts up to £13/13s. All of the items were well rendered and the performance was particularly creditable in view of the fact that the children had not had much time to practice seeing that the Permit-to-Enrol Examination was held only recently and the organisation was in the hands of the teachers. The members of the Society wish you and your loved ones all the best for Christmas and the New Year. We will be opening on Saturday 1st February 2025 and hope to see you then.

Source:- Nepean Times Saturday 13 December 1924 page 4 and 5.