My old primary school in Sydney recently celebrated its centenary. The commemorative book brought to light the early history of the place, the most striking to me being the poverty of the community at the time (it's now very much a properous "middle class" area). So much so that one of the early Teachers (the first I think) supplied EVERYTHING - his travel costs to get there from the UK, the text books, slates and even fruit for students as I recall. The local community's budget only extended to the construction of the single room school building and his wages.

Nothing's changed hey - teaching's always been a labour of love.

stales