KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28263, 29 April 1957, Page 2

KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

Review Of Year’s Work

No fewer than 30 kindergartens are now being operated under the administration of the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association, and 21 of them are in their own buildings, says the forty-fiftn annual report of the association. In addition the North New Brighton committee has plans for a new building, and the OpawaSt. Martins committee is ready to consider planning. Plans and specifications for St. James’ Kindergarten have been approved by the Education Department, and tenders will shortly be called. The Shirley Ratepayers’ Association proposes to build a community centre in Macfarlane Park, and plans for the kindergarten, which will be built first, are awaiting the approval of the Education Department. Church Corner Kindergarten, to be known in future as the Lady May Free Kindergarten, opened in its own building in Haynes avenue, Upper Riccarton,- and South Brighton in Bridge street at the commencement of 1957. Additions and Alterations The following additions and alterations have been carried out during the year: Phillipstown—a complete new toilet block and other structural alterations. Nuffield —a complete new toilet block and other improvements to the building. Sumner alterations have been carried out to comply with the department’s regulations, and further improvements are to be made as funds are available. Papanui—some small building improvements have been made and more are contemplated. The committees of Burwood, Fendalton, Mairehau (formerly Westminster) and Rutland street kindergartens are raising funds for the purpose of building on sections acquired in their districts. The selection committee this year interviewed prospective student applicants from other centres during the second term holidays, and those from city ' schools during the third term. This year 25 students were selected for 1957, making a total of 47 students in training at the college. Recruitment for student training included visits to the Kindergarten Training College of vocational guidance officers and secondary school girls who were interested in kindergarten as a career, says the report, which will .be submitted by the president (Mrs- F. E. Burrell) at the annual meeting of the association tomorrow evening.