AVONSIDE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25739, 26 February 1949, Page 2

AVONSIDE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

21ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED

In recognition of its 21 years as a separate school, an informal gathering was held at Avonside Girls’ High School. Sir Joseph Ward, chairman of the Canterbury College Council, presided and with him on the platform were Miss K. Gresson, the first princiP -.I of the school, Misses E. B. Baxter, A. J. McKee, and A. Gibb, who were members of the first staff, Mrs J. Lester, the first dux, Mr A. E. Flower, who was a member of the College Council at the time the school was opened, and Mr W. J. Cartwright, chairman of the schools’ committee of the council.

Present pupils of the school were interested Io hear stories of the early years of the school when classes were I eld in a lent, cooking was taught in the tiny kitchen of the “cottage?’ and croquet was played on the lawn. Letters of greetings were read from Miss M. Samuel and Miss R. Karsten, who as principal guided the growth of the school through a number of years. Greetings came also from Mrs Slater, who as Miss D. Farnie was first assistant 21 years ago. Miss V. F. Townsend, the principal, thanked the speakers for their interesting anecdotes and good wishes. Later the staff entertained the guests at afternoon tea, where Miss Gresson cut the birthday cake, which had been attractively decorated with candles in the cc lours of the four school houses.