A woman ahead of her time CAROLINE STOK, ARCHIVIST
A lifelong educator, Mabel Trumble was one of the first Preparatory School teachers when the school opened in 1921. Alongside Head of Preparatory School, Ken Nicolson, Miss Trumble led the growing group of students in their early years at the College, devoted to providing a rich educational experience. Miss Trumble came to the school after some years teaching in Melbourne. She was born in 1889 in Nhill to John William and Susan Trumble, the eldest daughter of six. Her father and his brother, Hugh Trumble, were Australian test cricketers, although her father later became a solicitor. Mabel’s brother, John Compson Trumble the eldest son, boarded at The Geelong College from 1905. By 1910, the family had relocated to Melbourne. Along with her glowing reputation in Melbourne kindergarten circles, Miss Trumble’s connection to the College may have also been a motivator for her being employed for the new Preparatory School in 1921. In its first year, the school included what was then Form III and IV with about 60 students (approximately ages 6 to 12). Miss Trumble was responsible for the younger cohort.
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An energetic teacher, Miss Trumble led the production of The Prep. News, a handwritten account of the life in the Preparatory School, a little brother to The Pegasus magazine. ‘Before the ‘break-up’ last term we gathered in front of the new building in which we have since passed many happy days and saw Paddy Chapman present Sir John MacFarland with the key to the G.C. Prep School. We are very proud of the school, for everything is so new and clean and we are going to keep it in the best condition. Lawns and hedges have been planted and Miss Trumble and the III Form have commenced to set out a garden.’ Miss Trumble’s untiring energy also extended to Preparatory School drama productions and inspiring committees of helpers. Its first production was
Cinderella in 1921. Other highlights include Alice in Wonderland (1923), Peter Pan (1924), The Wandering Minstrels (1927) and Water Babies (1928). The Pegasus reported that “the small boys admirably trained by Miss Trumble played an attractive part in the success of the dramatic entertainment held in the second term,” (December 1923). The Geelong Advertiser reported on an evening of entertainment at the Comunn na Feinne Hall provided by the boys of The Geelong College in 1927: ‘The programme opened with a musical playlet consisting of two acts
