Education DEAREST TEACHER Dearest teacher and best friend Once more I stand before you; And in my hand hold something That tells how we adore you. We thank you for the work you've done And know you have done your best In striving to bring to the front The School of South Freetown We all decreed that unto you A present we would give Just for the sake of memory To last you while you live. So we thought that an umbrella To put over your head in rainy weather, Would be just the gift For a lady like thee. So we gathered up our money Without more ado, And unto us the task has fallen To hand it over to you. Signed on behalf of your South Freetown pupils. This poem was written by the students of South Freetown School to Winnifred Cutcliffe who was their teacher in 1926-27. THE FIRST YEARS It is believed that a school was established in Bedeque previous to 1800. However, its history is difficult to trace. The course of studies is indicated by the fact that Schurmans store in Bedeque generally sold "one Bible and one Schooling" together. Teachers in those days often posed a problem. The majority were driven to their poorly paid tasks because they were unable to perform heavy manual labour. For this reason too, they often fell to the consolation of drink. An advertisement in the Royal Gazette of 4 August 1835, points to this: "Wanted for Bedeque district school a teacher of second or third (highest) class. None need offer who cannot produce testimonials of sobriety and good moral conduct. Apply to Joseph Pope Esq., Bedeque !' The first school in Bedeque was probably located somewhere near the former Leonard Schurman property, across the road from present day 's residence. To this school came students from Freetown , Centreville , Lower and North Bedeque . The teacher secured at the time was William Nelis , one time school master of Princetown . The Bedeque school, says the first report of John McNeil , district visitor of schools, was among the best on the Island. The pupils had "an extensive knowledge of the significance of words", Mr. Nelis stated. He left Bedeque in 1839 to take a first class teaching job in Charlottetown . In 1850 after age had overtaken him the Legislature granted him eight pounds so he could move to his friends in the United States. Teachers in those days taught a twelve month year for their board and twelve dollars a month. The teachers' contract generally called for half their salary to be paid in potatoes at one shilling a bushel with the remainder in oats, wheat and butter at market prices, and pork, beef and mutton at three cents a pound. Schools stayed open from nine to twelve in the morning, with a two hour dinner period in the summer, and an afternoon session from two to five. Heat in winter was provided by each scholar bringing a cord of wood per year. The school master moved from place to place in the district where he taught, and spent time at each home. The first school in Freetown is believed to have opened in Lower Freetown in 1848 with Donald Stewart as its teacher. It was probably located a little east and south of the present Lower Freetown Community Centre. It was in 1854 that the school in Upper Freetown was opened with Catherine Crawford as teacher. 87