SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 98, 6 February 1936, Page 10

SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

ASHBURTON EAST DISTRICT. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE. The Ashburton East School Committee met last evening, Mr W. S. Kerr presiding. Advice was received from the Canterbury Education Board that the matter of repairs to plaster, guttering, and the provision of a new pair of double gates had been attended to. The establishment of a special class for backward children had been referred to the senior inspector for a report. Mr H. Money, on behalf of the Visiting Committee, reported on the cutting of the school fence and mowing the grass. The headmaster's report stated that the year closed with a roll of 451. On the opening day of this year the roll stood at 463. and yesterday was 474. Of the 6 1 infants enrolled, 50 were five-year-olds. The attendance for the last week of 1935 was 434, 96.2 per cent., and yesterday 461, 974 per cent. The staff w T as unchanged from last year. Only a few more entrants were needed to entitle the school in the second term to a grade 2 assistant, as the grade would again rise to 6C, which it was before the exclusion of the five-year-olds. The improved appearance of the school and sehoclhouse, owing to the repainting, was most striking. A wreath was sent from the staff and children in memory of Mr H. J. Chapman, so long first assistant at the school.

Several minor matters in need of attention were referred to the Visiting Committee. Messrs W. H. Robinson and H.-\V. Slierratt, and the headmaster to attend to. It was decided to point out to the Education Board the unsatisfactory state of the ventilation and heating of some of the rooms.

The chairman reported that the annual picnic to Timaru on December 7 was a great success-, the cost to the committee being' £l2 6s 3d.