Curio

State Library of New South Wales
The School Magazine, vol. 1 no. 1, 1 February 1916

The School Magazine, vol. 1 no. 1, 1 February 1916

The School Magazine, vol. 1 no. 1, 1 February 1916

Printed paper 

Department of Education (NSW), Sydney 428.605/2


In February 1916 the New South Wales Department of Education published the first issue of The School Magazine – a monthly literary publication for primary school students. Launched during wartime, the magazine’s intention was to give students regular access to short stories, poems, drawings, songs and history lessons, at a time when many children did not have books of their own. Now in its 101st year, the treasured School Magazine has longfeatured celebrated authors and illustrators, including Ruth Park and May Gibbs. 


The School Magazine’s history has not been without controversy. In 1977, Editor Lilith Norman and Assistant Editor Joanne Horniman were temporarily suspended whilst investigation of an ‘incident’ was underway – the magazine had published an article stating facts about drug use, which had caused a furore amongst some members of the community. 


‘And whence come all these treasures? The editors write some of the articles specially for you, and search everywhere for what will give you pleasure and perhaps a little wisdom too. What they provide is handed to the Government Printer, whose work is done in a big building which some of you may have seen. He hopes you will like the type and the pictures. They cost is borne by the Government out of money contributed by the people. Thus you see how many are helping to give you this Magazine. You will sometimes think of them and be thankful.’ 

The School Magazine, part 2, February 1, 1916, p 2. 


In its first issue, The School Magazine contained two parts – a junior version for class three and a more senior version for classes four and five. The current format of the School Magazine contains four versions: Countdown, Blast Off, Orbit and Touchdown.


The magazine’s first editor was Doris Chadwick, who worked at the magazine from 1922 to 1959. Despite being the magazine’s only staff member until 1949, Chadwick was only given the title of Assistant Editor. In 1949 she was upgraded to Editor, upon the commencement of Noreen Shelley as Assistant Editor. 


In 1916, The School Magazine was a free publication sent out to all New South Wales primary schools. From 1993 it became a subscription-based service, accompanied by curriculum linked teaching guides and lesson plans. The magazine is now subscribed to by schools in all Australian states and territories.


The School Magazine has published the works of dozens of well-known Australian authors and illustrators, many of whom got their first paid writing job with the magazine. Authors include Ruth Park, Robin Klein and Nan Hunt, and illustrators May Gibbs, Pixie O’Harris and Sheila Hawkins. Many contributors, such as Pamela Allen, both wrote and illustrated for the magazine.