The Auckland County Chronicle 25/12/1919 reports:
School presentations
At the Old Shildon Council School, on Thursday, Ex-Sergt. J.T. Goodwin, who served four years in France, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, was presented with his medal by Coun. A. Park (one of the school managers) on behalf of the War Office. Coun. G. Coates, also a school manager, presented to Mr. Goodwin (on behalf of the Roll of Honour Committee) a silver watch. Mr. Goodwin, in reply, said he was proud to belong to the teaching profession, who had responded so nobly to the call of their country. Mr. J. Ramsden, school attendance officer, then presented prizes for writing and drawing awarded by Messrs. Brooke Bond and Co. to G. Ayre, F. Kitching, W. Peart and J. Stephenson."