In the valley of Bilambil
Over seventy years ago
I and my two sisters
To the village school did go
I remember the first time I went to school
How frightened I was on that day
But as I had two older sisters there
Decided I wouldn’t run away.
We didn’t have far to walk to school
As we lived on what’s called Ross’s farm
As walking with my two sisters each day
I didn’t come to any harm.

 

 

My mother had taught me quite a few things
To count, to read and to spell
So during my lessons I found it quite easy
To learn what the teacher did tell.
I remember on Arbour Day we all went
To the bush up the hill from the school
And on our way back as the day was hot
Two pupils jumped into a pool.
They got into trouble cause they had been told
Not to do such a stupid thing
But like children all over they thought it a joke
Till teacher’s wrath on their heads they did bring.

My youngest sister started here as well
For the first years of her education
Then we moved away for several years
But came back later at fate’s dictation.
My two other sisters also went to school there
Being younger by several years.
My son also started his schooling there
Then we moved on mid quite a few tears.
Now when I pass through the valley
And see all those buildings everywhere
I’m amazed at the progress made over the years
Since I started my schooling there.