From the archives - Influenza, Infantile Paralysis and Corona Virus - periods of closure at OGHS.

Mrs J Smallfield —

As staff and students continue to adapt to distance learning while we are in lock-down, it is timely to look at other occasions in the school's history when the school has been forced to close due to pandemics or epidemics. On 13 November 1918, by order of the Health Officer, Otago Girls' High School for forced to close as a result of the influenza epidemic sweeping the globe. Sadly by this date the school had lost a much loved pupil due to influenza. Christie Monica Aldosthe, born in 1900, of 68 Main Road, North East Valley, started at Otago Girls' on 5 February 1915, and sadly died of influenza on 8 November 1918. Tragically her death notice indicated that she was the fifth and only surviving child of her parents. 

On the 19 November 1918 the Otago Education Board notified all schools under their jurisdiction that Public Schools were closed for the year for the summer holidays until further notice.This closing date was nearly a month earlier than the usual end of year finishing time. As a result of the closure the Otago Girls' prize-giving was cancelled and public examinations were delayed. The school prizes were not distributed until a gathering in the school hall on 3 February 1919. Move forward to 1948 when further health issues impacted on the school. On the 8 December that year the school was forced to close due to the Infantile Paralysis or Polio epidemic, and the opening of the school was postponed until 1 March 1948. For the three weeks prior to reopening the girls had had their lessons by correspondence. A Foundation Day Service had been held on 8 February 1948 but there were no girls present.

Ex-girl Nancy Morgan (née Williamson), who attended Otago Girls' from 1948-1951, recently sent her memories of this time to me. She wrote:

The 1948 closure because of the Polio epidemic happened as I was about to commence High School. I remember Musselburgh School being closing in December 1947, and we kids thinking, “Oh freedom!” 

I lived in Queen’s Drive, Musselburgh, five minutes from St Kilda beach. On summer days many hours were spent there and we thought that would be what happened again. But,no! The beach was not an option as Polio or Infantile Paralysis, as it was more commonly known in those days, was considered to be airborne! There had been small closures of schools prior to this long one. Indeed, I went through primary school with a girl who sat in a large wheel chair because she had caught Polio as a small girl! So the commencing of High School late, was met with a mixed reception.

We were, as with this Covid 19 virus, told to keep within family groupings. School was closed but if I remember correctly only schools! Shops, businesses etc. continued to operate. We were not allowed to go in them though! As an only child I would have been very isolated and lonely. Remember, no TV, cell phones, or computers in 1948!

We were allowed to go for walks with family members only. My two best friends lived next door and I remember two palings being removed from the adjoining fence so that we could come and go through the fence, which, I might add, was right next to the public footpath!! I guess our parents must have discussed this? Each afternoon we were taken for a boring walk; no beach, no playgrounds, no school!

I remember my High school uniform hanging in the wardrobe, with hat, gloves, tie and school bag close by. Yes, note the hat and gloves mentioned! We were given detentions if seen on the street without those two fashion items! I digress.

I vaguely remember lessons being posted to us (what a huge task that must have been for the staff). We had new subjects such as Science, French, and Maths. I don’t remember doing much learning and when we did eventually return to school I am sure we all went back, nearly to the beginning.

High School for me, was a happy place. During my four years there, I learned much. The teachers were excellent and knowledgeable. Hockey and tennis being to the forefront. It was there with Chase Clark as music mistress I first conducted our Form 3T, in the inter form choir contest; probably badly, but it led to me conducting choirs for many years after! It opened my eyes to the fact that I would like to become a teacher and that the opportunities to do so were available.

During my early years as a teacher Polio injections were given to each school pupil. I well remember trying to decide whether to put the bravest pupils first in line, thinking that maybe the rest would follow their brave example! Or, should the most afraid go first so that they didn’t have to wait so long? What I did I can’t remember? Soon after the injections came the Salk liquid and that has proved to be wonderful with it being available to every child. Polio was a very nasty debilitating disease, as is Covid19. We hope and pray that a vaccine will soon be available to all.

I continued with my teaching career for about thirty four years and have absolutely no regrets about my choice. I was privileged to teach in New Zealand mostly, but also in the USA and Scotland, learning much in each place.

So, as OGHS approaches its 150th Anniversary, and, as I will now be one of oldest ex pupils I say, “Thank you Girls’ High”, you gave me a great start in life as I am sure you continue to do for the girls of today.
Arohanui

Move on to 2020 and the school is now in its third period of prolonged closure due to a pandemic. However teachers and students are connected, the teaching and the learning continues, and we look forward to all being back together at school in the near future.