According to an article titled “Public Schools’ Welcome” published in November of 1864, in attendance at said welcoming “was not alone the public school children, for some of the private schools were also well represented and the parents of the youngsters were out in force to see the proceedings.” The various citizens of Victoria that chose to attend this assembly listened to a speech given by the Governor-General. In his speech he illuminates what it exactly the public school system intended to do and teach the young minds of Victoria. He finishes his speech reminding the children in attendance that “we look to you as the hope of the future” and declares that “to make a good scholar demands […] attention, thought and also patience in the overcoming of obstacles on the part of the learner.”

He also reads the following poem aloud before concluding.

"Where are my great men coming from, 
The men to rule the state, 
When, this old century left behind,
We’ve passed the twentieth’s gate;
My brave, broad-hearted citizens, 
The strong, the good, the true?
You’re drifting now: rouse up my boys, 
They all must come from you!
Don’t let past glories be forgot, or patriotism die
Let every boy upon the roll
Shout, ‘Ready - here am I.’"

It is interesting that Governor-General chose to specifically address the boys with this poem instead of finding a more generalized poem regarding the values which were expected of the children of the twentieth century.

 

— “Public Schools’ Welcome.” The Daily Colonist, November 6, 1894.