SCHOOL GROUNDS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 3, 29 September 1943, Page 4

SCHOOL GROUNDS

Wellington Colleges’ Difficulties

Difficulties in connexion with the school grounds were reported by the principals of both Rongotai and Wellington Colleges to the Wellington Colleges Board of Governors yesterday. "VV ith_ the recent heavy rains conditions at. tne school at Rongotai had been almost intolerable, said Mr. F. M. Renner. The most important job that required to be none was the grassing and top-dressing or tne stadium area. The chairman saiu that as soon as the weather cleaned, this would be attended to by the Public orks DeN. Hogben, principal, of Wellington College, said he was chiefly concerned at present with the actual maintenance of the grounds, particularly the playing fields, with the reduced staff available for the work. His most dil»cult and urgent problem, however, was the Question of bouseioastere. Cue nothin"- of the school staff, too, suffered considerably through insufficient facilities and amenities, and at a later date be intended to present certain proposals lor the board’s consideration. . •The active service list of Rongotai College old boys had risen to tub. said Mr. Renner. Recently 150 parcels were sent overseas, all the money for these having been provided by the boys. , , In the football season just concluded, the school achieved the distinction or winning all four of the annual matches, something it had. never succeeded in doing previously. Some 400 boys would, be taking part in, the cross-country running which would begin this week. Sixty-live boys were sitting for the university entrance examination this year, and a further 61 for the school certificate exainmaThe practice of taking holiday positions by schoolgirls should be discouraged, said Miss E. M. North, principal ol the Wellington Girls College, in her report. She quoted a case of two girls from the college who had gone to office positions for the term holiday period ami who had been persuaded by the emloyers io stay on permanently. Both girls were to be examination candidates in about two months’ time/ and had excellent chances of leaving school with good qualifications. This practice was against the girls’ best interests, in the matter of health and in the matter of preparation for future advancement, and on these grounds should be discouraged. From now on, with the raising of the school age imminent, more, emphasis would probably have to be. given to the home science department, said Miss N. G. Isaac, principal of Wellington East Girls College. With that end in view she proposed to augment equipment by installing a refrigerator so that girls could learn its use and care. The school debating and dramatic club held an evening this term for parents to see the wont of the club. It was successful from all points of view and the proceeds, £32, were forwarded to the National Patriots Fund Board.