[James Gutierrez]

Walking to school​

Do you remember those days of strolling to school with your pals and classmates? You'd pack up your homework from the night before, tuck your lunch into your school bag, and make sure your pencil case and books were all set. Some kids hopped on the bus, others pedalled away on their bikes, while a lucky few got chauffeured by their parents.

Image credit: State Library of SA

Back then, having a car, let alone two, was a rarity in families. Coming back home from school was just a replay of the morning adventures—whether it was walking, busing, or biking. And sometimes, the journey back involved a sweet detour to the lolly shop, trading bus fare for a treat. Oh, how times have changed, but those memories still warm the heart.

What other memories from your school days do you remember? Share them with us here!

 

[oldchook58]

At this time of year I have memories of walking to school. I had to walk 2-3 kilometers to primary school and in winter I remember crunching through the frosty grass leaving footprints. It was freezing cold for a skinny kid. Coming home was really cold but at least the frost had melted. I survived many cold winters!

 

[Nettles]

Yep ! I remember leaving home in the dark to walk to school. Rain hail or shine. We would have to take our coats off and drape them over the big radiators around the class. If the snow was particularly deep, our shoes and socks would have to come off as well. We would carry another pair of socks and ' slipperettes' to wear in class. Quite often it would be dark by the time we got back home again, at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Our kids and Grandkids don't know how lucky they are.

 

[Liz]

Yes I remember walking to school, quite a distance in surbubia up a narrow track with your friends. There was no thought of stranger danger back then. There were no buses and our parents certainly didn't drive us to primary school. It was only when we got to high school, that we got the bus to the city and then a trolley bus up to the school, those were the days.

 

[Rick62]

Hi All, seeing those girls walking to school with there little cases brought back memories of the day my sister started her very first day with her little case as well, she was wearing her red with white dots on her dress and a white hat with flared rim, I still have that photo and it’s in colour now she’s running a resort in Kalbarri with a degree in accounting……..Rick 62

 

[oldchook58]

I had a small brown case like the girls in the photo. It was fairly well made with the corner protectors.