WORK OF THE YEAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 169, 1 May 1935, Page 6

WORK OF THE YEAR

BOROUGH SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE.

EFFICIENCY WELL MAINTAINED

No annual meeting of householders lias been arranged by the Ashburton Borough School Committee hut it has prepared the following annual report lor publication in the “Guardian” and for presentation at a meeting of the committee this evening :

“We are pleased to inform parents that the school maintains its traditional high standard of efficiency.

“Committee —The committee consists of the following: Dr. J. Connor (chairman), Messrs W. C. J. Osman, A. L. Jones, W. G. Welch, W, H. Sarney, W. lv. Waters, L. W. Christmas, N. L. F. Wood and N. Milner. Duriiig the year the committee meetings were very well attended and members showed keen interest and enthusiasm in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the school. “Staff —After some delay Mr H. Colquhoun (Alexandra District High ISchool) was appointed headmaster owing to the resignation of Mr T. B. Haydon. Mr S. ,W. Gower (Tinwald School) was appointed first assistant owing to the transfer of Mr C. DFrancis to the- Tiniaru South School. There have been frequent changes in the junior division. The present staff is ah follows: Messrs H. Colquhoun (headmaster), S. AV. Gower, R. -• Young, R. L. Matthews, Mesdames Erickson and Hodgson, Misses Clark, Cowan, Lucas, Mason and Bell.

“A Glaring Injustice.” “Roll.—The present roll is 406, compared with 388 at the same time last year. To hold a6a grade, the average attendance must be 361 so the numbers are safe for this year. If the staffing of schools were made on average roll instead of on the ridiculously unjust system of average attendance, the school would again be a 6b grade We are pleased to report that the staffing of schools on roll number is being taken up enthusiastically by the Canterbury School Committees’ Association and there is a possibility of the glaring injustice being rectified “Health. —The health of the children is the first consideration oi the com mittee. The Departmental MedicM Officer visited the school dui mg U Year , and reported very favourably on the health of the children attending the school. The children are now receiving regular dental treatment, while several children are receiving milk durin" school hours. “Scholastic. - Smith Scholarships were awarded to Lynne Jackson and Robert Soutar, while Gwenda Caive and Robert Barnett won the dux med als. During the year the usual vi slt,fs of the inspectors and instructors have been made, and the reports were very (mod or excellent, especially the results of the proficiency examinations, pupils gaining proficiency certificates and three competency certificates out of a class of 55. “Sports No competitions for cups were held last year, but a number ot matches in football, cricket basketball and rounders were played Boiougli School entered four football teams, four basketball teams, two cricket teams, and two teams m the rounders competition. -The school successfully participated in ' the! County swimming and athletic sports, winning the Milsom Cup, girls’ banner, gills <rala cup, organised games relay, an d girls’ senior relay. AVe held our local swimming and athletic sports meetings and these were well attended by! parents. The girls’ championship was won by Pauline Eriksoii, and the boys’ championship by George Miles. The swimming championships were won by Cecil Osborne (boys) and Betty Holland (girls). “Library.—A sum of £lO has been spent on library books and Standards HI., IV., V. and AH. are well supplied with reading material. It is the intention of the committee to further improve the library so that the pupils will be given the opportunity to read and appreciate good literature.

Entertainments by Children. "Entertainments. —The school concert was most successful and the children gave a first-class programme, reflecting great credit on the work of the staff and the children. The breakup ceremony was held in St. Andrew’s Hall. An address was giyen by the Ven. Archdeacon A. J. Petrie, after which the prizes were presented by Mrs J. Connor. At the break-up a presentation was made to Mr Francis. Last month Standard VI. pupils gave a penny concert, and the sum of 23s was taken at the door. The children organised the concert and gave a pleasing entertainment.

"Improvements. —The school and surroundings have been kept in good repair during the,year. We were fortunate in again winning tlie Ashburton Advance Association’s garden competition. Several of the trees and shrubs have been named. The ceilings of several rooms have been renewed, while 1000 square yards of asphalting have been put down at the rear of the school. The new work has improved the grounds and will *be beneficial in winter time.

"Anzac Day.—Before the school broke up for the Easter holidays the children were assembled, and the headmaster gave an address on the meaning, importance andi sacredness oi the day. Flag salute was taken, and the National Anthem terminated an impressive ceremony. "Thanks. —In conclusion, the committee would like to compliment the headmaster and his staff on the excellent work of the school during the year and express appreciation of the cordial relations existing between the committee and staff. We wish to thank _ the ministers who; have undertaken Biblereading sessions, and the officers of both St. Andrew’s and St. Stephen’s churches for the use ol tlieir halls. W e wish to thank the newspapers for their valuable reports, and the caretaker (Mr Harper) for his efficient work and his willing help at all times.” .