Penola High School’s first Principal Reuben Goldsworthy passed away recently, aged 97 years.

Mr Goldsworthy was appointed principal in 1962 and remained in the role until the end of 1964.

An award bearing his name is presented each year at the end of year presentation night.

The award is presented to the Year 12 student with the highest (university aggregate) score in the preceding year.

In 2022 the award was won by Aaron Zerk.

Some time ago, Mr Goldsworthy described his arrival to Penola and the time he spent there after moving with his wife Jannette and three children in 1962.

Mr Goldsworthy moved from Unley High School in Adelaide and was very surprised when, instead of going to an established school, the appointment was to a completely new one as the former area school was to be divided.

He was told there was no high school building and the secondary students were to remain on the area school site until the new school was built.

School buildings had to be provided in a hurry soon after World War II, when migrants arrived in droves.

When the family arrived in Penola, they soon found the house they were to occupy as a wooden shingle Housing Trust home on a large block covered with tall dry grass, except for the front area and the driveway.

The initial surprise was followed by shock when they entered the house as the electricity supply was not connected, the wood stove did not work, the rooms needed painting and the rain and bore water tanks had been disconnected.

This meant there was no drinking water, and the toilet could not be flushed.

Fortunately, the Redman family from Coonawarra helped by providing a family meal and they then stayed at a motel.

Some tradesmen were found and the house finally liveable.

Although these experiences were not favourable, the rest of the family’s time in Penola was enjoyable.

The new high school staff comprised four of the area school teachers, with the rest new to Penola.

Most were young and inexperienced, but they proved to be enthusiastic and capable.

There was also an experienced teacher in Harry Nimmo, who had just arrived from Scotland.

Initially the high school fund was started with a contribution from the Education Department of 100 pounds, in addition, the high school’s principal’s association provided an additional 50 pounds.

An interim school council was soon appointed, and not long afterwards one which complied with the full requirements of the Education Act was established.

A parents and friends association was also formed.

The new building was not due for completion until the middle of the following year, but there would not be much more on site than the building, a few bituminised paths and a similarly paved quadrangle.

Hence a considerable sum of money was needed for development of the school grounds and it would also be necessary to build a canteen, given the new school was no longer close to the shops.

A design for a uniform was made and approved and in no time students proudly wore them.

Further grounds development was required which included the provision of tennis and netball courts and the planting of a sports field.

To assist in the costs of the ground developments, the school council decided to ask for donations.

Unfortunately the response was abysmal.

Mr Goldsworthy suggested that a continental be held.

The council had never heard of such an event, and apparently neither had anyone else that lived in the district.

These events were generally held on a Friday evening on the local sporting arena.

Entertainment included athletic events and other competitions and displays.

There were also stalls that sold cakes, flowers, handicrafts, artwork, sweets, icecream and used books.

Often there was also a raffle.

Two continentals were held before the new school was completed.

Nearly all of the grounds development was done by volunteers, with many working bees held.

The first grounds development project was the establishment of a garden area in front of the school building.

Most of the ground’s development was completed by the end of 1964, and a contract had been let for the construction of the tennis and netball courts.

It was also exciting that a new principal’s residence was built and was ready for occupation.

Mr Goldsworthy was transferred to Kadina High school as principal at the start of 1965.