Imagine a book with a gilded cover filled with boundless pages brimming with history, milestones, vibrant colours and glorious pictures.
By Kelly Carmody
Now imagine a book that reflects about six decades of magical memories from St Georges Road Primary School — a book that could only be authored by a single individual.
In this case, it’s the book of Margaret Stothart, the devoted school librarian.
Margaret is a cherished member of the school’s community who was a student in the 1950s, a devoted parent in the ’70s and ’80s, and currently takes on various invaluable roles around the school.
Margaret’s unwavering ties embody the very soul of the school’s rich legacy, and there isn’t much she doesn’t remember about the years that have passed.
“I started Prep in 1955, and my sister Shirley was already a student. We have many nostalgic memories of this wonderful school,” Margaret said.
“It was a very positive place as a child; there were always fun activities, and everyone just got along, learned to read, and write — life was pretty good.
“I was one of those kids who was always ready to head to school every day — I loved it.”
Sports, music, and theatre were among Margaret’s favourite school activities.
However, she said maypole dancing was something she will never forget.
“Oh, it was so much fun,” she said.
“Every year, we would have a whole school celebration where school families, neighbours and people from the South Shepparton community would come together for an event.
“There would be a big BBQ, and us girls would all dance around the maypole with colourful ribbons.
“They were great times — how lucky I was.”
Margaret’s childhood memories still light her up with joy, and when it comes to memories, she said every memory she has of the school was as wonderful as the first.
Her ‘give everything a go’ attitude is admired by many, and today, there is still not one day that she doesn’t love walking through the school gates.
“My role is so varied, and I am always doing a bit of everything which I love,” she said.
“From photography, helping arrange trades that come into the school and groundsmen to keep the yards tidy and, of course, the beautiful library.
“I love reading, I love when the kids borrow — reading is essential.
“I have also been the OHS officer and even done safety checks. I am a lady of many hats, which makes it all so interesting.”
Margaret’s passions are evident alongside other teachers and staff at the school.
They stand beside and for the students, hoping their growth is enjoyable.
“When I was at school, teachers were always trying to make our experiences great, and the same thing still happens within the school today,” she said.
“There is a real sense of team environment here and everyone cares about the students so much.
“It’s a fantastic school where everyone is willing to help others — I am so lucky to have been a part of it for so long.
“I am part of the furniture, fit as a fiddle, and there is no reason to stop yet.
“Part of my job is to help spread cheer, and I have plenty more cheer to spread.”