Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1946. EIFFELTON SCHOOL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 271, 28 August 1946, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1946. EIFFELTON SCHOOL

To-morrow the Eiffelton School celebrates its golden jubilee, and it is an event of which the school and the district might well be proud. Doubtless there will be a large assemblage of former teachers and pupils, particularly the latter, who will be afforded an opportunity of renewing friendships formed, many years ago, of talking over incidents in their ■early lives and, above all, of payling tribute to the school to which* tall of them, owe so much. Al- ! though situated away from the !larger centres of population, the 'school had a part to play no less important than that of the larger institutions, and in organising the jubilee functions, residents of the districts have been mindful of the part it has played in the history of the district, a history characterised by steady progress. The thought will no doubt be expressed that the school will continue to make as important a contribution to the life of the community as it has done in the past, and in this sentiment there is contained a spirit proper to any school. The school has over the 50 years of its existence made a splendid contribution to the life of the community, and likewise the residents have made,their contribution to the school; they have always shown the keenest interest in, its Hvelfare, in its progress and in its standing as a school. Any school which has served its district as well as Eiffelton has done deserves well of the people of the district, for there have been points of contact which are not found in the large centres. The school was founded in 1890 —actually the jubilee should have been observed in 1940, but, on account of the war, it was not possible to arrange celebrations. In those early days amenities were few, and problems and difficulties in establishing a school were manifold. But the early settlers were not to be denied, and after two years in the Longbeach Road Board Office, the pupils were able to move to a proper schoolroom. Closer settlement saw the needs of the district increased, and in 1929 a new room was added. In 1935 further additions were made and the staff increased, and so the school reached its present proportions. As the school grew in size, so did its character and value to the district increase, and that character it keeps to-day. Although the school has grown to meet the needs of the district, the spirit in which it was founded has not vanished, and it has, through those who were chosen to guide its destinies, maintained a high standard in a world of changing values. Pupils as well as staff have exercised an influence and so, too, have the people of the district, all of whom have contributed to the successful record of achievement. All associated with the jubilee celebrations can justly feel proud of the Eiffelton School.