SCHOOL COMMITTEES' REPORTS

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 98, 24 April 1908, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEES' REPORTS

MOUNT ALJ3EBT.

In presenting their annual report, the Coinimttee of tne Jiount Albert school uesire to bring under the notice of parents and .liousenoiders tne continued -increase' in tne attendances' roll, aud tne very limited accommodation provided lor them, in the last annual report the Committee showed that the roll number allowed by the Boor space capacity had been reached —namely. 4\jl—and that the Education Board would uave to be approached to provide further accommodation. This has been done on two occasions, the first time the headmaster having been instructed to receive scholars up to 45D, and the second to increase the number to 475. The accommodation has, therefore, been severely taxed.

The Committee consider that it should be the duty ol tiie incoming committee to approach the Education Uoard with a request lor a new infant school to accommodate, at the least, 2Ol> scholars. Eveu this will only be sumclent for a very short time, as Mt. Albert is a rapidly growing district.

The average attendances and the number ol attendance prizes distributed have been reduced by epidemics, and the teaching stall has been handicapped by the large number or scholars under their charge. The results of the examination nave, however, proved that the school had a very Aficient stall, which is to be congratulated on the results. In connection with the changes in school books, the Committee hope that with the combined agitation of other committees, the Department will initiate some preventive system

Even with the epidemics 41 scholars secured first-class attendance prizes, as

against 56 lor the previous year. The committee express its thanks to parents and Mends lor contributions to the school sports.

The following are the winners of the anneal prizes kiudly presented by the Hou. U. Fowlds for many years past:—Standard VI.; Alexander Elder, Standard V.: Eric Harper. Standard IV.: Ernest Small: Standard III.: Ada Poultou. Standard I!.: Flossie Wheeler. Standard I.: B'rancis Drumm.

The matter of swimming baths for the school had not been lost sight of by the Committee, hut it was deemed desirable to wait until the Point Chevalier School bath had been opened, so as to gain statistical information. The Committee having considered that the present area of the school grounds would not warrant swimming baths being erected, it had requested the Board for more land, and as a result of the Board's negotiations, four allotments, two on either side of First-avenue, have unea secured. As the road between has been closed, this will give an additional area of half an acre. The school has now 57 cadets, 24 having attended the Papakura camp. GFAFTOX. The Grafton Committee, in presenting their annual report, prefaced their returns with tiie remark that the large sum annually allocated for public education, and the high standard of efficiency which teachers have to possess, warrants the public in expecting that the rising youth are having the best that can be placed at their disposal in acquiring secular knowledge to fit them for their callings In life. The report, they hope, will be found to confirm such expectations. has been hardly satisfactory, epidemics having been prevalent- The committee urgeon parents the importance of guarding nralnst breaches of the nor»-attendnnee rule—an unfruitful source, which tends to lower the standard of efficiency. The average attendance for the year had been 511.3.

The annual examination proves the great testing time, when steady plodding efforts show the desired reward. The school refdster shows a roll of 612, of which 339. at the recent examinations, secured passes Into higher standards. In the lower grades, 223 secured advances, thns showing that a total of 563 were promoted. Only 50 failed to pass or secure promotion. From Standard VI.. 47 pupils were examined, the whole of which passed and obtained certificates. This achieves a record for the Dominion, and reflects the highest credit on scholarships the school occupies a front rank position.

During the year the school has been thoronghly fumigated. The committee wish to place on record their appreciation of tlie services of Mrs McConkey, who recently reslpmed the position of caretaker.

The Infant division hail been "Inconveniently overtaxed" for fc>ace for some time past, -which "necessitated the headmaster using part of the space in the lavatory and other makeshifts." The pressing need of additional space has been brought under the uotlce of the Board, and a special grant has been secured, and plans prepared. A large adjoining section has been secured to add to the present "unsatisfactory playground." The incoming Committee are urged to repair the boundary fence. The treasurer's report shows a credit balanre of 2/8, together with a good supply of stationery, etc. In closing, the committee feel it incumbent on them to tender a very hearty and united vote of thanks to the headmaster (Mr Hill) and staff for their faithful and efficient services. NOMINATIONS. The following have been nominated for trict:—Messrs Burton, Patterson, Layer, Garrett, Martin. Banbury, Rose, Johnson, Jaffray, and O'Brien. XEWMABKET. The average attendance having increased, another pupil teacher has been secured. It was hoped that the parents would see that their children attended regularly, so that the addition to the staff would not be taken away. The annual examination had been very successful, especially as regards Standard Vi. That all the Standard VI. candidates had gained proficiency certifl cates proved that the efficiency of the instruction had been maintained. At the National Scholarship examination in December one pupil won a junior district scholarship, and another a free place. The Committee was pleased at having secured the splendid new playground at the north side of the building, and in havkig additions made to the infant department. Appreciative mention was made of the labours of the headmaster and staff, and the good relations existing between staff and committee.