This picture of the staff at Spittal Council School was taken prior to 1914. The headmaster was Mr Borthwick (centre). Robert Cooper Clements (bottom left) joined the school staff in January 1909. He was employed as an Assistant Master and to take charge of teaching Art throughout the school. Robert was a popular member of staff who took an active part in school activities. In December 1911, he designed and painted the set for a concert and operetta given by the children. He was also singled out for his dedication in the school’s HMI report for September 1912 – “Composition is the subject in which the Headmaster’s ideals have been most nearly realised, and in good classes such as the VIth standard [Mr Clements] – which is in the hands of a very capable teacher – much good work is being done. This teacher deserves praise for the enthusiasm which he shows in all subjects and especially in Drill and Drawing….”

Robert remained at the school until July 1915 when the school log book records – “Mr Clements informed the Headmaster that he had joined the 7th N.F and would be leaving on Monday