Girls’ High School Parents’ Afternoon

Press, Volume C, Issue 29685, 1 December 1961, Page 2

Girls’ High School Parents ’ Afternoon

With toe focus tois year on toe more practical aspects of the modern post-primary school curriculum, the Christchurch Giris’ High School annual parents’ afternoon yesterday demonstrated a wider range of pupils’ accomplishments than in previous years. In spite of toe dismal, grey weather considerable numbers Of parents, former pupils and friends filled the school buildings, and grounds to view for themselves “just what the girls have been up to,” as one visitor put it. In addition to the customary displays of academic projects undertaken by pupils—for this occasion only in modem languages and biology —examples of work in the wider fields of art, craft, physical education and homemaking were demonstrated. In between inspecting some promising samples of pupilproduced pottery, sculpture, embroidery, cooking and dressmaking, visitors watched displays of physical education, class singing of Christmas carols, synchronised swimming and a short mannequin parade. The latter event was of particular interest. Carried out with almost professional aplomb by about 40 youthful seamstresses temporarily turned model for toe afternoon, the parade featured an up-to-date selection of modern teen-age taste in out-of-school wear. Throughout, an intelli-gently-worded commentary written and delivered with equal assurance by a senior girl pupil gave a realistic note of purpose to toe girls’ efforts. Also attracting a large crowd was the water ballet presented by ten bluecostumed swimmers in the school swimming pool. In

perfect timing, attractive patterns of movement were made to the tune of well known Strauss waltzes relayed through a loudspeaker. But of especial interest to the few men present was undoubtedly toe cooking section, where inviting ideas for school lunches, buffet suppers,, dinner parties and home baking ilvere set out attractively and tastefully. “If only our wives could have learned all this when they were at school,” commented one visitor wistfully.